Rev. Amy grew up in Visalia, worshiping in an Episcopal church with her family and attending an Episcopal elementary school. As a youngster she dreamed of becoming a professional actress, but at the age of 16 she felt God calling her to ministry. She had no female role models for that vocation because the Diocese of San Joaquin didn't allow women priests, but a male priest at her parish encouraged her to explore her calling.

She attended college at UC Davis, earning degrees in Spanish and community and regional development. During her undergraduate years she worked with the Episcopal-Lutheran Campus Ministry, as well as with poor children in Woodland.

In 1998, Denney Zuniga spent a summer in El Salvador, a "blessed experience" that changed her life. In addition to studying Spanish, she was able to work with a local woman priest and teach computer skills to youth living in the neighborhood.

After graduating from Davis in 2001, she spent 18 months working for a Sacramento Housing organization, then left to attend Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University. Zuniga enjoyed the ecumenical environment at the seminary, graduating in 2005. During her time there she initiated a weekly Bilingual Evening Prayer Service.

Ordained a deacon that summer, she traveled to San Salvador on a grant to study Religion and Social Justice. In December she was ordained to the priesthood in San Salvador in a ceremony presided over by the local Episcopal and Lutheran bishops.

Her husband, Vince Zuniga, also moved to Central America and became the music director of her parish while writing applications for agricultural projects. Rev. Amy says her "nine-month assignment became a three-year dedication"; their son, Jacob was born there 16 months ago.

The young priest was engaged in parish ministry as well as the operation of a parochial school. She describes an urban, working-class community where most parishioners lived within walking distance of her church. The neighborhood, however, was plagued by gang violence.

Because of the small geographic size of El Salvador, Rev. Amy was able to work with other religious communities on important common problems like immigration, HIV/AIDS and Millennium Development Goals.

Vince Zuniga's family has farmed in the Hollister area for several generations. In October, they moved to Hollister to be near his family; Vince does some farming, plays music and is pursuing a writing career.

Rev. Amy calls St. Luke's Church "a wonderful, loving community that sees itself as a family." She wants it to become "the best church it can be in terms of liturgy, music, Christian education and youth work" and invites local residents to come and visit the 8 or 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist celebrations some Sunday to experience the connection between God and community. Future plans include establishment of a bilingual/bicultural ministry.

For more information call (831) 637-7570 or visit www.hollisterepiscopal.com.

Chuck Flagg Chuck Flagg is a retired teacher with a passion for religion. Reach him at cflagg@svnewspapers.com.