El Padrecito Ministries, Inc.    
"We Can Reach Them When You Can't"  

Excellent News Coverage can be seen here.  

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 a real catholic priest, a member of the Conventual Franciscan Order, associate pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral in Reno, Nevada, and has been ordained for thirteen years.  

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.  NBC, CBS, Univision, has also covered the work of El Padrecito Ministries, Inc.  and you are free to view most of those video clips as well.

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 roughly 18,000 youth have officially become members of the website.  We currently average about 500 visitors a day.  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.  In the meantime David Gonzales also released his MiJOS figurines and a series of childrens' books by Scholastic.  Fr. Masseo, or "El Padrecito" was also featured as a character in the MiJOS books. 

The strategy with the website proved to be successful. Website statistics since 2003 show that more than 19,000 youth have officially joined the website, with about 500 visiting each day. The majority of youth visiting are between the ages of fourteen and eighteen, of Latino descent  and are visiting from throughout the United States.   

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 rapper and youth activist Arturo Cruz from Richmond and San Pablo, California, and a recently elected city council member.  The name Hiz-Kidz was chosen and with oversight by El Padrecito Ministries and immediate direction by Mr. Cruz 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 received the 2008 Contra Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors “Making A Difference” award.  Father Masseo Gonzales and Arturo Cruz also performed with the kids.  While El Padrecito Ministries, Inc. originally helped launch Hiz-Kidz the two organizations are not legally related.  

In 2007 Father Masseo Gonzales decided to launch his own rap ministry.  A music video,  funded by the Catholic Youth Foundation USA and assisted by the Washoe County Juvenile Services was soon completed and can be  seen here.  

The most recent direction of the organization is in family entertainment and faith-based movies.  In collaboration with HOMIES and MiJOS artist David  Gonzales, we expect to produce an animated show similar to the "Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids" 1970's show, but as "El Padrecito and the MiJOS", featuring both live action and animation.

As a long term vision, and as a way of geographically situating ourselves in the center of California, we hope to someday build our central offices in Guadalupe, California, along with a youth center, performing arts center, etc.  What better place to centralize our offices in a city named after the One to whom this ministry is consecrated - Our Lady of Guadalupe!  

"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."