September has been a month of many home visits. With all of our families doing virtual schools, I have been checking in to see how everyone has been doing. We had some donations of supplies that have been a blessing to families as they do their school work. We have also been supporting the families with any items that need to be printed since none of the families own printers at home. Pastor Tony and I are working together to create Spanish language BLAST boxes so families can share in spiritual growth together at home.

Another type of home visit I’ve been busy with is driver’s education. So far I have helped three members receive their license. Now we have two that have learner’s permits and two more studying for the written test. When I am driving the students to and from the parking lots where we initially practice, it gives us an opportunity to talk about other things happening in their lives. The cost of driver’s education classes prevents many young Latinos from getting a license when their classmates do. Pastor Walter who was at Ascension, Milwaukee at the time, helped me get my driver’s license when I first arrived in the country so I am happy to continue this unique form of ministry outreach.

I have also been doing traditional pastoral visits with families that have been unable to attend church on Sunday mornings. They appreciate the opportunity for prayers, conversation, and communion.
In spite of everything, the fall looks to be filled with many exciting firsts for our Spanish language members. On a rainy September Sunday, we had a first communion. Since all of our families come from the Roman Catholic tradition, first Communion is a significant event in a child’s life.
Although Karla was not our first Latino to receive her first communion at Ascension, in the smaller Spanish language service, their family felt comfortable incorporating Salvadoran traditions into the experiences.

In October, we are looking forward to our first bilingual confirmation service. We are also in the early stages of planning for our first Spanish language wedding. We have some new members that have been legally married for years, but they have longed for a religious ceremony. They were never able to come up with the funds required to pay for a wedding at their previous church.
We are thankful to God that he continues to help us find new ways to be the church in these unusual times.

Edwin Aparicio
Spanish Language Minister

Reprinted from the October newsletter.