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St. Patrick’s Monday - Friday… ...... 8:00 am
Open to Attend and Livestreamed
Weekend Mass Times
Weekday Mass Times
St. Patrick
No sign up required for any Masses at this time
Saturday ….7:00 pm (Spanish)
Sunday……….7:30 am, 9:30 am
Sunday.......12:00 pm (Spanish)
St. Francis
No sign up required for any Masses at this time
Sunday........................ 8:30 am, 9:30 am
Assumption
No sign up required for any Masses at this time
Saturday ………..….4:00 pm
Sunday......................10:30 am
Fr. Matthew Nicks, Pastor
Fr. Raymond Kalema,
Parochial Vicar
Fr. Curtis Seidel,
Chaplain Catholic Schools
Deacon Jim Barrow
Deacon Maclobio Robles
Deacon Olegario Reyes
Maddi Baird, R.E. Director
Karin Western, Facility
Coordinator / Bookkeeper
Ministry
Confessions
At Assumption 4:30-5:30 pm……..Wed.-Fri.
3:00 pm………….Sat.
Updates
Things may change due to Guidelines.
To stay up to date and be notified of changes,
please text: wwcatholic to 84576
or visit our website at:
wwcatholic.org
Masses are limited to 25% occupancy. There is a link on our website at: wwcatholic.org
If you have questions email: [email protected]
Tri Parish Phone:
(509) 525-3310
St. Francis: Ext. 1
Assumption: Ext. 2
St. Patrick: Ext. 3
Mailing Address:
408 W. Poplar
Walla Walla, WA 99362
VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
wwcatholic.org
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From the Vicar September 6, 2020
Friends, without any
doubt, the COVID-19
pandemic has brought
about tremendous
changes in the world
we live in. We have
all been pushed to
make adjustments in
our lives – obviously,
some of these we like, some we don’t, and
some we even never dreamed possible. During
this time, the question on everyone’s mind has
been, “how do we get through this?” or to
others it has been, “how do we emerge out of
this better and stronger?” very important
questions indeed. This Sunday however, I want
to pose another question for us to reflect on as
we maneuver through this pandemic. “What are
we learning during this pandemic period that
will enable us to be more intentional in living
out our call to discipleship?
I will share with you an experience of mine.
Few weeks ago, I was waiting in line at one of
our local U.P.S store and a gentleman made an
unpleasant comment about all the protocols that
have to be followed nowadays because of the
Covid-19. To everyone’s surprise, an elderly
woman responded to him with a question, “but
has this situation taught you anything?” I think
judging from the way I was dressed- priestly
clerics, she noticed that I was a priest so she
went ahead to tell me how happy she was that
her elder brother and her father finally returned
to church during this Covid times. So, for her,
the lesson was that God can bring good out of
the bad. I was glad to hear her story. Even
though she wasn’t Catholic she challenged me
to reflect more on what we can takeout from
this this covid situation. I think one greatest
awareness that the pandemic has taught us is
that the church is not merely that building
where we gather for worship, it’s rather the
people. Even when our church buildings were
closed, we continued to look beyond the walls
of our church structures to reach out and meet
the needs of people in our community. It has
been amazing to see the spirit of serving others
in need being strengthened among us during
this time. I have been always impressed by
stories of parishioners doing grocery shopping
for those who are most vulnarable, mowing
lawns, and running errands for neighbors,
families praying together and spending
valuable time together. In these small things,
we have continued to be a community of faith,
to worship, to be disciples, and to minister to
one another. “What are we learning during this
pandemic period that will enable us to be more
intentional in living our call to discipleship?
One big lesson is that we have been reaffirmed
to being the church beyond the walls of our
buildings.
Next week, I hope to bring out another lesson,
until then, God bless you.
Father Raymond Kalema
An Education for Life!
