Faith & Religion

Faith & Religion - Fe y religion

ST. JOSEPH'S LUBBOCK VETERAN'S MASS: The mass in honor of veteran's at St. Joseph's Lubbock has been held annually for a number of years. (Photo by Gerardo Mendoza)

KOC CELEBRATE VETERAN'S MASS: Members of the Knights of Columbus posed by the Missing Man Table that represents the emotions and feelings reserved for those who did not come home from war or service. The ceremony symbolizes that they are with us, in spirit. The table was a reminder at St. Joseph's Church Veteran breakfast.

Forward in Chris

The Bible tells us in... Romans 15:13 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. The word peace used in this verse is the word, Shalom. (Shalom is the state of well-being) When you hear the word peace, what comes to mind? I use to think of peace as a beautiful sunset on a beach somewhere, or the satisfying feeling of a favorite NFL team winning a game, or when everyone agrees with me and there is no arguing or fighting going on… or a Jason’s Deli Ruben pastrami sandwich on a croissant bun after an amazing Sunday morning service followed by an anointed Sunday afternoon nap! HALLELUJAH!! The truth is… Peace isn’t necessarily a moment it’s a person… and that person… that Peace… came to us. The bible says in… Isaiah 9:6 6For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. I pray that the peace of the Lord would saturate you and your family during this season! Open your heart to Him today. AMEN!

Joshua Ramirez is the Campus Pastor of the Lubbock Dream Center and has been in ministry for 30 years.

Get vaccinated! ¡Vacunarse! A Time of Traditions

BY CHRISTY MARTINEZ-GARCIA FOR LATINO LUBBOCK MAGAZINE

The voices of young and old can be heard faintly in the distance in a collective and timehonored song. Small glowing lights from candles ascend slowly upon the block of houses and harmonize with the reflection from the luminarias that line the streets and sidewalks of homes and the church. Participating families wait eagerly for this Spanish folk drama re-enactment of the time Mary and Joseph searched for shelter in Bethlehem. The celebration referred to as Las Posadas is relevant to the Inn at Bethlehem in the Nativity story; it begins each Dec. 16 and continues through Christmas Eve. Spanish friars developed the Posadas celebration as a way to introduce religion to the indigenous people in Mexico. They used this event to engage them in a very simple way where they could understand the faith and its significance. Each of the nine nights, the Posadas are observed with religious processions. The tradition varies in different churches and different regions of Texas and New Mexico. Some churches create live nativities, which portray the Virgin Mary and Joseph. Church members walk from house to house singing and carrying candles. At each house, they ask for shelter and food. Like in the story, they are refused. Las Posadas is also a way to help keep the traditions and culture alive. It’s part of a tradition to keep the Christmas story alive. After a Posada procession, everyone returns to the colorfully decorated church hall that is adorned with a star-shaped piñata. The piñata symbolizes the guiding North Star. Growing up, I remember going to the parish hall for a celebration after the door to door procession. The Guadalupanos, a Catholic church men’s group, served beverages including coffee, cinnamon tea, and hot chocolate. The Guadalupanas, a group made up of many generations of women, served treats and delicatessen made from family recipes, including a variety of Mexican sweet bread, sometimes, tamales. Even today, the conversations in English and Spanish overlap each other and create a restful feeling. Loud laughter from the men as they talk and share stories fills the room, while the children strategically anticipate the breaking of the piñata. “Dalé, dalé,” hollers one of the adults, with that the candy drops. And as we departed, a small paper sack filled with an apple, orange, peanuts, and candy was given to the children of fruit. Today many of the traditions are similar. And fortunately, Las Posadas remain as strong. Posadas will be December 19- 21st beginning with Mass at 6 p.m. and followed by Posadas from 7 to 9 p.m. each day. Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 1120 52nd St, Lubbock.

HOLIDAY DEADLINE

Latino Lubbock Magazine's December Deadline: News & Info: Nov. 15th Ads: Nov. 18th

Email news to: news@Latinolubbock.net or call (806)792-1212.

