Bilingual pastor hopes to reach Bayshore's Latinos BY LAUREN PIRO Correspondent the Rev. Dr. Pedro Trinidad KEANSBURG - The First United Methodist Church of Keansburg has welcomed a new pastor, the Rev. Dr. Pedro Trinidad, and with him, parishioners have hopes for uniting and helping their community. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Trinidad's ministerial service began two years after he moved to New York City in 1965. Having received a bachelor's degree in Christian education from New York University, a master's degree in divinity from the Union Theological Seminary and a doctor of ministry degree from Drew University, Trinidad has had a full and influential journey while in the clergy. He has served in parishes in Brooklyn, Dover, Paterson and Boonton, and for a brief time served active duty as a U.S. Navy chaplain trained out of Newport, R.I. "I've served English-speaking, Spanish-speaking and bilingual churches," Trinidad said. With the growing Hispanic population in the area, the Keansburg church is excited to have a bilingual pastor. Trinidad considers himself a facilitator to those who speak only Spanish, and said the option for planning a bilingual Mass is always a possibility. Primarily, however, Trinidad hopes to serve the community as a whole. He speaks proudly of his family, including two children and three grandchildren, and recalls his years as an Eagle Scout. He said he enjoys meeting new people in the area and spending time on beaches of the Jersey Shore. "It is a beautiful place, a beautiful church, with beautiful people," he said. "We want to help the church grow through teaching, pastoral care and reaching out toward the community." A large part of Trinidad's work in the ministry has been counseling, which he hopes to continue where needed in Keansburg. In the past, much of his counseling services have concerned marriage or drug abuse. In Brooklyn he held the title of drug counselor at Anchor House, and his master's thesis focused on pastor principles of premarital counseling. Trinidad hopes to enhance service opportunities and community efforts that the church has already begun, calling himself a "booster cable" for his parish. The church and Trinidad welcome all who wish to join their community or seek the services that their new pastor can offer. The Keansburg First United Methodist Church is located at 21 Church St., Keansburg. For more information, call (732) 787-0289.