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1
Eager to Love
from St. Paul’’s
Letters
Fall 2015
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St. Paul’s Within the Walls Episcopal Church
Rector The Rev. Austin K. Rios
Vicar
The Rev. Francisco Alberca
Administrative Assistant Andrea D’Agosto
Financial Administrator
Simonetta Ciccolini
Organist & Director of Music Stefano Vasselli
JNRC Director of Operations
Piero Rijtano
JNRC Volunteer Coordinator Daniela Morales
Missionaries / Editors Paola Sanchez Figueroa
Charles Graves IV
Via Napoli, 58, 00184
Tel. +39 06 4883339
Website: www.stpaulsrome.it
Letters from Saint Paul’s
FALL 2015
Eager to love St. Paul’s in a new way?
Stewardship Campaign 2015-2016
Join a Ministry
Give a Donation
Make a Difference
www.stpaulsrome.it/donate
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A B
D C
A Word from the Rector The Rev.Austin Ríos
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"¿Ves a ese hombre de allí caminando por la
calle? Él tiene tanto de Dios como yo, o como cualquiera de nosotros tenemos ". Merritt Cluff, un feligrés de mucho tiempo en St. Paul’s reflexiona
acerca de la espiritualidad, la iglesia, y el deseo por amor en una entrevista en un café cercano. "Quizás no ha llegado a ese despertar todavía", continuó "y uno de mis trabajos, uno de mis llamados podría decir que es ayudar a revelar eso en la persona, y creo grandemente que eso pasa con todo el mundo”.
Cluff, quien actualmente se desempeña en el comité de la iglesia,
también ha participado en otros en el pasado, recalca que apreció la oportunidad de haber leído los textos teológicos de Rohr. Es nativo de Canadá y ha sido un miembro de St. Paul’s durante mucho tiempo. Cluff se mudó a Roma en el año 2000 para trabajar en la protección de comida para la “Food and Agriculture Association” por sus siglas en inglés (FAO), “Asociación de comida y agricultura”.
"Dios es amor; quiero decir, el Dios en mí se encuentra con en el Dios en ti, es el Dios que está en todas partes" mencionó quién tiene tres hijos adultos y dos nietos que viven en diferentes ciudades de Canadá. Agregó "mucha gente podría argumentar acerca de si Dios existe o no, o lo que sea, pero creo que este principio de amar a Dios y de amarnos unos a otros, esa es nuestra salvación".
“Do you see that man over there walking
down the street? He’s got just as much of God as I have, or any of us have.” Merritt Cluff, a longtime parishioner at St. Paul’s reflected deeply about spirituality, the church, and on eagerness to love in an interview at a nearby café. “He may not have come to that awakening yet” he continued “and one of my jobs – one of my callings you might say – is to help bring that out in him, and I think that is true of everyone we see.”
Mr. Cluff, who currently serves on the vestry and has served in other parish ministries and committees in the past, said he has appreciated the opportunity to read and consider Rohr’s theological writings. A native Canadian, he has been a longtime member of St. Paul’s. Cluff moved to Rome in 2000 to work on food security issues with the Food and Agriculture Association (FAO).
“God is Love - I mean, almost personally, the ‘God in me meets the God in you’ is the God that is everywhere” said Cluff, whose three adult children and two grandchildren live in disparate cities throughout various parts of Canada. “A lot of people might argue about whether God exists or not or whatever, but I think this principle of loving God and loving one another - that is our salvation.”
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Parishioner Profile: Merritt Cluff
5 Merritt first joined as a regular
attendee of the 8:00 masses that occurred each Sunday morning, he shared a hope for the various dispersed communities of St. Paul’s to be more connected to the church and one another. Recalling his close-knit upbringing as a Presbyterian in Toronto, he wishes that members of St. Paul’s were able to spend more time and energy in their church community, but agreed that dispersed lives are the norm in modern Roman society.
“The eagerness comes from the God that is inside us. It’s about listening.” He said, reflecting a calm, patient sort of eagerness. “It’s about that sense, as they say, that the God in you meets the God in me. I think once we realize that, then the whole perspective of our faith really comes into focus.”
Merritt se incorporó primero a la iglesia como parte de la comunidad que asistía a las 8:00 de la mañana cada domingo, Cluff compartió que alberga la esperanza de que la dispersa comunidad en St. Paul’s esté más
conectada a la iglesia y sobre todo con los demás. Recordando su crianza como un presbiteriano en Toronto, él desea que los miembros de St. Paul’s sean capaces de pasar más tiempo y energía en la comunidad como iglesia, pero a la vez entiende las dispersas vidas que alberca la moderna ciudad romana, agregó. "El entusiasmo viene del Dios que está en cada uno de nosotros, se
trata de solo escuchar”. Mientras reflexionaba en calma por esas ansias, por ese entusiasmo, dijo “el Dios que está en ti se entrelaza con el Dios en mi y creo que muchas veces no nos damos cuenta que toda la perspectiva de nuestra fe se centra en una sola perspectiva” culminó.