We apologize for any inconvenience. Church Bulletins

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA December 4, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Saint Patrick Church, 1603 Cherry Avenue, Lubbock, will host Breakfast with Santa, $7 breakfast plates and $2 picture donations. to be followed by our Winter Wonderland from 6pm- 9 p.m.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUA-

DALUPE Sat., December 11th, at St. John the Baptist, at 10805 Indiana Ave. Spanish Mass at 5 pm. Parishioners are encouraged to bring their offerings of flowers and written prayers to the display next to the altar.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

FEAST DAY CELEBRATION Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 3111 Erskine, Sun. Dec. 12th, Everyone is invited to come and celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 5:30 am Mariachi's, 6 am Mass, Matachines Dancers following mass, 7 am Reception and Craft Activities in Buxkemper Hall. Everyone encourage to bring roses.

SUPPORT FOR YOUR FAMILY:

Catholic Charities Youth and Family department is still here to help families’ mental and emotional health. Case managers can help with family conflict, stress, anxiety and more. To be contacted by a case manager, fill out a form at cclubbock.org/ youth-and-families. ONLINE MASS – Check www.catholiclubbock.org/Covid-19 for a listing. COUNSELING: Affordable marriage and family counseling offered by Marriage & Family Life Office, in collaboration with TTU Marriage & Family Clinic. For appointment, call Dr. Nicole Springer at 806-7423074. DIVINE MERCY Chaplet online at https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/ devotions/novena PRAY THE ROSARY ONLINE at https://www.cathedralofmary. org/faith-formation/resources/ pray-the-rosary-online

YOUTH MINISTRY WE-

BINARS: The National Federa - tion for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) has resources against racism, including a free webinar series on how to apply the USCCB's pastoral letter, "Open Wide Our Hearts" in a ministry context. Details: www.nfcym.org/open-wide-ourhearts

UNDERSTANDING THE SCRIP-

TURES online at https://catholicboard. com/

THE BIBLE

ONLINE www. catholic.org/bible/

EWTN NEWS

https://www.ewtnnews.com/

LATINO LUBBOCK MAGAZINE

ON STANDS AND ONLINE www. latinolubbock.net

Special - Faith/Fe

Our Lady of Guadalupe La Virgen de Guadalupe

BY CHRISTY MARTINEZ-GARCIA FOR LATINO LUBBOCK MAGAZINE

She is referred to as the Mother of God and shows herself differently to people so they can identify with her, but she also chooses to manifest herself with messages and challenges for all. The Virgin Mary has presented herself differently to people of different backgrounds and in a personable way. As many prepare for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico, the story of when she aligned herself with the most common gives hope to all. On Dec. 12, 1531, in Mexico, a poor Indian, Juan Diego, was looking for water for his uncle, when he was surprised by a vision of a beautiful woman who directed him to a spring of fresh, cool water. In the same spot a few days later, the vision appeared to Juan Diego again. This time, she told him to go to Mexico City to tell the high church officials to build a church in her name on that site. The church officials did not believe the poor indigenous man, questioning why the Virgin Mary would appear to someone so lowly. They insisted on proof. As such, Diego returned to the hillside to visit the Virgin again and asked her for a sign. She asked him to pick full bloom roses that normally did not grow in that area or in the winter. He picked them and wrapped them in his rough blanket and brought them to the church officials. When he opened his blanket, the officials fell to their knees in adoration and amazement, as they saw a beautiful image imprinted on his blanket. It was the image of the Virgen of Guadalupe, just as Juan Diego had seen her. Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe Annually, on Dec. 12, Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe (The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe), celebrations and processions take place beginning early at dawn, weaving indigenous dances and traditions into the worship of the Virgen. Thousands of devout worshipof the play (also symbolizes Satan, or the Devil, according to Roman Catholic religious interpretations), dressed with the skins of the buffalo and wearing the horns of this sacred ancestor; Abuelo, the grandfather, and Abuela, grandmother. Much symbolism is seen in these groups. The most basic symbol of the dance is good vs. evil, with good prevailing. The dances performed by the Matachines have significant symbolism. In Lubbock Hundreds of area Catholic faithful from the Diocese of Lubbock will gather on Sunday, December 12. Line up at the Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center, (34th & Ave. Q), at 2:30 pm. Buses will run from Our Lady of Guadalupe to Byron Martin Center starting at 2 pm, at 3 pm the procession leaves Byron Martin going East down 34th & turning South on Ave. P to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Jamaica Grounds, 1120 52nd St. A Rosary on the Our Lady of Guadalupe Jamaica Grounds will follow the procession. All are invited to walk with us in prayer and thanksgiving to our holy Mother Mary. For more information, please call the office of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, (806)763-0710. Church Banners are welcome for each church prepared by various groups including the Guadalupanas and the Guadalupanos, some will feature the Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary and some will feature a girl who will play the role of the Virgen and a boy who will play Juan Diego. Mass will be celebrated immediately after the procession. Following the celebration of the Mass, the roses will blessed for families to take home. A reception after the mass will conclude festivities. For more information, please call (806) 763-0710.

