President Emeritus Bio - Henry Abeyta

Leadership at Emmaus Journey, Inc.

Henry Abeyta served as the President of Emmaus Journey, Inc. until 2019, guiding the organization with a dedication to structured and effective ministry. In 2013, Henry established Emmaus Journey as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, which provided the legal framework necessary for the ministry’s operations. This official nonprofit status enhanced the ministry’s ability to pursue its mission, ensuring that its activities remained formal and accountable while supporting the staff for ongoing service.

Care to establish relationships with Diocesan offices and support structures through established Church leadership led to cooperative co-laboring and fruitful endeavors.  Notably, the relationship with the Norbertine order of Santa Maria del la Vid Abbey has endured and developed a synergy for shared impact and long-term ministry success.

Young Adult Outreach and Ministry Initiatives

Motivated by a desire to influence both current and future generations, Henry concentrated on empowering young adults to strengthen their faith as disciples of Jesus, fostering their growth and service within the Catholic Church. To achieve this objective, he worked alongside the Board of Directors and ministry partners to launch a young adult outreach initiative comprising two main components.

The first component focused on cultivating peer-to-peer relationships through small group scripture studies and engagement at local parishes. The second component involved organizing an annual mission trip to Poland, which enriched participants’ spiritual journeys and service experiences. Together with his wife Darlene, mentor couples, and young adult leaders, the Emmaus Journey Young Adult Mission (EJYAM) formed meaningful partnerships with international collaborators and young adults from parishes in New Mexico, Arkansas, Texas, and Arizona. This initiative sought to make a lasting impact on Polish children and young adults, with the hope of reaching future generations while developing young adult leaders established in their faith for future contribution.

Another significant ministry initiative was the creation of a Women’s ministry outreach, led by Darlene and supported by a leadership team from Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Community in Albuquerque. Through periodic women’s gatherings, this outreach provided opportunities for spiritual growth, mutual support, leadership development, and continuity through ongoing small faith-sharing groups.

Many additional ministry initiatives were made possible by dedicated partners who committed their time and energy to mutual encouragement and faithful service, responding to guidance from Church leaders and responsible spiritual advisors.

Career at Sandia National Laboratories and Government Service

Prior to Emmaus Journey, Henry retired from Sandia National Laboratories in 2011, where he culminated his career as the Director of the Global Security Program. His professional journey also included a special assignment in Washington, D.C., where he served as a Congressional Fellow for the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. In this capacity, he worked as Professional Staff for the Committee Chairman, Senator Pete V. Domenici.