BY KATHI STEARNS

Staff Writer

ATLANTA-Father Carlos Alberto Rocha, 26, son of Juan and Maria de Rocha, is a native of Colombia, South America.

He became interested in the Archdiocese of Atlanta after hearing about the plight of immigrants in the southern United States. "I had heard how the immigrants were suffering," Father Rocha said. "The more I heard about their hardships the more I wanted to help them. I knew that because of language barriers and negative attitudes about immigrants, that I could make a difference. Many people in Colombia would ask me why I didn't stay home and minister there. I really felt that God wanted me to come to Atlanta, and I am hopeful that I can serve effectively here."

In 1991-1992, prior to answering his calling to the priesthood, Father Rocha maintained his own small 25 employee business which specialized in personalized entertainment activities.

"I have seen firsthand the struggles of the worker," he said. "My goal is to let them know that they are not alone, that there is someone who understands their problems and pains as they try to make it in America. The business world can at times be rough. People need to know that no matter what happens in their lives the Church will always be ready to receive them with open arms."

While it was the plight of the immigrants which brought Father Rocha to America, he credits his family and his time in seminary with helping him understand the need to serve others. "The immigrants are a primary reason for my vocation, but I also feel a strong need to serve and also to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. My ultimate goal is to bring people into a personal relationship with Christ."

Father Rocha credits his mother with exposinq him to the priesthood as a vocation. "She is, and always has been, my inspiration," he said. "When I was growing up I would often see my mother helping others, visiting the sick and feeding the poor. She did this for people she did not know because it was what she felt called to do in light of what our faith teaches. She didn't give them a great amount of anything; she just gave them what she could afford and always her love. But because of her efforts the people to whom she ministered always knew that someone loved and cared for them. Once I saw the faces of the people she was trying to help, I knew that the Lord was also calling me to follow."

In 1989, before entering seminary, Father Rocha studied at Javerana University, a Jesuit college in Bogota. In 1992 he applied and was accepted to the Archdiocese of Atlanta. He enrolled at St. John Vianney College in Miami, Fla., where in 1992 he earned his bachelor of arts degree in philosophy. In 1993 he enrolled at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach, Fla. where he earned his master of arts in theology in May, 1995, and his master of divinity this year.

"The most difficult thing about being in seminary was being so far away from home," he said. "It is hard not to have your family close by. But I also met some wonderful people in seminary."

During his five years in the seminary he has become fluent in English and learned about American culture. "I often tell myself I am four years old when it comes to my time in this country," he said. "Some people have been very understanding of cultural differences and language barriers while others have not. It has been a real challenge."

Father Rocha is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. He also hopes to learn Vietnamese. "To be able to effectively minister to people, you must be able to communicate with everyone," he said. "Learning languages can be very difficult, but it will be worth it in the long run."

He credits Msgr. Donald Kenny, director of vocations, and Father Stephen Churchwell, pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Atlanta, for nurturing his vocation to the priesthood.

"Msgr. Kenny has been my father here," Father Rocha said. "He is a wonderful man who has been both a friend and a spiritual mentor. Father Churchwell also helped me in my formation. I am very grateful to both these priests for their efforts on my behalf."

As a seminarian Father Rocha completed a pastoral internship at St. Bernadette's Church, Cedartown, during the summer of 1992. During the summer of 1993 he completed a clinical pastoral education rotation at St. Joseph's Hospital, Atlanta. He spent the summer of 1994 studying English. In June, 1995, Father Rocha began six months of his final pastoral internship at Sacred Heart Church. He was ordained a transitional deacon by Archbishop John F. Donoghue Dec. 9, 1995, at Sacred Heart.

His parents and brother-in-law, Carlos Gamba, attended his first Mass June 2 at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church.

He has been appointed to Sacred Heart Church, Atlanta, for his first assignment as a parochial vicar.