pers make pilgrimages to the Basilica of the Virgen de Guadalupe in northern Mexico City. They view the image of the Virgen on Juan Diego’s blanket and worship with Catholics from around the world. Pilgrims also visit the shrine that was built on the hillside where Juan Diego first saw the vision. Celebration of the Patroness of the Americas and Empress of Latin America & Protectress of Unborn Children: Title given by Holy Father John Paul the Great will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe

Sunday, December 12th starting with Las Mañanitas at 8 am.

Las Guadalupanas The women's group referred to as las Guadalupanas have formed wherever Catholics have established their faith. La Sociedad’s duties culminate each year on December 12th, the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In preparation for her Feast Day, La Sociedad Guadalupana prays the Rosary and a novena on the nine days leading up to her Feast Day. On December 12th, in the a.m. new members are installed. Serenades, like Las Mañanitas, are sung in praise to La Virgen. Members of the Guadalupanas participate in the annual procession in her honor during which they pray the Rosary as they journey from the designated location in Lubbock to the parish church to serenade her, while Matachines-“Indigenous Dancers.” Los Matachines The Matachina dance, or "Danza de Matachines" (Spanish) is explained by oral tradition amongst most Indian Tribes as "The Dance of the Moors and Christians" and is the first masked dance introduced by the Spaniards. The Matachines dance for a deeper religious purpose since most of them join to venerate Our Lady of Guadalupe. Dressed in traditional ceremonial dress and clothing, a chorus of dancers include La Malinche, or Malintzin, the Indian mistress of Hernán Cortés; El Toro, the bull, the malevolent comic man

6TH ANNUAL VETERAN'S PARADE: Veterans and veteran advocates proceeded down Broadway towards downtown to show their support for those who serve. The Lubbock Fire Department participated for the first time and brought pride as they draped the flag by two ladders. Thank you!

VETERAN TRADITIONS: This year at the Veterans Parade of Lubbock, the public witnessed a 21-Gun Salute fired in honor of the American flag and the bugle rendition of Taps by the Veterans of Foreign War. Thank you for your service!

ROGER HILBURN JR. RETIRES: On October 13, 2021, after serving as a Sergeant with the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Department, Hilburn retired after serving 36 years law enforcement for. He received multiple commendations throughout his career. He is married to Delia Hilburn and has three children. Retirement will consist of spending time with grand kids and fishing.

You Have a Choice

In 2016, 10,497 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for 28% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. Of the 1,233 traffic deaths among children ages 0 to 14 years in 2016, 214 (17%) involved an alcoholimpaired driver. An alcohol-related motor vehicle crash kills someone in the United States every 31 minutes and injures someone every two minutes. During the holiday season, the roads become even more dangerous. Parties and festivities make the period between Christmas and New Year's Day the most deadly season when it comes to alcohol-related crashes. All of these deaths and injuries can be prevented. This holiday season and throughout the year, make a commitment to avoid driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and stop others from doing the same. Get involved in the campaign to

increase community awareness about the tragic consequences of driving under the influence. Drugged driving has only recently been recognized as posing the same kind of danger as driving under the influence of alcohol. While there are no statistics yet as to the number of accidents or fatalities caused by drug-impaired driving, many believe the numbers are just as high. In the past few years, many states have adopted laws against drugimpaired driving. The National Safety Council has launched a campaign to educate the public on the dangers of driving while impaired by many common prescription and over-the-counter drugs, such as antihistamines and anti-anxiety medications. If you take prescription or other drugs, check with your doctor or pharmacist and learn about the laws in your state. Tienes una opción

