The Diocese of Las Cruces is pleased to announce that Fr. Ruben Romero has been appointed as Vocations Director. Fr. Ruben was born in Pachuca, Hidalgo in Mexico; it was in Mexico that he thought to become a priest. He was part of a youth program for four years at his parish, which inspired a calling to the priesthood. He enjoyed the camping trips and unity that the group provided. His parents disapproved of his calling, but he went forward with the call of God. 

He spent eleven years as a priest for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nuevo Casas Grandes. He was in Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua, serving as a priest when he was sent to the Diocese of Las Cruces as there was a need for priests.  He was happy to become incardinated as a priest in the Diocese of Las Cruces.  

It is now 18 years later, and he is still serving in Las Cruces, where the need for priestly vocations remains a priority. The language, culture, and religious traditions in New Mexico were similar to those in Mexico, making for a smooth transition. 

Fr. Ruben served as parochial vicar in San Miguel for seven years and Our Lady of Guadalupe in Hobbs for seven years, and has currently been the pastor of Our Lady of Health in Las Cruces for four years. For young men who experience an interest in ministry as a diocesan priest, a good first step is to discuss this with their pastor or contact Fr. Ruben and speak with him. Discerning a vocation to the priesthood is supported by the guidance of a spiritual director. Fr. Ruben hopes to see increased youth participation inside the parish life, which may better support those discerning a call to the priesthood.  

For anyone that is discerning a call to the diocesan priesthood, they can contact Fr. Ruben Romero at 575-523-7578 or via email at [email protected]