Bringing Holy Mass to Neighborhoods

Ivonn began her ministry out of concern for her community, which experiences high incidents of vandalism and property destruction and even witnessed a tragic youth death. After her parked car was smashed and left useless, she met fellow parishioner Tom Morman, who introduced her to the Silicon Valley Sponsoring Committee (SVSC). As a member of an organizing team at her parish, Saint Lucy in Campbell, she received leadership training before organizing monthly Misas del barrio, or neighborhood Masses, which are, according to Ivonn, “a very encouraging way to create trust and make others feel that they are not alone. By listening closely to their concerns, we can do something together with perseverance and courage.”

Ivonn described her role in advertising a Misa, “I make signs by hand and stick them on posts, and I pray to God that people read my sign. I write ‘Neighborhood Catholic Mass’ and the address and ‘You are very welcome.’ I am very short, so I take my chair.”  She also added, “I only ask God for wisdom.”  It is difficult to think of a wiser act than bringing the Lord directly to the people with a heart open to listening to their concerns.

A Community Tragedy that Leads to Change

In 2022, a tragic incident shook the community when 8-year-old Jacob Villanueva, was killed after being hit by a car at a four-way crossing that lacked a crosswalk and stop signs. Ivonn, with her unwavering faith and determination, advocated for changes at the intersection through a Misa. She explained, “We held a Mass where the tragedy occurred. With the support of leaders of Saint Lucy parish and the SVSC, more than 250 people marched to speak respectfully with community leaders at the parish after the Mass. They discussed procuring street signs and more security at Jacob’s school.” The community’s collective efforts bore fruit when a stoplight was installed two weeks later. Other results of her efforts include the installations of additional stop signs, crosswalks, and streetlight repairs. She has also rallied for support for eviction protections for renters and assistance for essential workers left out of state and federal relief.

Bringing Christ to Where People Live

Every outdoor Misa begins at 9 am when Ivonn herself welcomes participants, “I greet them as if I were indoors. Each person’s face is filled with enthusiasm. These Masses have a very special essence or spirit. More than 50 chairs are set up. I bring the tablecloths and a crucified Jesus, who has accompanied me.” Perhaps there is something of the image of Christ crucified that compels Ivonn to serve a suffering community. Ivonn continues to be inspired by those who make the neighborhood Misas possible, “People who help all come from different parishes. The choir comes from Saint Leo. Legionaries of Christ come to teach about the sacraments, to sing, lector, and bring snacks to share with people.”

Ivonn revealed, “People walking through their neighborhoods read my posters and express their surprise that Mass exists in their communities. They ask me how much we charge for admission, and I tell them, no, it is free!” This is a further surprising effect in this age of low Mass attendance: those who may not otherwise go to Church for various reasons are willing to attend a pop-up Mass. Ivonn also informs Mass-goers about the nearby parish, and some parishes have communicated to Rivera that attendance is higher due to the neighborhood Masses.

Ivonn’s Cardinal Bernardin Award Acceptance Speech

In her Cardinal Bernardin award acceptance speech, she not only related the tragedy of Jacob Villanueva but also the other improvements that have been made in the community to the Misas. She told the audience, “I have a good relationship with our city council member, and she tells me, “Don’t give up, Ivonn!” She and the council member have conducted night walks through the neighborhood to showcase the need for more street lights so walkers can feel safe. Through this and other experiences, she realized, as she also shared, “My voice has power. My faith gives me confidence and determination.” It is a faith that reaches back into her childhood.

Ivonn enjoyed singing in the church choir in Oaxaca. Her family also has given her multi-generational examples of servants of the Church, “My great-grandfather Geronimo, grandfather Faustino, and my father Heriberto all served the Church, and they planted the seed in me. I arrived here in the United States, and my faith was strengthened.” She wants to pass on the same commitment to the Church to her children. “The best thing I can teach my children is to be helpful and empathize with those around us,” Ivonn stated. Her daughter Lupita accompanied her to the Washington D.C. award ceremony, where Ivonn told the audience, “I want to inspire her to serve her community, which has so much to do. I want to show her that things can be achieved with patience, love, and dedication.”

Ivonn continues her ministry amidst various challenges, including a language barrier, motherhood, and working full-time in food service. She has accomplished it all with faith. Perhaps every missionary disciple should consider whether Christ is inviting them to start a neighborhood Mass along with listening sessions. In doing so, while rightly perceived as a big responsibility, the opportunity should also be treated as a gift, which is how Ivonn views her work, “This ministry of holding Masses in parking lots is a special gift that God fills with His love. It is a huge joy and surprises me. My great gift: He chose me to do this ministry in the community. My trust is in Him. I pray to have the strength to do more things, give glory to God, and honor Jesus. He is my shepherd, and I will lack for nothing.”