DeSales Catholic High School Principal: John Lesko 919 E Sumach St, Walla Walla, WA (509) 525-3030
Assumption Catholic Grade School Principal: John Lesko 2066 E Alder St, Walla Walla, WA (509) 525-9283
Assumption Early Learning Center Geoff White - ELC/Director 2096 E Alder St, Walla Walla, WA (509) 525-9478
Christ is at the heart of everything we are doing in our schools and in our
community and it is in him that we must place all of our trust, especially in
challenging times. Recognizing this, the Walla Walla Catholic Schools are leading
the community in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament on behalf of all students
and teachers in the Walla Walla and College Place districts, for their health and
safety and for the success of this school year. This special Holy Hour takes place
every Wednesday, from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM at Assumption Church, and the
entire Catholic community of Walla Walla is invited to join us. We at the WWCS
also humbly ask that you include our students and teachers in your prayers in a
particular way as we begin another exciting school year and face the unique
challenges the COVID-19 pandemic presents to us.
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT
OUR CATHOLIC FAITH?
Have them call the parish office
to be put on the list to receive instruction.
THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
IS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH.
ST FRANCIS PARISH HAS A RELIC OF
THE TRUE CROSS WHICH WILL BE IN OUR
CHIRCH FOR VENERATION
MONDAY, SEPT. 14 FROM 9:00AM-1:00PM.
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Natural Family Planning For information on learning family planning methods approved by the Catholic Church call: Scott & Valerie Desomber at 509-524-8000 or Kathy Martuscelli at 529-1020.
Adult Education
Baptism Baptism classes are the first Saturday of every month. Please contact Deacon Jim Barrow at:
[email protected] or call your parish office.
Confirmation & First Eucharist Sign ups are over for this year.
Marriage Preparation
Contact one of the priests at least 4 months before your desired wedding date.
Anointing of the Sick
If you or someone you know is homebound, and wants to receive Communion or the Sacrament of Anointing, please contact your parish office.
RCI A Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
For info. email Roger Williams at: [email protected]
Tri-Parish Prayer Group: Monday Night Prayer Group | meets Monday
evenings at 7:00 pm in the nursery at St Patrick’s. Contact: Loraine Valencsin 529-4378.
Sacraments
If you have a loved one in a nursing home or facility who is Catholic, get them on the list
to receive Holy Communion. Call your parish office for contact information.
The Women of Faith will resume meeting on
Thursdays, 1 -3 in the St. John room at St.
Patrick's when the health rules permit. Please
think about possible topics we could use for
discussion this fall. For more information, please
email Sue Logsdon at [email protected].
Sacramental Prep & Religious Education K-5
Tri Parish R.E. Director | Maddi Baird
R.E. Office, 408 W. Poplar, Walla Walla
[email protected] | 509-525-3310 Ext. 4
Maddi’s Office Hours:
Tuesday - Friday | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
If these times do not work, please call for an appointment .
Registration for Sacramental Preparation is now open! Forms and Information are available in the back of the Church and on our website. Please be aware that you will need copies of your child's Baptismal and Birth Certificates in order to register. Currently, we
are making every effort to safely provide in-person classes, however, alternative options will be available should this become impossible
or for students that are immunocompromised.
Learning about our faith has never been more accessible! FORMED.ORG
Watch from your phone or computer and on Roku! Our Free parish access:
wwcatholic.formed.org
Scan for the registration
form
Walla Walla Valley Eucharistic Adoration Thursday 12pm - Saturday 12pm
At Assumption Church in the Adoration Chapel Go through the main doors and to the right.
Contact a captain to sign up!
Please remember to social distance from others who are praying.
Greg & Sue Fazzari: [email protected]
Mike & Terri Neal: nealfami ly@live .com
Don & Kathy Martuscelli: [email protected]
Check us out on:
SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS Local businesses and sponsors that advertise in
the bulletin need our support more than !
We are grateful to them! Their sponsorship
allows us to get our bulletin at no charge to the
parishes! Please show them your support!
Entries Due by September 15th
Grade categories: 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-12
One submission per person; Poem or Essay.
