Classes

The second class 1st yr. seminarians were taking was liturgics. They,too, had their exam 2 days before Father Ron left. Our seminary here in Arequipa is going to expand that course to two classes. There just isn't time to get both theory and practical details in sufficiently in one course. Just getting the liturgical year, learning how to find the scriptures for the daily offices and the Sunday lectionary is enough to send one's head spinning let alone "apse" and "narthex! And, what was that thing about the "black rubric" anyway?

Seminarians hard at work

While Padre Ron and Vicki have been off to a NEW WINESKINS conference, the seminarians have been finishing up on a couple of courses. Two days before Padre left, seminarians in the preaching class had their final exam sermons videotaped. Although everyone was a bit nervous, the taping went fine and Padre Ron thought it was the best group of sermons he has heard from students. Grades will come out when he gets back!

OKAY! I'LL EXPLAIN.....

When the first team from Christ Church Plano came down to spend time exclusively with the kids from the Casas, they were fascinated with the fact that the majority of our roofs are flat and that guard dogs live on them. It does get one's attenion when you hear a doberman or pit bull barking threateningly above your head! There purpose, though, is to guard the family so that it is a safe place of nurture and love. The team felt that was like their mission- to guard, nurture, and love the kids. Here I have included a roof dog from next door that I call "Fluffy" and an authentic roof dog finger puppet.

WOOF!!!

The team from Christ Church Plano just made their annual visit. It was great! The kids had a great time interacting with the team. We did both joint events and single-Casa events. Shopping for decorations for the home was a hit at Sagrada Familia. The team bought plants (live and artificial), kitchen utensils, a rug, and wall decorations. They brought backpacks and clothes for all 27 kids. GREAT JOB, DOGS! (Of course we missed those who could reschedule their trip after DFW was shut down on the original departure day.)

New Lay Minsters

Zoila and Nester received their lay minister licenses. Here they are vesting (in their new albas) for the service. Pray that God uses them mightily in ministry here in Arequipa.

Friends

It was great, too, to have friends from the US here for the ordinations and licensing of the lay ministers. Nozar and Toni got to participate in the service in the Cathedral "Good Shepherd."

More Synod

While discussing diocesan policy and budget, we had great opportunities in both small groups and at mealtimes to share with those from other parts of the diocese.

SYNOD

In late March we had the diocesan synod. Representatives from Juliaca, San Lucas, and Cristo Redentor all went down. Just the drive alone is 20 hrs. The commercial bus lines do it in 14! Maybe that accounts for the extremely high number of bus accidents in Peru! Of course the clergy and lay ministers went, too. As in past years, Vicki ended up helping the bishop's wife Judith with refreshments and meals. Various parishoners in Lima opened up their homes to the "out-of-towners." The Parks most graciously hosted us. This year's synod was the smoothest we've had.