Assistant Bishop Héctor F. Monterroso joined the Rev. Uriel Osnaya-Jimenez on October 4, 2020 to dedicate and bless the grand opening of their anticipated parish hall, located at Santa Maria Virgen Episcopal Church in West Houston.
Around 45 people gathered in the new space, all of them standing six feet apart. It was the first in-person Eucharist since the pandemic broke out.
Osnaya-Jimenez is grateful for the new space as this marks the congregation’s first parish hall. He’s grateful for his congregation, the Episcopal Foundations, the Bishops’ support and God.
“This is a dream come true,” said Osnaya-Jimenez. “23 years ago, we dedicated the parish and now the parish hall. This will give us the opportunity to keep growing as a congregation, better serve the community and hold more activities. There’s more space, more parking, a hall and a kitchen—something we have always longed for.”
Santa Maria Virgen, Houston, is one of seven Hispanic congregations within the Houston metropolitan area.