En 2016, 10,497 personas murieron en choques de conducción bajo los efectos del alcohol, lo que representa el 28% de todas las muertes relacionadas con el tráfico en los Estados Unidos. De las 1,233 muertes por accidentes de tránsito entre niños de 0 a 14 años en 2016, 214 (17%) involucraron a un conductor ebrio.En Estados Unidos, cada 31 minutos muere una persona y cada 2 minutos se lesiona una persona por accidentes automovilísticos asociados al alcohol. Durante las temporadas de fiestas, las pistas se tornan aún más peligrosas. Las fiestas y las festividades hacen del periodo entre Navidad y Año Nuevo la temporada de mayor mortandad en lo que se refiere a accidentes asociados al alcohol. Todas estas muertes y daños podrían ser evitados. Haga para estas fiestas y para todo el resto del año, la promesa de evitar manejar bajo la influencia de alcohol o de drogas y evite que otros lo hagan. Involúcrese en la campaña para aumentar la conciencia de la comunidad sobre las trágicas consecuencias de manejar bajo la influencia del alcohol. Sólo recientemente se ha reconocido que el manejo bajo los efectos de drogas representa el mismo peligro que manejar bajo la influencia de alcohol. Si bien todavía no hay estadísticas en lo que se refiere al número de accidentes o fatalidades causadas por el manejo vulnerado por las drogas, muchos piensan que los números son igualmente elevados. En los últimos años, muchos estados han adoptado leyes contra el manejo bajo la influencia de drogas. El National Safety Council ha lanzado una campaña para educar al público sobre los peligros de manejar bajo la influencia de cualquiera de las muchas drogas recetadas y drogas sin receta, tales como antihistamínicos y medicamentos contra la ansiedad. Si está tomando alguna droga recetada o cualquier otra droga, consulte a su médico o farmacéutico y conozca las leyes de su estado.

Veteran & Military Connection

PURPLE HEART SOUTH PLAINS OF TEXAS CHAPTER

MEETINGS 3rd Saturday at 110 a.m., at American Legion, 6628 66th St, in Lubbock. For more info call Steve Oien at (707) 592-4598. VETERAN SUICIDE HOTLINE If you know someone is actively considering suicide, call the veterans' suicide hotline at 1 (800) 273-8255. It's a service rendered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. DISABILITY.GOV This U.S. federal government website gives information on disability programs and services. It helps find information on how to apply for disability benefits, find a job, get health care or pay for accessible housing. www.disability.gov

HELP OUR MILITARY HEROES

is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the military wounded with fully equipped handicapped vehicles. www. helpourmilitaryheroes.org WOUNDED WEAR Provide free fashionable clothing kits and modifications to wounded warriors that empower them to rediscover the hero within. (757) 773-8079 http://www.woundedwear.org/

Important Numbers

Teléfonos de interés para los veteranos

CRISIS LINE 1-800-273-TALK(8255) "Press 1 for Veterans" U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs 806-472-3420 Lubbock Vet Center 806-792-9782 or 877-927-8387 2-1-1 Information and Referral Información y referencia Latino Lubbock Magazine 806-792-1212

Neighborhood News & Resources

NORTH LUBBOCK NEIGHBORHOOD AS-

SOCIATION will have its monthly meeting at Maggie Trejo Supercenter, 3200 Amherst. on Thurs. Dec. 18th at 5:30. p.m. Christmas gathering, please bring a covered dish or dessert. FAMILY VOLUNTEER DAY November 20, 2021. If you are interested in having a service opportunity or volunteering contact Riley at rtaguwa@volunteerlubbock. org

2-1-1 NON-EMERGENCY QUES-

TIONS 2-1-1 is a free help line answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which will link you to health and community services. NEXTDOOR allows you to keep up with your neighborhood at https://nextdoor.com/ news_feed/

3-1-1 CITIZENS CALL CENTER

provides citizens with direct access to NonEmergency City Services. Call takers are available 8 to 5 pm daily.