Picture of “Eager to Love: The Alternative
Way of Francis of Assisi”
The book
- Merrit
You all are cordially invited to St Paul’s 3rd Annual Holiday Market in support of the JNRC
Saturday, December 12 10:00 – 19:00 ⏐ At St. Paul’s Within the Walls
Would you like to volunteer? Contribute to the market or silent auction?
Please email Yvette Maningold
[email protected] Phone: 340 0002539
“We hope that all of the St. Paul’s community will come out to show their support at this fun
and meaningful event”
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If you find yourself in the church around mid-day on
a weekday, you might happen upon these services of thanksgiving – prayers
and renewing vows of love for Japanese couples.
These happy occasions,
which have taken place at St. Paul’s for more than 15
years, are a wonderful example of the eagerness to
love that permeates our community.
"It brings me great joy to
witness the couple's eagerness to love at each thanksgiving ceremony
whether it be their nervous giggle, tears of joy, huge
smiles, exchange of rings or the wedding kiss” writes
frequent officiant Vincenzo Racana.
“After officiating a ceremony based on love,” he continues
“I frequently approach the remainder of my day with a
more loving and gracious approach in any personal or professional interaction that
follows."
Please keep these couples in your prayers, that their
marriages and families may be happy and healthy for many years to come. We invite you to pray with us
the final words of each marriage thanksgiving
service “May God Strengthen their love and devotion to each other, and inspire us to keep
them in the prayers and fellowship of our church.
AMEN”
Marriage Thanksgivings celebrated at St. Paul’s
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In her time as a deacon at our church, Mercedes
has primarily served the Latin American Congregation, where she often proclaims the gospel, prepares the altar, preaches, leads bible study, provides pastoral care and participates in a variety of other ministries. Deacon Mercedes is indeed eager to love God and God’s people in a new way as a priest in the church. She has loved this community as a layperson and as a deacon for two decades, and we are eager to love her in a new capacity as well.
Profile: Mercedes Tutasig
El 13 de octubre de 2015 St. Paul's celebró un logro muy especial y realmente extraordinario. Nuestra diacono Mercedes Tutasig recibió la recomendación de la junta parroquial de St. Paul's para su ordenación al sacerdocio. Finalmente este es uno de los obstáculos finales para la diacono Mercedes en su largo viaje hacia el ministerio sacramental. Los pasos que quedan son para la "Comission on the Ministry of the Baptized" conocido como - (COMB) de la Convocación de iglesias Episcopales en Europa para aprobar su nominación y para el obispo Pierre Whalon aceptar y establecer oficialmente la fecha de su ordenación.
Tutasig es del Ecuador y ha sido miembro
de la comunidad de St. Paul's desde el 1995. En 2005 comenzó formalmente su llamado, donde expresó que tenia el deseo de servir desde sus días en Ecuador. Después de un largo proceso de discernimiento (un tiempo que implica el conocer los miembros de la iglesia, el COMB, el Obispo, y otros en el transcurso de varios años) asistió a seminario y recibió su formación teológica. A su
regreso a St. Paul's, fue ordenada como diácono en 2012. En su tiempo como diácono en nuestra iglesia, ha estado sirviendo principalmente en la
congregación Latinoamericana, donde a menudo proclama el evangelio, prepara el altar, predica, dirige estudios de la biblia, ofrece servicios pastorales y participa en una variedad de otros ministerios. Diácono Mercedes está realmente deseosa de amar a Dios y a su comunidad como una nueva sacerdote en la iglesia. Ella ha amado esta comunidad como feligrés y como diácono durante mucho tiempo, y estamos ansiosos de apoyarla en su nueva etapa.
On October 13, 2015, St. Paul’s quietly celebrated a very special and truly extraordinary accomplishment. Our own Deacon Mercedes Tutasig received the recommendation of the St. Paul’s vestry for ordination to the priesthood. This is one of the final hurdles for Rev. Mercedes in her long journey to the sacramental ministry. The only remaining steps are for the Commission on the Ministry of the Baptized (COMB) of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe to approve her nomination and for Bishop Pierre Whalon to agree and officially set her ordination date. A native of Ecuador, Tutasig has been a longtime member of the St. Paul’s Community, having joined the congregation in 1995. A decade later she began formally the process of discerning a call to ordained ministry, saying she had felt drawn to the priesthood since her days in Ecuador. After a lengthy discernment process (a time that involves meeting prayerfully with church members, the COMB, the Bishop, and others over the course of several years). Tutasig attended seminary and received her theological training. Upon returning to St. Paul’s, she was ordained a deacon in 2012.
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In the spring of
1992, my parents had just moved to Baltimore and were searching for a church home. A friend recommended an inner-city parish with a little-known dynamic young rector by the name of Michael Bruce Curry. Twenty-three
years later I was blessed to sit on the floor of the House of Deputies at General Convention 2015, hearing Michael Curry announced as the next Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. He was my priest for nearly a decade and over the years, I have been blessed to know him well as a friend, mentor, pastor, bishop, and now as the leader of nearly two million Episcopalians in seventeen countries across the globe. Since long before he was Presiding Bishop or even a bishop at all, no single person has more deeply inspired me as a Christian or as a person called to ordained ministry.
