January 24, 2021
My Dearest St. James’ “Familia,”
I want to begin by thanking everyone for welcoming me with open arms, after serving as the deacon at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, in Uvalde. As you know, last November, Bishop Reed appointed me, and the Vestry approved my placement as your new priest in charge. I was ordained here at St. James, on December the 20th, and was blessed to celebrate my first Eucharistic service with you on Christmas Eve.
As a bi-vocational priest, all ministries other than those reserved to ordained leadership (such as administering the sacraments) are the mutual responsibility of the vestry, parish members, and me. I am blessed and thankful to our magnificent vestry members who’ve been diligently working with me to make this a reality. Other than Sunday services, I’ve been leading chapel for the school on Wednesdays, supporting the Head of school, working on administrative reports, planning special liturgies, and updating the website, as well as working with the school board, the HOS Search Committee, the Vestry, and more. In addition, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, I’ve been streaming the Order for Compline service from my home, on our Facebook page, which I also administer.
I am thrilled to say that we have been streaming our Sunday services via Facebook live. This has allowed us to reach church members that are not able to physically be at church for different reasons. In addition, we’ve reached many other people, with an average of 50 views during our services. I want to thank Hector Lopez for serving as our camera man. Our technology is minimal right now, since we’ve been using personal phone data to stream. Our wifi signal does not reach the sanctuary, and there are no outlets available to connect a router. Therefore, getting the latter setup will be necessary before we can purchase and install any professional equipment.
I look forward to continuing our work together as the Body of Christ, as we do the work of our Lord by serving the needy in our community and beyond.
Your servant in Christ,
Father Arnoldo+