“When I look into the face of a farmworker, I see the face of God.” – Fr. Tony Rojas

This year’s history day will highlight the remarkable 45-year story of the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry, a cooperative mission supported by the Diocese of East Carolina and the Diocese of North Carolina.

We will begin the day at the recently completed church building for La Sagrada Familia, the parish in the Diocese of East Carolina that serves the Latino and farmworker communities.

The keynote speaker at the morning session will be Michael Durbin, author of Finding America’s Farmworkers: Reaching Out in North Carolina. Michael has extensively documented the life of the seasonal workers who grow and harvest our crops and has participated in our church’s efforts to minister to these workers.

The morning session will also highlight remembrances of the ministry from former staff and board members, volunteers and farmworkers themselves.

The afternoon portion of the program will include a walking tour of the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry, El Centro, led by the executive director, Mauricio Chenlo.

Space is limited, and registration is required by March 30. The $20 registration fee covers the cost of lunch, which will be prepared by caterers from the nearby Newton Grove community. On-site Spanish translation services will be available.

Note: If you wish to participate in the afternoon walking tour, please wear comfortable shoes. We will be walking on unpaved surfaces.

For questions and further information, please contact Lynn Hoke, 919-602-4305 archivist of the Diocese of North Carolina.