Faith & Religion

Faith & Religion - Fe y religion

LA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE: Our Lady of Guadalupe of Lubbock Guadalupanas gathered for a photo before the observance honoring la Virgen de Guadalupe.

KOC 25TH ANNIVERSARY: Our Lady of Guadalupe Knights of Columbus #11807 celebrated their 25th Anniversary with a small gathering. Congratulations!

LOS MATACHINES: The Our Lady of Guadalupe Matachines danced their traditional religious dance. Their roots go back to a type of widespread medieval sword dance called a morisca.

GUADALUPANOS HONORING LA VIRGEN: Members of the Our Lady of Grace Men's Club participated in the mass honoring La Virgen de Guadalupe.

Local Priest Credited for Saving Lives During Church Fire

BY CHRISTY MARTINEZ- GARCIA FOR LATINO LUBBOCK MAGAZINE

If you know the pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Muleshoe, Texas - Father Heriberto Mercado, then you understand why many are referring to him as a hero. When the church caught on fire last month during the 8 a.m. Sunday morning service on December 12, 2021 - they had just started a mass celebrating the feast days of Immaculate Conception and honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. Father Heriberto detected smoke and instead of immediately sounding the alarm, he remained calm and collected. He calmly made an announcement that the congregation leave the building. All 200 parishioners evacuated accordingly. It wasn’t until they were standing outside that they became aware that the church was on fire as the smell of smoke in the sanctuary didn’t even phase most. Some thought it was the scent of incense they are accustomed to each Sunday. One member of the church, Juanita DelToro, said as soon as people reached the parking lot, they saw smoke and flames coming out of the building. “It was just a shock,” said DelToro sharing that many of the parishioners began to cry. Parish Council President, Rosario Cabrera, said there was damage to various areas of the church. Regardless, she said that all the parishioners were safe thanks to church officials and a quick-acting priest, likely preventing massive panic that may have saved lives. “We have a very brave and heroic priest,” she said. Moreover, the Church remains strong, and they are temporarily holding services in their fellowship hall located behind the church until further notice. If you would like to assist the church has a fire restoration fund at Happy State Bank, or, make an online donation on the Lubbock Diocese website (Catholiclubbock.org), click on Menu, select Give, scroll down to Parish Donation and select Online Give.

Attend the Candle Mass Day Día de la Candelaria

BY CHRISTY MARTINEZ-GARCIA FOR LATINO LUBBOCK MAGAZINE

Día de la Candelaria (Day of the Candles or Candle Mass) happens on February 2, and is a Mexican celebration that is fusion of the Catholic influences and native Mexican tradition. It falls forty days after Christmas, and is celebrated by Catholics as the "Feast of Purification" or as the "Presentation of Christ at the Temple." According to Jewish law it was customary to bring a baby to the temple after that period of time had passed. So Jesus would have been taken to the temple on February second. Another custom is for families to own an image of the Christ child, a Niño Dios. At times a godparent is chosen for the Niño Dios, who is then responsible for hosting various celebrations between

Christmas and Candlemas.

First, on Christmas Eve the Niño Dios is placed in the Nativity scene, on January 6th, King's Day, the child is brought presents from the

Magi, and on February 2nd, the child is dressed in fine clothes and presented in the church.

In addition, children receive a second round of Christmas presents on Jan. 6, Kings Day. Día de la Candelaria is a follow-up to the festivities of King's Day and Tamales are a favorite food of choice.

Church Bulletins

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH NEW YEAR SCHEDULE:

NEW YEAR’S EVE MASS, Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God at Friday, December 31st at 5 pm NEW YEAR’S DAY MASS, Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Saturday, January 1st at 10:00 am

FEAST OF EPIPHANY MASS

Sunday, January 2nd at 9:00 am and 11:00 am Located at 10805 Indiana Ave.

THESOLEMNITYOFMARY,MOT

HEROFGODMASSES: Our Lady of Guadalupe LBK will hold masses Friday, Dec 31st 6 pm in Spanish followed by adoration until 8 pm.; and Sat., Jan 1st at 10 am in English, at 1120 52nd St.

