Diocese to begin offering daily Spanish-language services

AP - ERLANGER, Ky. - Spanish-speaking Roman Catholics in northern Kentucky will be able to attend daily Mass in their own language beginning in July.

The Diocese of Covington currently offers Spanish services on Sundays at one time in the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption. Daily services will be added starting July 11 at a new Erlanger parish for Hispanics.

Cristo Rey, or Christ the King, was created by Bishop Roger Foys as the diocese's first new parish in 15 years. Boone County's Hispanic population is growing fastest in northern Kentucky, with about 1,700 in the 2000 census, a 435 percent increase from 1990.

The Rev. John Cahill will transfer from the cathedral to serve as priest at Cristo Rey. Until a permanent location is selected, the parish will be housed at The Catholic Center in Erlanger. The cathedral's Centro de Amistad, which offers free English classes and other services, will also move there.

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