In the last several months, I have had the opportunity to talk to scores of Episcopalians from dozens of dioceses about our new Presiding Bishop. Most know him as an exhilarating preacher, and a charismatic speaker. Others know him as a tireless advocate for social justice and equality. A few more speak of him as a caring pastor and a gifted administrator.
But the Michael Curry I know - the man I
have loved and admired for more than two decades – is indeed all of these things, but he is marked by one even greater attribute. I know no one else on earth who is more eager to love than Michael B. Curry.
En la primavera de 1992, mis padres
se mudaron a Baltimore y estaban en búsqueda de una iglesia. Un amigo les recomendó una parroquia en el centro de la ciudad, reconocida porque lo dirigía un rector joven y dinámico llamado Michael Bruce Curry. Veintitrés años después tuve la bendición de sentarme en el piso de la Cámara de Diputados en la Convención General del 2015, donde escuché el anuncio de que Michael Curry sería el próximo Obispo Presidente de la iglesia Episcopal. Él fue mi sacerdote durante mucho tiempo y con los años he tenido la bendición de conocerlo como un amigo, mentor, pastor, obispo, y ahora como el líder de casi dos millones de episcopales en 17 países. Desde mucho antes de que fuera obispo presidente o incluso obispo, nadie me había inspirado tanto como cristiano o para mi llamado como ministro ordenado.
En los últimos meses he tenido la oportunidad de hablar con episcopales de diferentes diócesis acerca de nuestro nuevo obispo presidente. La mayoría lo conocen como un predicador estimulante y un orador carismático, otros lo conocen como un incansable defensor de la justicia social y la igualdad y otros hablan de él como un pastor que se preocupa por otros y un administrador dotado. El Michael Curry que conozco, el hombre que he apreciado y admirado durante mucho tiempo, es eso y mucho más; pero él está marcado por un atributo aún mayor, no conozco a nadie más que esté tan deseoso de amar como Michael B. Curry.
Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry following his journey
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Hear him speak in person or on video, whether preaching or interviewing or even giving an administrative presentation, and you will hear it seep out of his pores. Read his book, Crazy Christians and
watch his love for God and humanity dripping from every page as if the ink itself were leaking. Even take a picture with him, and you will invariably see the look of profound joy and excitement, greeting everyone as his oldest and dearest friend.
No one in the Episcopal Church talks more powerfully, more convincingly, more energetically about being a disciple of Jesus Christ than our new Presiding Bishop. His infectious eagerness to love Jesus, the Church, and all God’s people (He’s fond of
saying “All means ALL – or as we say in the South, ‘All Y’all”) is exactly what continues to inspire me literally millions of other Christians to do the same.
For this reason, Bishop Curry was elected by a greater percentage than any of his predecessors in history, and he will also become the first person of color ever to be Presiding Bishop. I was given the immense honor to be present on November 1st 2015 for Bishop Curry’s installation as the 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. And it is likely that at least once during his nine-year term, St. Paul’s will have the honor of a visit from this truly remarkable man. Please pray for him, and for our Church as we find ourselves eager to love in new ways, under a wonderful new leader.
Oírlo hablar en persona o por vídeo, ya sea en una predicación, entrevista o incluso en una presentación administrativa es admirable. Recomiendo que leas su libro, “Crazy Christians” y sientas su amor por Dios y fíjate en la humanidad que contiene cada página, como si la tinta en cada palabra fuera real. Incluso al tener una foto con él notarás su profunda alegría y emoción, saludando a todos como si fuera un viejo y muy querido amigo.
Nadie en la iglesia Episcopal habla con más fuerza, o es más convincente, o tiene más energía acerca de ser un discípulo de Jesucristo como lo es el nuevo obispo presidente. Su contagioso afán por a amar a Jesús, la iglesia y a todo el pueblo de Dios (cuando dice todo, ‘es a todos ustedes’ como un dicho en el sur muy famoso) eso es lo que exactamente me continua inspirando, y sobre todo a millones de cristianos a hacer lo mismo. Por este motivo el obispo Curry fue elegido con un porcentaje mayor que otros predecesores en la historia, también se convertirá en la primera persona de color en ser obispo presidente. Me dieron el inmenso honor de estar presente el 1 de noviembre de 2015 para la instalación del obispo Curry como el 27vo obispo presidente de la iglesia Episcopal. Y es probable que al menos una vez durante su liderazgo de nueve años St. Paul’s tenga el honor de la visita del obispo presidente. Pido oraciones por él, y para nuestra iglesia, así mismo - Charles
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Visiting Bishops at the JNRC
On Friday October 10th, St. Paul’s and the JNRC had the honor to welcome 10 Episcopal bishops representing dioceses stretching from Massachusetts to Los Angeles. The bishops, fresh from a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shake hands with Pope Francis, now took precious hours to meet those among the most downtrodden in Roman society. After a brief introduction, the visiting church leaders – all suffragan (assistant) bishops from large dioceses – immediately spread out around the refugee center, warmly greeting many of our refugee men on a first-name basis.