A cash prize of $10 will be awarded to the top writer for poem and essay in each
grade category. This is a great opportunity for the youth to
stop and ponder the sacredness of Life. Include Name, Grade and Phone Number. Entries
will be judged by educators. We will contact the top writers and display their work at next
year’s fair. Email or mail your submissions in by
September 15th. Email: [email protected]
Mail: Walla Valley Human Life , P.O. Box 25 , Walla Walla WA 99362
“Look upon the hour of adoration assigned to you as an hour in paradise. Go to your adoration as one
would to heaven, to the divine banquet. You will then long for that hour and hail it with joy. Take delight in fostering a longing for it in your heart. Tell yourself, “In four hours, in two hours, in one hour, our Lord will give me an audience of grace and love. He has invited me; He is waiting for me; He is longing for
me.”- St. Peter Julian Eymard
PRAY THE ROSARY FOR PEACE: In your life, In your family, in the world!
"If I had an army to say the Rosary, I could conquer the world."
(Blessed Pope Piux IX)
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K N I G H T S O F C O L U M B U S Is God calling YOU to become a Knight? Application forms are available from any
member of the Knights of Columbus. W e b s i t e : w w w . k o c 7 6 6 . o r g
G r a n d K n i g h t : Carl Ungerecht [email protected] or [email protected]
CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICAS Court St. Cecilia #668 Deanna Smith- Regent 525-1516. Catholic Daughters are women from all
parishes working together to support our local charities through prayer and works. Thank you for your continued generosity! www.catholicdaughters.com
Catholic Daughters have a new batch of Apple Pies and Wild Blackberry Pies ready for sale. For orders and delivery please
call Deanna 525-1516 or Marilyn 525-2223.
S a n c t i f y i n g t h e A i r w a v e s w i t h t h e T R U T H ! 100.7 F.M. /KHSS
Fi nd th e p ro g ra m s ch edu l e a nd more at: http:www.khssradio.co m
This is a fun group full of folks who love
G.K. Chesterton. For more information,
contact Kathy Wikman, 509 386-7813 or
email: [email protected]
To Get the App | Search in the App Store or Google Play Store for:
Walla Walla Catholic www.ParishSolutionsCo.com/Walla
We are a woman-to-woman mentoring program to support women during the joys, challenges and sorrows of the childbearing
years. We provide peer support, spiritual nourishment and inspirational resources. Support may be provided in the form of visits, phone calls, e-mails, greeting cards, prayer, and other assistance. We offer support around the issues of infertility, adoption, miscarriage/stillbirth, pregnancy complications, birth, and postpartum depression. For assistance contact: Nancy Milton [email protected] or 916-612-1546.
Mission Statement: The Tri-Parish Catholic Social Concerns Ministry is made up of parishioners from St. Patrick, St. Francis and Assumption parishes, who strive, in the light of Gospel values, to raise awareness of and address social concerns in our community and society through word and deed.
DISCIPLESHIP: living as an active, dedicated Catholic disciple includes many facets: Catholic identity, generosity, service, prayer and the willingness to evangelize. One help in growing as a Catholic disciple is to also grow in living a just life. “A virtue is a 'habitual and firm disposition to do the good' (CCC1803). Under this definition, justice is a virtue. Traditionally, the Church has distinguished between two major categories of virtues: the theological virtues and the cardinal virtues.” Catholic Social Teaching by Michael Pennock, page 35. WHAT ARE THE CARDINAL VIRTUES? “Virtues make it possible for us to master ourselves so we can live good, moral lives more easily. The cardinal virtues are good habits that we can acquire by human effort. They help us cooperate with and respond to God's love for us. The four cardinal virtues are prudence, fortitude, temperance, and justice. Many other virtues derive from these four virtues. FORTITUDE gives us the firmness, strength, and courage to deal with temptations, difficulties, and dangers in doing what is right and true. Fortitude is spiritual 'intestinal courage' to do what is right, helping us to conquer fear, even of death in defending a just cause (CCC1808). While prudence helps us to understand what is the right thing to do, fortitude gives us the courage to do it. REFLECT: Do I call on God to give me the gift of fortitude to do what must be done to live as a courageous Catholic? ACTIONS: Ask God to give you the courage to act as a loving Catholic disciple in the following situations in your life.
