Br. Joseph Bach, OFM Conv., previously served in vocation ministry in Brooklyn, NY, after 24 years in education as a teacher and administrator. Prior to arriving at Holy Cross, Br. Joseph served as Director of Franciscan Outreach Ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in San Antonio, TX. Br. Joseph speaks Spanish and is excited about sharing his joy as a Franciscan friar through spiritual direction and retreat ministry.

Debbie Isham trabajó con la Diócesis de Las Cruces en varios puestos hasta que se unió al personal de Holy Cross en 2014 como gerente comercial y de recursos humanos. Ella trae un interés personal en todos los aspectos de nuestra presencia y alienta tanto la hospitalidad franciscana como las preocupaciones por la justicia social.

Jorge joined out team in December, 2025, and brings a great deal of expertise to Holy Cross. He manages to keep our retreat center campus looking like the Franciscan Oasis in the Desert that it is!

Friar Cristián MartÍnez, OFM Conv., was ordained a priest in 2021. His first ministerial assignment was as parochial vicar of the West Side Tri-Parish in San Antonio, Texas, a position he held until coming to the Retreat Center to assist with sacramental ministry. During his formation as a friar in Mexico, Father Cristian served as a missionary in the mountains of Guerrero, Mexico. Also, he studied communication, philosophy, psychology, and art. He enjoys music, painting, and gardening.

Friar Julio Martínez, OFM Conv., served for eight years as pastor of St. Julia Parish in North Carolina before coming to Holy Cross. He was born in Cuba and immigrated to the United States with his family as a political refugee following the Cuban Revolution. His experience as an immigrant has inspired a lifelong commitment to serving immigrants, refugees, and those living on the margins with compassion and Franciscan hospitality. A Conventual Franciscan since 1972, he completed his religious formation in Maryland, studied philosophy in Massachusetts, theology at the Pontifical Faculty of St. Bonaventure (Seraphicum) in Rome, and pursued advanced studies in counseling, psychology, and contemplative spiritual direction. Throughout more than five decades of ministry, Friar Julio has served as a pastor, teacher, guidance counselor, addictions counselor, retreat director, spiritual director, and leader in Hispanic ministry, youth outreach, and community violence and drug prevention initiatives. He also co-developed a Franciscan Spiritual Direction program in Canterbury, England, and has accompanied countless individuals in their spiritual journeys. Today, he is grateful to share the Franciscan charism through retreat ministry, spiritual accompaniment, and hospitality, creating spaces where people can encounter God’s presence and deepen their faith. He considers it a privilege to walk with others as they discern God’s invitations and discover hope through the Gospel and the Franciscan way of life.

Margaret Flores se convirtió en coordinadora del programa en 2017 después de trabajar en finanzas con la Diócesis y las parroquias del área. Ella es muy experta en programar grupos e individuos que vienen al Centro. También es el contacto principal para registrarse en el festival de arte y puede ayudar según sea necesario.