BIBLE STUDY AT OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CHURCH

Father Piña’s Bible Study in English will be placed on hold until Wed, Jan 5th at 7 pm. at 1120 52nd St. El Estudio Bíblico en Español con Emilio Abeyta estará en espera hasta el Miércoles, 5 de Enero a las 7pm.

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. KALEIDOSCOPE OF FAITH— January 21 & 22, 2022 at the Catholic Renewal Center in Lubbock. We will gather as Church family with featured speakers: Lucia & Ricardo Luzondo, Father Ricky Manolo & Joe Melendrez. For more information, please contact Sister Peggy Szeljack, 806-792-3943.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE SAN RAMON ANNUAL VALENTINES

DANCE-Friday, February 11th, 2022— 7:00-12:00 p.m. in the Knights of Columbus Banquet Hall. Call the parish office at 806-863-2201 for details.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Ash Wednesday - March 2nd Palm Sunday - April 10th Easter Sunday - April 17th 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 806742-3074.

DIVINE MER-

CY Chaplet online at https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/novena

PRAY THE ROSARY ONLINE

at https://www.cathedralofmary.org/faithformation/resources/pray-the-rosary-online

Special - Faith/Fe

Here Come the Three Wise Men

BY CHRISTY MARTINEZ-GARCIA

After New Year’s Day, many Latino families still have a very special date to commemorate and enjoy. On January 6, most of the Hispanic world celebrates El Dia De Reyes, the Epiphany, remembering the day when the Three Wise Men following the star to Bethlehem, arrived bearing their treasured gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for the Baby Jesus. On the night, of January 5, the figurines of the Three Wise Men are added to the nativity scene. Some families still encourage their children to put out old shoes so that the Wise Men will leave them presents. At some homes, hay and water are left out for the animals, and snacks are left for Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar. The evening of the 6th is when the Merienda de Reyes, a Spanish based tradition of celebrating the Epiphany with a dinner is held. Friends and families celebrate the Epiphany and indulge in tamales, the Rosca de Reyes, an oval sweetbread, decorated with candied fruit, and hot chocolate. Whoever gets the baby figurine hosts another celebration on February 2, the day of the Candelaria or Candle mass day. On this day the host also gets a new Ropón, or dress for the Baby Jesus of the Nativity scene. That night, families gather again to put away the nativity and to close the Christmas season.

las autoridades. Montados en sus camellos o en carrozas, los reyes desfilan por la ciudad para disfrute y deleite de los niños que les miran con ojos de asombro e ilusión. La Cabalgata de Reyes es una representación festiva de la adoración de los tres Reyes Magos al Niño Dios. Las ciudades se llenan de luces y color, y comienza el largo recorrido, que en ocasiones dura horas; las carrozas, los camellos, los pajes reales y los más variados y exóticos personajes desfilan ante los ojos atónitos de niños y mayores. Según la tradición española, la tarde del día 5 de enero los tres Magos de Oriente recorren la ciudad lanzando a los niños caramelos y mostrando todo su esplendor.

¡Ya Vienen Los Reyes Magos!

Una de las tradiciones más arraigadas en la cultura española es la celebración de la noche de reyes, cuando niños y mayores se llenan de ilusiones y esperanzas. La Cabalgata es un desfile que cada 5 de enero se representa en las grandes y pequeñas ciudades españolas. Representa el camino que recorrieron los Reyes Magos hasta Belén para encontrar al Niño Dios siguiendo la estrella que les marcaba el camino. Esta fiesta reúne a

Important Numbers

Police (Non-Emergency) call 763-5333

Fire (Non-Emergency) call 765-5757

Emergencies call 9-1-1 Program/Service info, call 2-1-1

City services, call 3-1-1 City - call 775-3000. www.ci.lubbock.tx.us

County - call 775-1000 www.co.lubbock.tx.us LISD - call 766-1000 www.lubbockisd.org

