From Formation to Immigrant Ministry
For Rosalba Ascencio, effective ministry begins with listening—understanding the realities people face and accompanying them with faith, hope and practical support.
Ascencio earned her Certificate in Lay Leadership from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake’s School of Parish Leadership and Evangelization (SPLE). Her formation prepared her to take on her current role as Leadership Support Coordinator with Pastoral Migratoria at the Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity for the Archdiocese of Chicago, where she supports parish leaders throughout Chicago and Lake County.
Her journey in immigrant ministry began as a volunteer in 2011 and eventually led to a full-time Archdiocesan leadership role in 2023. Today, she supports more than 130 parish leaders and directly serves 16 parishes, coordinating annual retreats and bimonthly forums, as well as the Timón Team, a leadership consultation group that analyzes local needs and helps guide ongoing formation.
Her experience at SPLE has shaped not only the way she ministers, but also the way she understands her own vocation.
“SPLE prepared me for the work I do today because it gave me tools that I can apply directly to my ministry,” Ascencio said.
One of those tools is the method of reality analysis, which she uses to understand the needs of parish communities and respond effectively. She also builds partnerships with organizations such as the Mexican Consulate, legal clinics and workers’ rights agencies to connect immigrant families with valuable resources.
For Ascencio, however, leadership begins with discipleship.
“Before I can form other leaders, I must continue being a disciple of Christ myself through my daily encounter with Him,” she said. “I not only found knowledge; I found peace, hope, and a renewed experience of God’s love. That transformed my life, and now I am able to help transform the lives of those around me.”
Ascencio’s story is a powerful example of how lay leadership formation can move from the classroom into the parish and into the lives of the people the Church is called to serve. Through her ministry, the practical tools and spiritual formation she received at SPLE continue to bear fruit—equipping her to accompany others, develop leaders and build stronger, more connected parish communities.