• to speak out against injustice even when it is unpopular • defend the persecuted, especially the unborn, the poor,
those who are discriminated against, the immigrants seeking a better life, those who demand equal justice
• be bold and ask your Congressman or Senator to act with
courage and stand up for the rights of those oppressed by passing just, fair, compassionate laws, Global Child Thrive Act, support for those suffering economically from the pandemic, give help to those whose way of life are destroyed by natural disasters
• step out in faith to share why you believe and trust in God and are a Catholic disciple
• live a boldly Catholic life in the midst of a society that is
often hostile or indifferent to the faith
PRAYER FROM ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA Teach us, Lord, to serve you as you deserve;
to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds;
to toil and not to seek for rest; to labor and not ask for any reward,
save that of knowing that we do your will, Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For more information regarding this column please contact
Sue Logsdon at: [email protected]
F ounded in 1915 as a spiritual home for Italian immigrants, St. Francis is
a community of Roman Catholics who draw strength and vision from the Gospel and participation in the sacramental life of the Church, inspired by their patron saint’s spirit of humility and simplicity strive to be instruments of God’s peace and reconciliation by serving those in need in the Walla Walla Valley.
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
722 W. Alder Street - Walla Walla, Washington 99362 (509) 525-3310 Ext. 1
Tuesday & Thursday
8:00a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Office Manager: Terri Neal
Leave a message at 525-3310 Ext. 1
or email: [email protected]
St Ann’s Altar Society
Organizations Finance Council: Chair: Dominick Elia, Lorraine Manuel, Andrew Neal, Kevin Magnaghi Pastoral Council: Lisa Cox, Marguerite Daltoso, Tina Deccio, Rosalie Lesko, Claire Valente, Stephen Fausti, Donny Biagi, Chad Kjeldgaard, Tim Pettyjohn
President:
Lisa Cox
Altar Care:
September 5 | Louise Brown & Patty Lane
September 12 | Anne Heath & Shirley Dunn
Linens:
Claudia Deccio, Debbie Kleinhesselink
I f y o u k n o w o f a p a r i s h i o n e r w h o i s s i c k o r i n c r i s i s , g e t u s t h e i r n a m e a n d a d d r e s s a n d w e w i l l s e n d t h e m a c a r d o f e n c o u r a g e m e n t . C a l l t h e
p a r i s h o f f i c e a n d l e a v e a m e s s a g e o r e m a i l : s t f r a n c i s @ w w c a t h o l i c . c o m
Mass Intention 8:30 am Mass September 6 | Edmond & Nancy Doherty+
September 13 | John & Geneva Biagi+
ANOINTING OF THE SICK If you or someone you know is homebound, and in need of the Sacrament of Anointing, please contact your parish office at 525-3310.
PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR PARISH! Please continue to support your parish through these trying times. Some different options are: • Mail in your donation. If you want envelopes, let us know. • Set up online giving. It is easy and on our new website:
wwcatholic.org
September 14th is the feast day of the Exaltation
of the Holy Cross, also known as the Triumph of the
Cross or the Elevation of the Cross. This is the day the Church celebrates both the discovery and the recovery of the True Cross of Jesus Christ. We are so very blessed that St Francis Church has a Relic of the True Cross of our Lord
which will be displayed in the Church for veneration on Sunday, September 13th. The Church will be open from 9-1 on Monday, Sept. 14th for veneration.
ALL MASSES ARE NOW OPEN - NO SIGN UPS!After several weeks of being under capacity all Masses are now open. There will no longer be sign ups at this time. Just come! Please make sure and social distance. TAKE A MISSAL HOME
We are taking every precaution that we can to keep you safe. The pews are sanitized after every Mass. We are not keeping missals in the pews as we are not able to sanitize them between Masses. As an alternative, we are offering them to you to take home. They have the Sunday readings and the list of weekday readings
that you can use at home. There are also many prayers and songs. Besides home use, you are welcome to bring them with you to Mass each week … just remember to bring them back home with you. This will be your missal to keep.