We went first to the artisan shop, where a few men from Mali were making beautiful baskets, crosses, and other crafts that are sold to provide themselves with a meager but stable income. The Rt. Revs. Susan Goff (Virginia) and Anne Hodges-Copple (North Carolina) cheerfully joined in, asking each of the men eagerly about their respective journeys to Rome. Meanwhile, Bishop Allen Shin (New York) skillfully played chess with a gentleman from Afghanistan. The Rt. Revs. Gail Harris (Massachusetts) and Pierre Whalon (Europe) shared an extended conversation with an Eritrean man about their respective theological differences. Around the same time, Bishops Dena Harrison (Texas) and Laura Ahrens (Connecticut) joined me in the now-barren interfaith worship room, helping to think of ways to make it a welcoming chapel for people of all faiths. The Revs. Jeff Fisher (Texas), Diane Bruce (Los Angeles) and Mary Glasspool (Los Angeles) observed an English lesson geared toward teaching the language skills needed for gainful employment.
All told, it made for a wonderfully heart-warming yet also heart-wrenching experience. In a debriefing session, nearly everyone shared a moment that dearly impacted them. While I won’t detail them all here, suffice to say that everyone present was moved at having the opportunity to be there, especially in light of the extraordinary refugee crisis gripping Europe and much of the world. And if you happen to be a native of one of the dioceses mentioned above, please join me in thanking your bishops for taking this very special time to visit, listen, and serve.
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Eager to Connect at St. Paul’s Within the Walls
Eager to Connect at St. Paul’s Within the Walls
For this year’s annual stewardship campaign, St. Paul’s is asking our members to participate more fully in the ministries of our church community. Please completely fill out this form even if the church has your information on file already. General Information (for each person over 14 years) Name __________________________ Address ________________________ Phone _________________________ Email __________________________ Nationality ______________________ “Home City” _____________________ Birthday ________________________ ____ Baptized _____ Confirmed/Received Preferred communication: ___ Postal mail ___ Email ___ Phone
Eager to Worship
___ Help at the Altar (acolyte, reader, Eucharistic Minister, preparing the altar) ___ Help in the Church (welcome team, set up before service) ___ Help with Coffee Hour (bringing goodies, serving and cleanup) ___ Other (please specify)_______________________
Eager to Serve ___ JNRC (regular volunteer or special events) ___ Choir (adult choir or children’s choir) ___ Check in on Church Members (phone, email and visiting) ___ Prayer (prayer group, praying during the week) ___ Other (please specify)_______________________
Eager to Love ___ Occasional Sunday Brunches ___ Holiday Community Meals ___ Seasonal Celebrations ___ Excursions ___ Informal get togethers ___ Children’s Programs ___ Other (please specify)_______________________
Eager to Connect at St. Paul’s Within the Walls
For this year’s annual stewardship campaign, St. Paul’s is asking our members to participate more fully in the ministries of our church community. Please completely fill out this form even if the church has your information on file already. General Information (for each person over 14 years) Name __________________________ Address ________________________ Phone _________________________ Email __________________________ Nationality ______________________ “Home City” _____________________ Birthday ________________________ ____ Baptized _____ Confirmed/Received Preferred communication: ___ Postal mail ___ Email ___ Phone
Eager to Worship ___ Help at the Altar (acolyte, reader, Eucharistic Minister, preparing the altar) ___ Help in the Church (welcome team, set up before service) ___ Help with Coffee Hour (bringing goodies, serving and cleanup) ___ Other (please specify)_______________________
Eager to Serve ___ JNRC (regular volunteer or special events) ___ Choir (adult choir or children’s choir) ___ Check in on Church Members (phone, email and visiting) ___ Prayer (prayer group, praying during the week) ___ Other (please specify)_______________________
Eager to Love ___ Occasional Sunday Brunches ___ Holiday Community Meals ___ Seasonal Celebrations ___ Excursions ___ Informal get togethers ___ Children’s Programs ___ Other (please specify)_______________________
Did you know? As this year comes to an end and another year begins, St. Paul’s, like many other churches, is considering how best to be good stewards of the resources which God has given us. This is not only about financial support, but also about giving of our time and talents as well. Following our theme of Eager to Love, St. Paul’s invites you to consider how you may give eagerly in the areas of worship, service and love. The Eager to Connect form below, along with pledge cards will be in the bulletin and in the back of the church over the course of several Sundays. Please take this form, fill it out, and return it to the offering plate or to the church office during the week. We hope you will support the ministries of this church by giving generously from the gifts God has given you, and most of all, we want our members to participate more fully in the memories of our church community. Please fill out the contact section even if the church has your information already, and mark any area of participation that you may be interested in hearing more about. No need to make a firm commitment right away, as someone will contact you with more information about the ministries you’ve selected.
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On November 14th, 2015 the world awoke to the news of the horrific terrorist attacks that killed more than 150 innocent
civilians. The following is a letter from the Very Rev. Lucinda Laird, who leads the Episcopal cathedral of our diocese,
in the heart of Paris. This letter originally appeared in the online magazine Episcopal Café on the day following the
brutal murders.
