Revitalizing a Community: The Journey of a Bivocational Priest

In this video Bishop Michael Hunn interviews The Rev Alex Reyes, the bivocational priest and vicar of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in El Paso, Texas, discussing his dual role as a licensed professional counselor and a religious leader. Reyes shares insights into his work with families and youth through psychotherapy and how his experiences guide his pastoral care. Having transitioned from the Roman Catholic Church to the Episcopal Church, Reyes talks about his journey, the challenges posed by COVID-19 on the congregation's size and engagement, and how he strategized to foster growth and inclusivity within the church community. He highlights bilingual services, community outreach, and special events that cater to the Hispanic population, emphasizing the importance of personal connection, trust-building, and adapting to meet the spiritual and social needs of the congregation. Alex's story showcases the impact of bivocational ministry on individual lives and community revitalization.

00:00 Welcome to the Diocese of Rio Grande: Meet Alex Reyes00:17 Alex Reyes: A Bivocational Priest's Journey01:39 Transition from Roman Catholic to Episcopal Church02:44 St. Christopher's Congregation: A Bilingual Community04:27 Reviving the Congregation Post-COVID07:13 Embracing Traditions: First Communion and Community Engagement12:20 Cultural Celebrations and Outreach in the Hispanic Community17:52 Exploring Church Rituals and Community Engagement19:00 Embracing Multilingual Traditions in Worship20:39 Fostering Community Through Bilingual Celebrations21:43 Enhancing Youth Engagement with Fun and Faith25:01 Strategic Ministry and Community Building27:22 Innovative Outreach and Embracing Technology33:02 Welcoming Newcomers and Building Trust35:34 Navigating Cultural Transitions in Faith Communities