Latino Lubbock Magazine 792-1212

news@latinolubbock.net www.latinolubbock.net

LATINO LUBBOCK DEADLINE NEWS & INFO, 15TH ADVERTISING THE 21ST

muchas personas en las calles y plazas de las ciudades para ver pasar a los reyes y sus pajes quienes regalan caramelos a los niños, es una noche donde se mezclan las tradiciones y la fe. Según el Evangelio de San Mateo, los tres Reyes Magos de Oriente ofrecieron al Niño Dios oro, incienso y mirra. Durante años y siglos, la tradición popular ha representado a tres importantes personajes que adoraron al Niño Dios y le ofrecieron regalos. En España e Hispanoamérica existe la tradición de entregar a los niños regalos en la noche del 5 al 6 de enero. Esa noche, largamente esperada por los niños, los tres Reyes Magos llegan a la ciudad con todo su séquito, donde son recibidos por Forward in Chris

Who or what is your strength? Where does your hope come from? When we read about the life of Paul the apostle, we read about a man who endured a lot of suffering for his faith in Jesus. Jesus was his strength. Even when he became discouraged, Paul did not slide into despair. Jesus was his sure hope. In the midst of the most savage persecution, Paul knew that he would never be alone. Jesus had promised to be with him always. Even if his enemies succeeded in striking him down, Paul knew that he would not be destroyed. Jesus was his life, and in him, Paul would live forever. When the pressure seems too much for you and you’re struggling to stand up under it, remember where your strength lies. It lies, not in you, but in Jesus who was crushed and abandoned for you. In him, you hold both ultimate victory over all your enemies and the strength to endure until he takes you to heaven. Let this year be a year of strength in Christ. Prayer: Lord Jesus, uphold me with your strength so that in you I may always stand. Amen.

Joshua Ramirez is the Campus Pastor of the Lubbock Dream Center and has been in ministry for 30 years. LOS MATACHINES DE PLAINVIEW: The Matachines proudly danced their religious dance honoring La Virgen de Guadalupe. Originally, the dances acted out the battle between Christianity and paganism. The Spanish brought the ritual with them to the New World, where over time it incorporated Mexican, Indian, and American religious and social symbols. Great job!

En Aquellos Días…

"Ya viene el viejito.” Era lo que decía mi papa cada diciembre. Papa y mi mama no salían a los bailes ni salían a las fiestas para festejar la entrada del año nuevo, solo que cada año toda la familia estábamos juntos en la casa. Era el único día que podíamos estar despiertos hasta después de medianoche. Mi mama hacia buñuelos desde temprano y así come se acercaba la hora, empezaba a hacer una oía de chocolate. Ella siempre usaba leche de bote (“leche del clavel”) y sabía mucho más rico que con leche fresca. Si podíamos, nos robábamos un buñuelo y no lo comíamos a las escondidas antes de medianoche. También pasábamos el tiempo jugando Old Maid o dominós. Yo era muy llorona y cuando perdía el juego de Old Maid, soltaba el llanto. Mi papa le gustaba jugar dominós porque sabía que nos podía ganar. Si nos tardábamos mucha para sentar un domino, empezaba el dicho favorito del, “Ya viene el viejito.” Nos poníamos nerviosos y no ayeábamos que hacer. Con este juego nos enseñamos a sumar cuentas.

¡Por fin se llegaba la hora! Hacíamos pitos de papel e empezábamos a soplar los pitos. Y luego a comer buñuelos y tomar chocolate. Ahora que estamos casados y con familias, no nos reunemos como antes. A veces ni hacemos chocolate “de deberás”, si no que compramos los paquetes y le echamos agua caliente. Como cambian los tiempos, ¿no?

Editor's Note: Rosario Montez Smith grew up en un rancho in Levelland, and enjoys sharing her memories of living in rural West Texas.

SANTA TROOPERS: Last month Santa Claus and Troopers dropped off Christmas gifts to the Lubbock State Assisted Living Center residences. This year, Department of Public Safety employees gathered 200 gifts for the residence. Way to go from Latino Lubbock Magazine!

THANK YOU LPD: Motel 6 wanted to make sure the local police department felt appreciated this holiday season. On Monday, November 29, 2021, they sent out some of their staff - Rosa, Clara, and Natalie, to the South Lubbock Police Substation delivering two gift baskets and thank you cards. Motel 6 is under new management, and has had a complete makeover and with the help of their neighbors at LPD are working to create a more tourist and family friendly motel. Great job!