November 14, 2015
Paris
So many friends and colleagues have written in the last 18 hours expressing support, promising their prayers, and
asking what they could do. I cannot tell you how incredibly important this has been to all of us at the American
Cathedral. It is a very fearful time, and we are still bewildered and unsure. Knowing we have prayers coming from
around the world, that we have a cloud of witnesses, and that we are so inextricably connected in the Body of
Christ makes all the difference.
What can you do? First of all, I ask your prayers:
– for the victims, those who died and those wounded
– for their families
– for all those who have helped and are helping
– for all who protect us
– for the city of Paris, and especially our Cathedral community
– for all those whose anger, fear and hatred lead them to commit such acts
– for hope, for light in the darkness, and for peace
Secondly, I urge you to give some serious thought to next steps. Your expressions of support are strong and genuine
– but where do they go? We have all held each other up before – after the Charlie Hebdo shootings, for instance,
and after 9/11 – and shared a strong sense of unity. I’m not sure where I am going with this; I only mean that our
prayers must lead us to action. Here in France I suspect there will be very, very strong anti-Muslim sentiment, and
one thing we must do is stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters, and foster conversation and understanding. I
think we also need to work harder to care for the flood of refugees fleeing terror in their own countries – work for
immediate care and for political solutions. You will need to find your own mission in the US, but I know that it
must involve continued dedication and commitment to making justice and making peace, and being a light in the
darkness.
Thank you again, my brothers and sisters.
Lucinda Laird
Dean, The American Cathedral in Paris http://www.episcopalcafe.com/letter-from-dean-of-american-cathedral-in-paris/
Terror Attacks in France Letter from Dean of American Cathedral in Paris
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Lo que comienzo
a vivir durante este año son experiencias que no pensé que llegaran a pasar. Me siento muy emocionada por estar aquí en esta hermosa ciudad
conociendo a nuevas personas, a la nueva
comunidad y de poder compartir junto a mi
compañero de YASC Charles Graves, pero sobre todo a Dios por esta oportunidad.
Como parte de toda esta nueva experiencia, quiero contar un poco acerca del proceso de cómo llegué aquí, también aprovecho para agradecer a todos por la bienvenida y por las personas que nos mantienen en sus oraciones, también a los que han estado apoyándome durante todo el proceso. Comenzar este nuevo trayecto, esta nueva etapa es algo completamente nuevo para mí. Me encanta lo que estudio y las metas que voy forjando poco a poco, pero a veces en ese proceso sentía ganas de hacer algo más, tal vez de algo diferente. Quizás como muchos, uno de mis grandes sueños es poder viajar el mundo y aprender del mismo, realmente creo que el mundo es maravilloso. Me encantan las culturas, aprender de ellas y sobre todo de los demás, pues tenemos mucho que aprender de los otras personas.
Aún soy una estudiante universitaria, recientemente terminé mi cuarto año universitario, espero graduarme en un año y medio de mi bachillerato multidisciplinario en turismo, lenguas extranjeras y relaciones públicas. He estado asistiendo a la iglesia Episcopal en la diócesis de Puerto Rico desde hace un año y medio, y por supuesto aún sigo aprendiendo de esta gran familia; así es como llegue a conocer del programa de la iglesia episcopal “Young Adult Service Corps” mejor conocido como YASC, el cual va dirigido para jóvenes adultos que tengan el deseo de servir a comunidades alrededor del mundo, en este caso por medio de viajes misioneros.
What I begin to live during this year are
experiences that I didn't thought it will pass. I am very excited to be here in this beautiful city, meeting new people, a new community and sharing with my fellow YASCer friend, Charles Grave, but mostly to God for this opportunity. As part of all this new experience, I want to tell a bit about the process of how I get here; also I want to thank everyone for the welcome and for the people who keep us in their prayers, and to those who have been supporting me throughout the process. Beginning this new journey, I mean, this new phase is something completely new for me. I love what I've been studying and the goals I have, but sometimes in that same process I felt like doing something else, perhaps something different. Perchance as many, one of my biggest dreams is to travel around and learn from it; I really think that the world is a wonderful place. I love cultures, learning as well from them and above all from others, because I think we have a lot to learn. I'm still as a college student, recently I finished my fourth year college, I look forward to graduate in a year and a half of my multidisciplinary bachelor in tourism, foreign languages and public relations. I have been attending the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Puerto Rico for a year and a half ago, and of course I'm still learning from this great family; that's how I get to know the program of the Episcopal Church "Young Adult Service Corps" better known as YASC. Which is intended for young adults who have the desire to serve communities around the world, in this case through mission trips.
