With the end of the pandemic in sight in the US, everyone is beginning to talk about life after the pandemic. This restart is a good time to decide what from our pre-pandemic life is worth returning to, what can be left in the past, and what new things can we expect.

We are grateful that this year we were able to return to many of our Semana Santa (Holy Week) traditions that are such a meaningful way of expressing our faith. While I know we should be appreciative of the fact that we had technology that allowed us to experience Holy Week virtually last year, it isn’t an adequate substitute for face to face worship.

In the Latino ministry world, we are purchasing another pig, thanks to a grant. These purchases of pigs have supported local farmers while providing much needed support to our families. With this next pig, our families will receive a box of meat to keep for themselves and a box to give to a friend who could benefit from it in a beautiful moment of evangelism.

Our families are busy planning for summer activities. After the death of Fabricio from drowning, all of the Spanish-speaking families are eager to enroll their children in swimming lessons. And after a year of virtual school, many of the families would like their children in summer school to prepare them to return to face to face school in the fall. Many of the families shared their conflicted feelings with me about these summer programs. They know it is best for the children, but they do not always have the means to provide their children with transportation to these classes. I told them to enroll their children in the activities that they felt were best for their children and that I have faith that the people of Ascension will help out with rides. If you are able to help with rides, please let me know.

May also means transitions in my day to day life. I will be changing my side job from substitute teacher to landscaper now that the weather will allow for that. I complete my second year of seminary on May 15 and begin my internship. For some of my fellow seminarians, this is a big change. For me, I will continue the work I have been doing as Spanish language minister, plus beginning to do some preaching and pastoral visits in English. While I have the smallest adjustment of my classmates going into my internship, I might be the most nervous. I hope all of you will be patient with me and my accent as I begin to preach in English.

Finally, in May we will have our first Spanish language wedding. We are excited that our faith community can be a part of the beginning of this new family. May God guide you in your journey to decide what your new post-pandemic life will be like.

Edwin Aparicio, Spanish Language Minister

(Reprinted from the May 2021 newsletter)