Longtime Office of Hispanic Ministry director retires
SALT LAKE CITY — After 30 years of service to the faithful in the Utah Hispanic community, Maria Cruz Gray, director of the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry, has retired, effective Oct. 31. Over the years, Gray crisscrossed the state many times to share the Good News with the more than 200,000 Spanish-speaking Catholics in the diocese’s out-of-the-way places as well as along the Wasatch Front.
Gray, a native of Spain, was married to the late Deacon Forrest Gray, who ministered in the diocese from 2004 until his death in 2020. The two met while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed outside Madrid. They were married in 1963 and had three children: Jane, Edward and Father Christopher Gray, who is pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Park City.
Fr. Gray, along with many others, has been inspired by his mother’s charity, he said. “Mom’s commitment has always been seen in practical charity, living the Works of Mercy in assisting people who need love; and the source of her love for the people she has served has always been Christ. It is only through love, through charity, that any of us who work to build up the Kingdom of God in Utah can accomplish anything, and Mom has accomplished a lot. Her service has touched thousands of lives, and her loving approach is still bearing fruit around the Diocese of Salt Lake City.”
People who comment on Maria Cruz Gray’s service “often use words like ‘tireless,’ ‘indefatigable’ and ‘inspiring,’ as seen in statements by Bishop Solis, retired Vicar General Monsignor Bircumshaw, and others,” Fr. Gray said. “But it’s not just dedication and duty that have driven her all these years – it’s love for the people of God, especially for our brothers and sisters who need help. On the morning of my dad’s funeral, we went as a family to give free meals to the people looking for day work in Salt Lake City.”
During her years of service Gray has been the recipient of many awards, including Years of Dedication and Contribution to the Spirit and Success of the Southwest Liturgical Conference, 2011; the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry’s Outstanding Diocesan Director of Hispanic Ministry Award, 2012; National Association for Lay Ministry, 2013 Juan Diego Award.
Last year Gray was nominated for Catholic Extension’s Lumen Christi award and was named as one of seven finalists for the award.
“During her years as director of Hispanic ministry in the Catholic Church in Utah, Maria-Cruz Gray … has left no community of the state untouched, no matter how small or remote,” stated the Catholic Extension about the nominee. “The result is that she has become a visible manifestation of the Church’s presence and care to 200,000 Hispanic Catholics.”
She also has a personal touch, said Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald, vicar general emeritus, who served alongside Gray in several ministries over the years.
“Maria Cruz lights up a room wherever she is with her smile and joyful embrace,” he said. “She knows everyone and makes sure everyone is welcomed and recognized. The people in the Utah missions love her visits and are enriched by her classes, as are those who attend her Salt Lake leadership sessions.”
“Maria never says ‘no’ when work is involved,” he continued. “She is a team player with boundless energy and enthusiasm – always positive and encouraging. With her many years of ministry Maria has left her footprints around the diocese and nationally. Hers is a legacy that will be difficult to surpass.”
In the diocese Cruz has been instrumental in developing the EMAUS program, which is a four-year lay ecclesial ministry formation program for Spanish-speakers; the diocese now has 116 active EMAUS leaders. Two of those are Cathedral of the Madeleine parishioners Roberto and Blanca Mercado, who have worked with Gray in several ministries, including on the Hispanic Commission, EMAUS and the annual Intercultural Marian Celebration.
“She has been a great person to follow; she’s a good leader,” Roberto Mercado said. “I think she has been very concerned not just towards the Hispanic community, but everyone. She’s always concerned about their wellbeing, the communities getting what they deserve, and things like that.”
Gray has been a great example and has always pushed those she works with to be better, “to get involved, to be part of our faith and in our communities,” he said. “So she has been very, very vocal and active, not just talking, but she goes in action.”
Marylin Acosta, secretary to Bishop Oscar A. Solis, worked with Gray in the Hispanic Ministry office for 12 years.
“Her willingness to share her knowledge about the ministry and her unconditional service to those in need is a source of inspiration and admiration for me and those around her,” she said. “She has been my mentor, and I am very grateful to her.”
While Gray has officially retired, she plans to continue to help out in the diocese until her successor as director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry is hired.
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