Profile: Paola A. Sánchez Figueroa
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“Para mi la misión forma parte de lo que Dios nos deja en su mensaje, pero sobre todo en formar parte de algo más, en la integración y amor con los demás”. En febrero tuve la oportunidad de formar parte de un fin de semana de discernimiento con un grupo de jóvenes adultos que deseaban hacer algo diferente como yo, de hecho tuve la oportunidad de conocer otros chicos de. Ese fin de semana en Nueva York fue una experiencia que nunca olvidaré, llegar a conocer a otras personas, intercambiar ideas, conocer un poco sus historias, fue inspirador. Luego de pasar por todo este procedimiento, de conocer a otras personas; regresé a terminar mi semestre y decidí que quería hacer esto.
Aceptar el llamado, y decidir hacerlo es una decisión importante, pues es un proceso donde dejas de ver a tus seres queridos por un tiempo, estás lejos de casa, y en mi caso pausar mis estudios; vas a otro país a enfrentarte a otra cultura, otro idioma, otra rutina. Pero claro, pienso que esto es algo único, que es una experiencia increíble donde aprenderé mucho y donde poco a poco he ido conociendo a muchas personas y espero con muchas ansias hacer un buen trabajo. La vida es cambio constante, es enfrentarse a nuevos retos, es aprender; y sobre todo en el camino conocer a muchas personas que te ayudan a crecer y ayudan a transformar tu vida de una manera u otra. Soy alguien que me gusta tener todo planificado, un orden; me explico saber hacia donde voy; pero otras veces simplemente me gusta dejar que las cosas fluyan; que las cosas sean lo más sencillo posible. Creo fielmente y algo que he ido aprendiendo en mis 22 años, es que la vida se basa en un balance, y creo que todos debemos ser capaces de encontrar ese balance perfecto en nuestras vidas. También creo fielmente que cada persona tiene algo que aportar a los demás, pero sobre todo amor que compartir y que al final es lo que todos buscamos y una de las cosas más importantes en nuestra vida.
“Mission for me is part of what God leaves us in his message, but above all to be part of something else, integration and love with others.” In February I had the opportunity to be part of a discernment weekend with a group of young adults who wanted to do something different just like me. I actually had the opportunity to meet other persons from different parishes of Puerto Rico, which was amazing. That weekend in New York was an experience I will never forget, had the opportunity to meet others, exchange ideas, learn a little of their stories, it was inspiring. After going through this whole process, to meet other people; I returned to finish my semester and I decided that I wanted to do this. Accepting the call of God, and deciding to do it is an important decision, it's a process where you stop seeing your loved ones for a while, you're far away from home, and in my case having a pause in my studies; you go to another country to face another culture, another language, another routine. But I think that this is something unique, that this is the part where I will learn a lot, which is an amazing experience where I will learn a lot and where I'm getting to know many people, and I look forward do a good job. Life is constant change – is to face new challenges, to learn; and especially on the way to meet many people to help you grow and help transform your life in one-way or another. I am someone who likes to have everything planned, an order; I mean I like to know where I am going; but sometimes I just like to let things flow; keep things as simple as possible. Faithfully, something I've learned in my 22 years is that life is based on a balance, and I think everyone should be able to find that perfect balance in our lives. I also believe faithfully that each person has something to contribute to others, but especially love to share and in the end is what we all seek, and one of the most important things in our life. - Paola
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Most of you by now have likely seen me
around St. Paul’s on Sundays or other times throughout the week, and many of you have graciously welcomed me into this beautiful community. I’m thrilled to take this opportunity to introduce myself a bit! A word of thanks, first of all, to every member of this community who has prayed, greeted, welcomed, or supported me already in my time of preparation to join you, and in the time since my arrival here in Rome. I think it’s perfect that this edition of Letters is themed “Eager to Love”. I can think of no better phrase to capture how I feel about embarking on this year of service with you and this community.
I’m Charles Graves IV (Carlo, Carlos, or just Charles if you like) and I’ll be with you at St. Paul’s for at least one year as a missionary intern with the Young Adult Service Corps of the Episcopal Church (YASC). It is my great pleasure to join my fantastic fellow YASCer Paola Sanchez Figueroa in following in the footsteps of my good friends Will Bryant and Jared Grant!
But a little more about me – I’m a Baltimore, Maryland native (and committed Ravens football fan), although I moved to Cincinnati, Ohio about eight years ago.
La mayoría de ustedes probablemente me
han visto alrededor de St. Paul’s los domingos o tal vez en otras ocasiones durante la semana, y me han aceptado en esta bella comunidad. ¡Estoy emocionado por esta oportunidad y quiero aprovechar esta oportunidad para presentarme! Quiero dar unas palabras de agradecimiento; en primer lugar a todos los miembros de esta
comunidad que han estado rezando, a los que me han dado la bienvenida y los
que me han apoyado durante el tiempo que me he estado
preparando para unirme a esta comunidad aquí en Roma. Creo que el tema de “ansias por amor” para esta edición es perfecto. No puedo pensar en una mejor frase que capture todo lo que he estaré sintiendo
durante este año de servicio junto a ti en esta comunidad.