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Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church
2098 E. Alder Street Walla Walla, Washington 99362 (509) 525-3310 Ext. 2
I n 1953, Bishop Charles D. White established the Assumption of the Blessed
Virgin Mary Parish in Walla Walla. The community undertook the building of a grade school. Over the next decade, there were added a convent, the rectory and our spacious modern church. Following the example of our Patroness, Assumption Parish strives to live a sacramental life, witnessing the Gospel, in our service to others.
We WELCOME you to Assumption Parish. If you wish to learn more about us, please fill out the Welcome Card located in the pew racks. OFFICE HOURS:
OFFICE MANAGER: Mary White Email: [email protected] PASTORAL COUNCIL: Anne Golden, Mike Levens, Patty Konen, Sally Buchanan-Rojo, Jerry Anhorn Jr, Michelle Moramarco, Jon Wheeler, Chandra Hall
BABY BASKET MINISTRY Children are a gift from God. The Baby Basket Ministry would like to gift your new little one a basket of baby clothes, diapers, lotion and a beautiful homemade quilt. We can't
wait to make arrangements to get a basket to you. Call either Mary Owens,
525 3697 or Kit Chryst, 301 0818 with your news!
TRI-PARISH DIAPER DRIVE There is now a Baby carriage in the
back of Assumption Church to make
donations of diapers and wipes for Catholic
Charities and other agencies in town that are
in need of diapers. It will be there year round.
Anointing of the Sick If you or someone you know is homebound, and wants to receive the Sacrament of Anointing, please contact your parish office at 525-3310.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT YOUR PARISH!
Please continue to support your parish through these trying times. Some different options are: • Mail in your donation. • Set up online giving. It is easy and there is a
button on our new website: wwcatholic.org or sign up here:
https://osvonlinegiving.com/4582
Monday: 9am-12pm Thursday: 9-12
Pray the Rosary
If you wish to convert anyone to the fullness of the knowledge of Our Lord and of His Mystical Body, then teach him the Rosary. One of two things will
happen. Either he will stop saying the Rosary — or he will get the gift of faith.~Venerable Fulton Sheen
Mass Intentions Saturday, 4pm 9/05/20 | Thelma Yragui + Sunday,10:30am 9/06/20 | Assumption Parishioners Saturday, 4pm 9/12/20 | Michele Betts + Sunday,10:30am 9/13/20 | Robert & Isabella Hickey & Shannelle +
St. Patrick Catholic Church
408 West Poplar Street Walla Walla, Washington 99362 (509) 525-3310 Ext. 3
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9AM -1:00PM Office Manager: Sonia Muro Email:[email protected] Pastoral Council: Antonio Caso, Salvador Esquivel, Shawna Sweeney, Steve Droke, Catherine Worden, Monica Gaffrey, Roger Treis.
