El Padrecito's Online Church

El Padrecito Ministries, Inc.
"We Can Reach Them When You Can't"
Updated on March 1st, 2009

El Padrecito Ministries, Inc. was originally conceived in 1999 by Fr. Masseo Gonzales, in collaboration with his real life brother, HOMIES' creator David Gonzales, as a way of reaching out to youth in need through the internet. It was thought that a "cyber clearinghouse" of online resources could be created for those who visit the character of "El Padrecito" through the official HOMIES website. Father Masseo Gonzales, the priest upon whom the character “El Padrecito” is based, is the founder of El Padrecito Ministries, Inc. For an excellent article on the relationship between Father Masseo Gonzales and his brother David Gonzales see the Los Angeles Times story of December 18^th, 2007)

The HOMIES are a collection of toy characters which gained national attention in 2000 and have since been featured on school supplies, as plush dolls, on television commercials, its own video game, and most recently on LATV.  The strategy proved to be successful and since 2003 (no data prior) roughly 18,000 youth have officially become members of the website.  Though the website offers discussion groups, a prayer page and online sermons, the most attractive feature has been the “Consejos Column”(or Advice Column). The youth write to “El Padrecito” in a personal and anonymous format and seek online guidance from the priest on matters of faith and relationships.   In 2006 the ministry was officially incorporated as a 501c3 and a board of directors was established (see below).

Though happy with the success of the online ministry Father Masseo had always sensed that the performing arts could be a powerful medium through which to reach the youth.  This vision did not materialize however until he met fellow rapper and youth activist Arturo M. Cruz from Richmond, California.  Mr. Cruz is a council member of the City of San Pablo, California. The name Hiz-Kidz was chosen and with oversight by El Padrecito Ministries the group became an immediate success. Hiz-Kidz and "El Padrecito" have produced an anti-violence youth music video, have been featured on NBC, CBS, Univision, etc., and have recently received the prestigious Contra Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors 2008 “Making A Difference” award. Father Masseo Gonzales (aka El Padrecito) and Arturo Cruz (aka AMC) rap and entertain with the kids. While El Padrecito Ministries, Inc. helped launch Hiz-Kidz the two organizations are not legally related.

Finally, in order to have easy access to the youth throughout the state of California, El Padrecito Ministries, Inc. has always envisioned establishing its main offices on the Central Coast of California, specifically in the City of Guadalupe. We also expect to build a youth center there so we can exercise our ministry on a local level. And what better place to centralize our offices than in the city named after the Mother of us all - Our Lady of Guadalupe!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Father Masseo J. Gonzales, President

Fr. Masseo, aka "El Padrecito", is currently serving as Associate Pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral in Reno, Nevada. He is the founder of El Padrecito Ministries, Inc. and brother to HOMIES creator David Gonzales.  He has extensive experience working with youth-at-risk  as a high school instructor, in parish ministry since 1996 and having worked through www.elpadrecito.org since 2000. His personal life adds to his credibility and work is well captured in a 2007 article in the Los Angeles Times. He has an undergraduate degree is in Chicano Studies from Pitzer College of the Claremont Colleges and also holds a Masters in Theology in Missiology and a Masters in Divinity from Washington Theological Union.

Arturo M. Cruz, Vice-President

Arturo M. Cruz (Vice-President) is a City Council member of San Pablo, California, a hip-hop artist, founding member of Hiz-Panic, and a youth advocate and a community activist in Richmond and San Pablo, California. He currently oversees "Hiz-Kidz", a youth rap group who perform throughout the immediate Bay Area.

David Sanchez, Secretary

David Sanchez (Secretary) has been a police officer for 26 years with the City of Arroyo Grande, California. He is the current secretary/treasurer of the Arroyo Grande Peace Officers Association. David is a third degree Knight of Columbus, involved in his local R.C.I.A Program (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) and also a proud member of the Promise Keepers Christian Organization.

Trent Benedetti, Treasurer

Trent Benedetti (Treasurer) is a certified public accountant and owner of a professional tax firm in Santa Maria, California, Benedetti and Associates, Inc. He is also a graduate of California Polytechnic University, a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a Certified Financial Planner and a Registered Investment Adviser. Mr. Benedetti has been in practice since 1982.

Barbara Land, Board Member

Professor Barbara Land is the current Director of Dance Studies at the University of Reno, Nevada, a choreographer with extensive experience in the area of dance and theater, in addition to fundraising for non-profits. She works closely with Fr. Masseo Gonzales in establishing a performing presence in Reno and Sparks, Nevada.

Joseph Gutierrez, Board Member

Joseph Gutierrez has worked as Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Correctional Counselor and Gang Information Counselor where he worked with over 1,100 gangs throughout California. He writes "...throughout my life I have taught gang awareness to prisoners. I've never seen a gang improve a kid's life. I have seen a gang end a kid's life... I remain committed in helping our youth make choices that enhance their lives. From my viewpoint this (website ministry) has been a wonderful ministry, but, of course, there is heartache as well as heart-soaring times when kids become the truth of who they really are. To see a kid become exactly what God had in mind when God made them is a joy like no other." Joseph Gutierrez currently resides in Cambria, California and is the person behind "Officer Placa" on this website.

Should you be interested in donating to any of the ministries mentioned above please write us at donations@elpadrecito.org You will receive our regular mailings along with being added to our "pop-up banner prayer list".

MEDIA COVERAGE

CBS, KCOY, Univision, Los Angeles Times, Santa Maria Times, Our Sunday Visitor, El Heraldo, Contra Costa Times, The Catholic Voice, El Tiempo, Richmond Globe, and the Oakland Tribune.

"The mission of El Padrecito Ministries, Inc. is to evangelize youth. While we make every attempt to keep this website safe, for example having 'Officer Placa' routinely surf the site, YOU are ultimately responsible for your own behavior. Please use this website at your own discretion."

Contact: - Log On