Mi nombre es Charles Graves
IV, (pero puedes llamarme Carlo, Carlos o simplemente Charles) y voy a estar con ustedes en St. Paul’s al menos un año como misionero con el programa de la iglesia Episcopal “Young Adult Service Corps” conocido como YASC. Para mí es un gran placer compartir junto a mi compañera de YASC, Paola Sánchez Figueroa siguiéndole los pasos a mis buenos amigos, Will Bryant y Jared Grant.
Contaré un poco más acerca de mí, soy de
de Baltimore, Maryland (y un fan muy aficionado del equipo de fútbol - Ravens), aunque he estado viviendo en Cincinnati, Ohio alrededor de ocho años.
Profile: Charles Graves IV
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In May 2015 I was blessed to graduate from seminary at Yale Divinity School, and I am in the ordination process for the priesthood in the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Before seminary, I spent a few years working on political campaigns and worked briefly as an aide in the US Senate. I’ve been blessed to travel all around the world on church-related missions, and I am thrilled to be serving God with you in such a loving, Christ-centered, service-oriented community.
You may see me here working on Christian Education sessions, or acolyting (perhaps even preaching) at Sunday service, or helping out at the JNRC, or leading prayer services of thanksgiving with newly married couples, and even helping to produce this magazine! In every single one of these activities, and in very much more, I am so honored to share God’s love with you and our neighbors in this beautiful city. Please do come and talk with me during my time here, as I would absolutely love to get to know each and every one of you.
Someone recently asked me to define “eager” and I replied “it’s like a kid on Christmas Eve”. Indeed every single day here in Rome I have woken up with the excitement of a little boy – overjoyed and anxiously awaiting the gifts God has carefully wrapped for her people to enjoy.
En mayo del 2015 tuve la bendición de graduarme del seminario de “Yale Divinity School”, y estoy en el proceso de ordenación para el sacerdocio en la Diócesis del Sur de Ohio. Antes del seminario, pasé unos años trabajando en diferentes campañas políticas y trabajé brevemente como ayudante en el senado de los Estados Unidos. He tenido la oportunidad de viajar alrededor del mundo en viajes misioneros relacionados con la iglesia; estoy emocionado de servir a Dios junto a ustedes, una comunidad amorosa, centrada en Cristo y orientada al servicio de Dios. Tal vez me veas trabajando en sesiones de educación cristiana, o como acolito (tal vez incluso en la predicación) los domingos, ayudando en el centro de refugiados (JNRC), o como líder en los servicios de oración de acción de gracias con parejas de recién casados, e incluso ayudando a producir esta revista. En cada una de estas actividades, y otras, me siento en honor de compartir el amor de Dios contigo y otras personas en esta hermosa ciudad. Siéntete libre de venir a hablar conmigo durante mi tiempo aquí, estaré encantado de conocer a cada uno de ustedes.
Alguien me preguntó recientemente definir el
termino "ansias" y respondí: "es como un niño en la víspera de Navidad". De hecho todos los días aquí en Roma he despertado con la emoción que tiene un niño pequeño, muy contento y esperando ansiosamente los dones que Dios ha envuelto cuidadosamente para cada uno de nosotros poder disfrutar.
- Charles
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My name is Carter Leer and I am one of the organ
scholar’s here St. Paul’s for the next 8 months. I am from Lexington, Kentucky. As a kid I grew up in singing in my church’s choir, which introduced me to organ playing. I
began playing the organ in high school, and continued it through my graduation from Sewanee: The University of the
South in 2014. Before moving to Rome I returned to Lexington and served as the Interim Assistant Organist at Good
Shepherd Episcopal Church. Throughout the year you will undoubtedly see me on or around the organ bench, singing with the St. Paul’s choir, and encouraging everyone to attend the ‘luminaria’ concert series.
When I am not playing the organ I am an avid sports fan. My favorite team is the Kentucky Wildcats. I also enjoy watching movies, and love listening to orchestral music from them. Feel free to come up and ask me about the ‘luminaria’ series or just to say hello when you are at the church. I am so excited that my love of organ music has brought me to this beautiful church and I look forward to sharing and expanding the music.
Profile: Carter Leer
Mi nombre es Carter Leer, soy uno de los estudiantes de órgano de St. Paul por los próximos 8 meses. Soy de Lexington, Kentucky. Cuando era niño crecí cantando en el coro de la iglesia, así fue como conocí el órgano. Comencé a tocar el órgano cuando estaba en la escuela secundaria y así continué hasta mi graduación en Sewanee, la universidad del Sur en el 2014. Antes de mudarme a Roma, volví a Lexington y trabajé como un interno tocando el órgano en “El buen pastor, iglesia Episcopal”. Durante el año sin duda me verás alrededor, o sentando en la banco donde toco el órgano, cantando en el coro de la iglesia y hasta exhortando a todos para asistir a la serie de conciertos de luminaria.
Cuando no estoy tocando el órgano, soy
fanático de los deportes. Mi equipo favorito es los "Wildcats" de Kentucky, también me gusta ver películas, y me encanta escuchar música de orquesta. Si me ves no dudes en venir y preguntarme acerca de la serie de conciertos de luminaria o simplemente para decir "hola". Estoy muy emocionado que mi pasión por la música y el órgano me ha haya traído a esta hermosa iglesia; espero poder seguir compartiendo esto y sobre todo expandiendo la música.