B orn of the original 1846 Diocese of Walla Walla, St. Patrick Parish
is a culturally diverse community of Roman Catholics who, in cooperation with other Christians in the Walla Walla Valley, strive to worship God, foster spiritual growth among its members, and serve others according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
MASS INTENTIONS SEPT. 12-13, 2020 Saturday, 7:00pm | Tri-Parish parishioners Sunday, 7:30 am | Virgil Reynolds/Michelle Betts+ Sunday, 9:30 am | Todd Flanagan+ Sunday, 12:00 pm | Moncerrato/Flor Mora+
PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR PARISH! One easy way is to set up online giving. It is easy to do. ht tps:osvonl inegiving.com/4583 There is also a button on our website: wwcatholic.org
Early in the fourth century, Saint Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, went to Jerusalem in search of the holy places of Christ’s life. She razed the second-century Temple of Aphrodite, which tradition
held was built over the Savior’s tomb, and her son built the Basilica of the Holy
Sepulcher on that spot. During the excavation, workers found three crosses. Legend has it that the one on which Jesus died was identified when its touch healed a dying woman. The cross immediately became an object of veneration. At a Good Friday celebration in Jerusalem toward the end of the fourth century, according to an eyewitness, the wood was taken out of its silver container and placed on a table together with the inscription Pilate ordered placed above Jesus’ head: Then “all the people pass through one by one; all of them bow down, touching the cross and the inscription, first with their foreheads, then with their eyes; and, after kissing the cross, they move on.” franciscanmedia.com
WELCOME BABY MINISTRY If you are expecting a baby or recently had a
baby, please let us know so we can get a new baby gift basket to you. We would also love to provide you and your family with some
meals as you get settled. Contactless drop off can be arranged during Covid. Please call
Jennifer Caso with your baby news.(509). 301-7103.
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BAUTISMOS Y PLATICAS PREBAUTISMALES
PROXIMA PLATICA BAUTISMAL 7 DE SEPTIEMBRE, 2020 A LAS 7 PM EN EL SALON NATIVIDAD.
BAUTISMOS: PROXIMO BAUTISMO SERA EL 26 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2020. POR FAVOR LLAME A LA OFICINA PARROQUIAL PARA REGISTRARSE PARA LOS BAUTISMOS Y PLATICAS.
CATECISMO—2019-2020
Directora de Educación Religiosa, Maddi Baird.
Las registraciones para los sacramentos ya han comenzado. Horario de registración es Martes a Viernes de 2—5 pm
LAS CONFESIONES SERAN EN LA PARROQUIA DE LA ASUNCION EN LA ENTRADA PRINCIPAL. ESPERE EN SU CARRO HASTA QUE SEA SU TURNO. CONFESIONES TODOS LOS MIERCOLES, JUEVES Y VIERNES A LAS 4:30 A 5:30 PM.
YA NO TIENE QUE REGISTRARSE PARA VENIR A MISA POR AHORA. SOLA-MENTE VENGA.
TALLER DE FORMACION EN LA FE—El primer Sábado de cada mes comenzando a las 8:15– 11:30 am. Via zoom.
Necesitan registrarse con Sandra Barros al 509-662-4569 ext. 125 o con Yolanda Castillo al 206-330-3488 para que les manden el Link de Zoom y puedan entrar.
Horario de Oficina: Lunes, Miercoles y Viernes 9:00 – 1:00 Office Manager: Sonia Muro
Parroquia San Patricio 408 West Poplar Street Walla Walla, Washington 99362 (509) 525-3310
AVISOS EN ESPAÑOL XXIII DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO
N acida original de la Diócesis de Walla Walla de 1846, la parroquia de San Patricio es una comunidad diversa culturalmente de Católicos Romanos que, en cooperación con otros cristianos en el V alle de Walla Walla, se esfuerza por adorar a Dios, fomentar el crecimiento espiritual entre sus miembros y servir a los demás de acuerdo al Evangelio de Jesucristo.
6 DE SEPTIEMBRE, 2020
JOVENES DE SECUNDARIA Y PREPA MIDDLE SCHOOL/SECUNDARIA grados 6– 8 Mary White—High School Grados 9-12. NO SE ESTAN REUNIENDO POR EL MOMENTO INTENCIONES DE MISAS-SEPT. 6, 2020 MASS INTENTIONS-SEPT. 6, 2020 Sab. –Sat. –7:00 pm—Tri-Parish parishioners Sun.- 7:30 am– Bob Hugo (+) Sun– 9:30 am—Todd Flanagan (+) Dom.—12:00pm - Carol Mendoza (+) MASS INTENTIONS—SEPT. 13, 2020 Sab. 7:00pm—Tri-Parish parishioners Dom. 7:30 am– Virgil Reynolds/Michelle Betts (+) Dom. 9:30 am—Todd Flanagan (+) Dom. 12:00 pm— Moncerrato/Flor Mora (+) EVANGELIO—En aquel tiempo, Jesús dijo a sus
discipulos: “Si tu hermano comete un pecado, ve y
amonéstalo a solas.
