Look for more programing for ProGente coming soon!

ProGente Connections (PGC)

ProGente means “for the people.” That name reflects the heart of this ministry: walking alongside the Brazilian immigrant community of MetroWest with dignity, partnership, and faith.

Founded in 2012 as a mission initiative of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts (the regional body of the Episcopal Church), ProGente Connections (PGC) was launched through the Diocese’s Together Now capital campaign. It was created to support and stand with Brazilian immigrants in our region, many of whom were navigating language barriers, immigration processes, and cultural transitions.

From its beginning, PGC flourished as a vibrant, collaborative ministry based at St. Andrew’s, working alongside local churches, schools, and community partners. With dedicated staff and more than forty volunteers, it offered English and cultural orientation classes, citizenship assistance, heritage Portuguese language programs for children, summer camps and drama workshops, partnerships with local public schools and Framingham State University, internships for students, and vital support for immigrant families during the COVID pandemic. It became widely recognized as a model for creative and compassionate immigrant ministry.

In 2024, PGC entered a difficult season of financial and staffing challenges. Even so, faithful volunteers, students, and community members remained committed. With strong support from Bishop Julia Whitworth—the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, who provides spiritual and organizational oversight to Episcopal churches in our region—PGC’s debt has been retired, new leadership has been strengthened, and the ministry has been entrusted directly to St. Andrew’s as a parish-based program with local oversight and accountability.

This marks a hopeful new chapter. PGC is being thoughtfully rebuilt with sustainability and strong community partnership at its center. Heritage language classes are being renewed. English and citizenship offerings are re-emerging. Three Portuguese-language Bible study groups are already gathering. A children’s Portuguese-language library is launching with support from local grants.

Today, ProGente Connections reflects who we strive to be as a church: a community that welcomes, accompanies, and grows alongside our neighbors. We believe the Brazilian community in MetroWest is not simply a community we serve, but partners with whom we share faith, leadership, and life.

We invite you to pray for PGC, volunteer, give, and join us as we continue building this ministry—for the people—with hope and trust in God’s ongoing work among us.