- Carter
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My name is Julia, I'm fresh out of school
in the United Kingdom and, over the next year, I am going to be one of the organ scholars at St Paul's, alongside Carter Leer. I have spent the last nine years as a chorister and, for the last year, organ scholar at Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral, United Kingdom, and after spending my gap year here, I will be going back to the UK to be an organ scholar, whilst reading music at Oxford University. So far, my life at St Paul's has been a whirlwind of surprises and excitement. I have been busy singing in the choir (or rather, choirs!), playing for weddings and concerts, exploring the city, as well as trying to learn to cook (not so much enjoying this part), and trying to seek out cats (I miss mine back home!). Perhaps the most exciting and unexpected experience though, is seeing just how diverse and international the community at St Paul's is - a few months a go I never could've possibly imagined being part of a church service partially in English, Spanish and Italian, and yet, a few Sunday's a go we had exactly that! In regards to theme of 'Eager to Love', I think this is a particularly poignant idea when looking at the role of church musicians, like myself, and our purpose in the church.
Profile: Julia Alsop
Mi nombre es Julia, recientemente me
gradué de la escuela en Reino Unido; durante el próximo año seré una de los internas de
órgano en St. Paul's, junto a Carter Leer. He pasado los últimos nueve
años como miembro activo del coro, y este será mi último año como estudiante de órgano en la Catedral Anglicana en Portsmouth, Reino Unido. Luego de pasar mi año aquí, regresaré a casa para ser una
estudiante a tiempo completo de órgano, dónde estaré
estudiando lectura de música en la Universidad de Oxford.
Hasta ahora, mi vida en St. Paul's ha sido un torbellino de sorpresas y emoción. He estado ocupada cantando en el coro, también he estado tocando en bodas y conciertos, he tenido la oportunidad de explorar la ciudad, como también he estado tratando en aprender a cocinar (no es mi parte favorita), y tratando de encontrar gatos (¡extraño mucho a los míos!). De hecho la parte que más me emociona y que ha sido inesperado para mi es ver cuan diversa e internacional es la comunidad de St. Paul's, unos meses atrás jamás me hubiese imaginado ser parte de una comunidad que tiene servicios parciales en ingles, español e incluso italiano; de hecho hace algunas semanas atrás tuvimos esa experiencia.
En lo que respecta al tema de 'ansias por
amar', creo que esta es una idea particularmente conmovedora, especialmente cuando se ve desde la perspectiva como músico de la iglesia, como lo soy yo, y sobre nuestro propósito en la iglesia.
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Tener la oportunidad de ofrecer música en
adoración y explorando lo que nos gusta, es una forma en la que compartimos en comunidad como iglesia y fortalecemos la adoración. La música para mi es algo que conecta a las personas, mucho más allá de lo que podemos tal vez expresar no tan fácilmente con palabras. Hay música sagrada que tiene siglos de antigüedad y todavía hoy día se cantan, hay numerosos compositores que dedicaron su vida a la composición de música inspirada en su fe, lo que significa que la convención y la voluntad de amar y adorar a través de la música no solo se
comparte en el presente sino que ha formado parte de un largo periodo a través del tiempo, de hecho, en esta bendecida comunidad de St. Paul's, donde la música trasciende, incluso más allá las barreras que pueda tener el idioma. No puedo entender nada en español
más allá de lo que aprendí cuando tenía 11 años y aprendí en la escuela, pero la música que se compartió con la comunidad latina, en el coro de la iglesia mientras se escuchaba el órgano tocar, fue una forma en la que se compartió un momento en la iglesia donde hubo una conexión con las personas que estaban en el servicio, más allá de si la música era en español, o cualquier otra. Aunque creo que una vez de vuelta a Reino Unido, los servicios multilingües y las congregaciones internacionales como los de St. Paul's, serán pocos y distinto, lo que aprendí aquí durante mi primer mes, me hace recordar mi propósito como músico, como algo que me encanta y que estoy ansiosa por compartir.
Through offering music in worship, and
exploring something we enjoy, we can share with the church community and strengthen worship. Music, for me, is something that can connect people beyond how we can express easily with words. There is sacred music that is centuries old and still sung today and numerous composers devoted their lives to composing music inspired by their faith, meaning that the convention and volition to love and to worship through music can be shared not just amongst people in the present, but with people over long periods of time. Indeed, blessed with a wealth of languages in the St Paul's community, music transcends even language barriers. Back to the service I mentioned before, I cannot understand any Spanish beyond what I learnt at school aged eleven, but the music shared by the Latin American community, as well as the motets sung by St Paul's Choir, and the organ music provided another way of sharing moments in the church and connection between all the people in the service, whether the music was in English or Latin or had no words at all. Whilst I suspect that, once back in the United Kingdom, multilingual services and congregations as international as St Paul's will be few and far between, what I have already learnt within my first month here has already reminded me a lot of my purpose as a musician in sacred music, as something I love, and am eager to share.
- Julia
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