HEART OF LUBBOCK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MEETING meeting is the fourth Monday of each month, 7 pm, at the Volunteer Center of Lubbock, 1706 23rd.

NATIONAL DAYS OF SERVICE

2022: January 17 - MLK Day of Service March 31 - Cesar Chavez Day of Service April 17-23 - National Volunteer Week September 11 - National Day of Remembrance

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? NEWS?

Submit your story online at www.latinolubbock. net/have-a-story For more info call (806)7921212.

Important Numbers for Senior Citizens

Teléfonos de interés para la tercera edad

AARP: 888-687-2277 Social Security: 800-772-1213 Medicare: 800-633-4227 TX Area Agency on Aging: 800-252-9240 2-1-1 Information and Referral Información y referencia 3-1-1 Information and Referral Información y referencia Latino Lubbock Magazine 792-1212

latinolubbock@suddenlink.net www.latinolubbock.net

Heat Your Home

Tips for a Safe, Warm Winter

Most injuries from fires involving heating equipment occurred when the user was asleep or when a child under 10 was left unsupervised with the equipment, according to data released in September 2009, from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Portable electric heaters should be used according to the manufacturers' instructions so that injuries can be avoided. Follow these simple and important safety tips when using portable electric heaters: 1. Read the manufacturer's instructions and warning labels before using your portable electric heater. 2. Do not leave an operating heater unattended and always unplug heater when not in use. 3. Do not use your heater with a power strip or extension cord. Overheating of a power strip or extension cord could result in a fire. 4. String out cords on top of area rugs or carpeting. Placing anything, including furniture, on top of the cord may damage it. 5. Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, pillows, bedding, papers, clothes and curtains at least three feet from the front of the heater and away from the sides and rear. Do not block heater's air intake or outlet. 6. Keep flammable materials, such as paint, gas cans and matches, away from the heater. 7. Unless the heater is designed for outdoor use or in bathrooms, do not use in damp or wet areas. Parts in the heater may be damaged by mois-

ture. 8. Check periodically for a secure plug/outlet fit. If the plug does not fit snugly into the outlet or if the plug becomes very hot, the outlet may need to be replaced. Check with a qualified electrician to replace the outlet. 9. Unplug the heater when not in use by pulling the plug straight out from the outlet. Inspect the heater's cord periodically. Do not use a heater with a damaged cord. 10. Do not plug any other electrical device into the same outlet as your heater. This could result in overheating. 11. Heaters should be kept away from children and not be placed in a child's room without supervision. 12. Place heater on a level, flat surface. Only use heater on table tops when specified by the manufacturer. Do not place your heater on furniture. It could fall, dislodging or breaking parts in the heater. For more information or to order a free portable heater safety brochures in English and Spanish online at www.heatersafety.org or by calling (888) 785-SAFE.

Tie One On And Designate a Driver

Some of the most dangerous days of the year on our nation’s roadways are between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. That is why every holiday season MADD asks you to display a MADD red ribbon in a visible location to remind others to always designate a non-drinking driver. Started in 1986, Tie One On For Safety® is MADD’s longest running and most visible public awareness project. The name comes from the phrase “tie one on,” which is slang for drinking alcohol. But at MADD we use the phrase to remind everyone that drinking and driving don’t mix. This holiday season, show your commitment to eliminating drunk driving by: • Putting safety before the party and always designate a nondrinking driver BEFORE the celebration begins to ensure everyone arrives home safely. • Hosting parties responsibly by offering mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages, and by providing alternate transportation or accommodations for guests who have been drinking. Get more safe party tips at madd. org/safeparty.

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED: Starbucks employees took time to serve Veterans at the 6th Annual Veterans Parade of LBK. They provided coffee and treats prior to the parade. Thank you!

HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED: The family of the late Lasaro Gonzales Landin Sr. who served in WW II was proudly honored by his family members for his service to country. Landin was at the Battle of Normandy and shared a testimony in his later days. The float not only gave the family pride, but also the spectators who watched as they honored him and other family members.