Si te escucha, habrás salvado a tu hermano. Si no te
hace caso, hazte acompañar de una o dos personas,
para que todo lo que se diga conste por boca de dos
o tres testigos.
Pero si ni asi te hace caso, diselo a la comunidad; y
si ni la comunidad le hace caso, apártate de el como
de un pagano o de un publicano.
Yo les aseguro que todo lo que aten en la tierra
quedará atado en el cielo, y todo lo que desaten en la
tierra quedará desatado en el cielo.
Yo les aseguro también, que si dos de ustedes se
ponen de acuerdo para pedir algo, sea lo que fuere,
mi Padre celestial se lo concederá; pues donde dos o
tres se reúnen en mi nombre, ahi estoy yo en medio
de ellos”. Mateo 18: 15—20
Amigos, sin duda alguna, la pandemia del COVID-19 ha traido tremendos cambios en el mundo en que vivimos. Todos hemos sido empujados a hacer ajustes en nuestras vidas-obviamente, algunas nos gustan, y otras no, y otras ni
siquiera lo habiamos soñado. Durante este tiempo, la pregunta que está en la mente de todos ha sido “Como superamos esto?” o para otros ha sido, “Como salimos de esto mejor y más Fuertes?” Indudablemente preguntas muy importantes. Sin embargo, este Domingo quiero plantearles
otra pregunta para que reflexionemos mientras
maniobramos a través de esta pandemia. “Que
es lo que estamos aprendiendo durante este
periodo pandémico que nos habilite para ser
más intencional en vivir nuestro llamado al
discipulado?
Les voy a compartir una experiencia que tuve.
Hace algunas semanas, estaba esperando en
linea en una de las tiendas locales del UPS
(correo) y un caballero hizo un comentario
desagradable acerca del protocolo que se tiene
que seguir ahora en dia por el COVID-19.
Para la sorpresa de todos, una mujer mayor le
respondió con otra pregunta, “esta situación
todavia no le ha enseñado nada?”
Juzgando por mis ropas de clérigo, se dió
cuenta que era sacerdote y me dijo que estaba
feliz de que su hermano mayor y su papa
finalmente habian regresado a la Iglesia
durante este tiempo del COVID. Para ella, la
lección fue que Dios puede sacar cosas Buenas
aún de lo malo.
Me senti feliz de escuchar su historia. Aunque
ella no era Católica me retó a reflexionar más
en lo que podemos sacar de esta situación del
COVID.
Yo creo que una de las cosas más grandes que
esta pandemia nos ha enseñado es que la
Iglesia no es nadamás el edificio donde nos
reunimos para la adoración, más bien es la
gente. Incluso cuando las Iglesias estaban
cerradas, continuamos a ver más allá de las
estructuras de la iglesia para satisfacer las
necesidades de la gente de nuestra comunidad.
Ha sido asombroso ver como el espiritu de
servir a los necesitados se fortaleció entre
nosotros durante este tiempo. Siempre me he
impresionado por historias de feligreses
haciendo las compras para aquellos más
vulnerables, cortando el césped, haciendo
recados para los vecinos, familias orando
juntas y pasando mas tiempo de calidad juntos.
En estas pequeñas cosas, hemos seguido siendo
una comunidad de fe, adorar, ser discipulos, y
servirnos unos a otros.
“Que es lo que estamos aprendiendo durante
este periodo pandémico que nos habilite para
ser más intencionales en vivir nuestro llamado
al discipulado? Una gran lección es que hemos
sido reafirmados en ser la Iglesia, más allá de
las paredes de nuestros edificios.
La próxima semana, espero traerles otra
lección, hasta entonces,
Que Dios los bendiga.
Padre Raymond Kalema
CARTA DE UN VICARIO 6 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2020
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