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Contact: Robert B. Aguirre

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WASHINGTON D.C. IS COMMISSIONED WITH A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION OF LATINO LEADERS

SAN ANTONIO, TX (March 23, 2011) – In a special ceremony on March 23, the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL) will hold a Commissioning Ceremony of the Washington, D.C. Chapter. The ceremony will take place at the Vatican Embassy on Embassy Row located at 3339 Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

The expansion of the Washington, D.C. Chapter will expand CALL’s mission of being a national voice for Hispanics on social justice issues, and impact the national dialogue and its outcome in favor of improving the nation’s policies affecting Latinos. “The founding and growth of the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL) is not just an important step for the Latino community; it’s also a gift to the wider American public. As Latino Americans increasingly take leadership roles in the economic and political life of our country, the great moral and familial traditions of Latino culture can renew American public life in vital ways – but only so long as we nourish the religious roots of our identity” said Most Rev. José H. Gomez, S.T.D. Archbishop of Los Angeles.

Following an opening reception at the Vatican Embassy, opening remarks will be made by His Excellence Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, and a message from Archbishop José H. Gomez, the Commissioning Ceremony will be presided by His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl.

Since its inception CALL chapters have expanded into Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, Miami, Milwaukee, Los Angeles and San Antonio. “The newly commissioned chapter in Washington, D.C. will expand the national dialogue and collaboration between our Church and our Latino community in our nation’s capitol,” said Robert Aguirre, President/CEO of CALL.

CALL (Catholic Association of Latino Leaders) is a national organization comprised of lay people dedicated to promoting the common good of the Catholic Church and of the nation. Established on the premise that it is the particular vocation of the laity to transform the world through “faithful citizenship,” CALL members do so by finding new and culturally relevant ways to preserve and promote the values of their faith--especially within the historical context that Hispanics were the first American Catholics. Internally, CALL provides a forum for members to strengthen their faith in community through prayer, education and service. Externally, CALL provides programs, services and events for the benefit of their faith, the community and the country. CALL has chapters established in Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, Miami, Milwaukee, Los Angeles and San Antonio with new groups currently under formation in New York and Washington, DC.

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