The Rev. Irma (Mimi) Guerra has been appointed by Bishop Rob Wright as Hispanic Missioner for the Diocese of Atlanta.
As Hispanic Missioner, Rev. Guerra will coordinate all Hispanic ministries in the Diocese. She succeeds The Rev. Canon Isaías A. Rodríguez, who will continue serving the Hispanic congregation at Iglesia de Santa María in East Point. Canon Rodriguez said Guerra is an excellent choice to be taking over the work he has led since 1998.
“Mimi brings a lot of talents. Lots of energy, openness to all. Being accepted by everybody. I am sure she will do a good job, although there will be times of frustration. But I know that Mimi trusts a lot on God,” Rodriguez said.
Guerra said she was shocked to receive the call but is excited by the appointment.
“All I could say when I got the call was ‘Oh.’ I was speechless.” she said.
Guerra said she will continue to lead Sunday services for the Hispanic congregations at Christ Church, Norcross, and St Bede’s, Atlanta, but that her weekdays will be devoted to growing new Hispanic ministries in parishes of the Diocese.
“I will be going to parishes that are surrounded by Hispanics to see if they are willing to have Hispanic services,” she said. “I’ve already had some churches call asking how they can start Hispanic missions.”
Another goal is to introduce bilingual services at all 12 parishes with Hispanic congregations as she has at Christ Church, to increase contact between the English and Spanish-speaking congregations.
Guerra has led the Hispanic ministry at Christ Church Norcross since 2018. In 2021 her work in organizing a COVID-19 vaccination program and relief ministry was featured in an Atlanta Journal-Constitution article.
A native of Mexico, Guerra moved to the United States in 1994 and was one of the first female Hispanic priests in the Diocese.
Guerra has been an educator for 30 years and taught Spanish in the Douglas County Schools. She completed formation for the priesthood through CETLA (Theological Education Center for Latinos), an innovative program initiated by Canon Rodriguez in the Diocese of Atlanta.
Guerra, the proud mother of one son, Henry, 22, who attends Kennesaw State University, said she loves spending time with her family and helping people in need.
Guerra can be reached at mguerra@episcopalatlanta.org.