COCOA WITH HEROES: Students from Atkins served hot cocoa and treats to law enforcement, and got to meet various members as well as learn about careers in law enforcement! (Photo by

Veteran's Burial Planning

BY STEVE OIEN, COMMANDER, CHAPTER 0900, MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART

When planning a veteran’s funeral, the most important document a veteran or a veteran’s family can have is their “Report of Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States. This form is better known as the “DD-214.” Without the DD-214, securing veteran burial benefits can be very difficult. To obtain a copy of the veteran’s DD-214 send a Standard Form 180 to the Military National Personnel Record Center; National Personnel Records Center, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138. Telephone: 314-801-0800; Fax: 314-8019195. Or go to www.benefits. va.gov/homeloans/documents/docs/ standard_form_180.pdf Here are some hard facts about veteran burial benefits: (1) Caskets are not free. They are provided only if the veteran dies while on active duty. (2) The VA will pay up to $780.00 toward burial and funeral expenses if the veteran was in a VA hospital at time of death. Other than that, their death benefit is $300. Veterans and their families need to know the facts about the veteran’s burial benefits. For further information go to the VA.gov web site or to www.lubbockpurpleheart. com website where all forms are available for download. The “VA Legacy Kit” contains all necessary information and should be read first. All other documents there are downloadable as well. Funeral Homes know how to assist you with VA requirements, but don’t wait to contact them until the veteran passes.

Easy Steps to Winter Weather Preparedness

BY JOHN ROBISON FOR LATINO LUBBOCK MAGAZINE

Every year Texas and surrounding states will be impacted by a winter storm(s). The keys to surviving include forecast; preparation; knowing what to do to stay safe. We at KCBD Newschannel 11 will keep you informed online, on air and on various digital platforms, including the weather app. Here are some of the important terms and definitions that you will hear for winter weather: Winter Storm Watch: Possible storm development with snow, sleet, ice and wind. Winter Storm Warning: Snow, sleet, ice, wind expected with amounts that may be heavy. Preparations should be made immediately. Winter Weather advisory: Light amounts of wintry precipitation possible causing slick roads. Travel may be affected. I’ve put together the following list of items for home and travel to help keep you safe for the winter season. HOME and TRAVEL: Flashlight, extra batteries; Phone charger(s) NOAA weather radio, portable AM/FM radio, First Aid Kit, Fire Extinguisher Extra food, water, granola bars, foods that don’t need cooking or refrigeration. Extra pet food. At HOME: additional items include at heat source, matches, wood, space heater(s), Smoke and carbon dioxide detectors. When traveling, slow down, tell someone your expected route, destination and arrival date. Turn off lights when you pull of the road. Stay in vehicle, run motor for heat every ten minutes.

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

GLIMPSES OF LUB-

BOCK HISTORY Dr. Sandy Fortenberry will present: Lubbock Now and Then, a Presentation about Historic Buildings in Lubbock. We will learn about historic Lubbock buildings that have been repurposed through adaptive reuse architecture. 1/11/2022, 7 pm to 8 pm.

NORTH LUBBOCK NEIGHBOR-

HOOD ASSOCIATION will meet on Thursday January 20th, 2022 at Catholic Charities, 102 Ave. J. at 5:30 PM. Topics: Medicaid Eligibility, and Atmos.

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

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.

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

Tips to Protect

Your Home & Your Family

Safety is a year-round concern and is especially critical during the holidays when friends and family visit. 1. Set Up a Proper Security System. A professionally installed security system is a great way to feel safe at home, not only when the family is there, but when traveling during the holidays. A system can be installed for less than $1,000. Studies have shown that security systems and well-lit homes deter criminals. 2. Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. These two inexpensive devices save lives, especially during this season when Christmas lights and candles are lit for long periods. There should be one smoke detector and one

carbon monoxide detector or a combination unit on every floor of the home, especially near bedrooms. The average cost is $25-$50 and First Alert and Kidde are two popular manufacturers. 3. Safeguard the Fireplace. The fireplace is the perfect centerpiece to entertain and keep warm. Without proper maintenance and cleaning, however, fireplaces can turn into safety hazards. Call a professional to inspect and clean the chimney every year. More Quick and Easy Fixes: Ensure that all area rugs have antiskid tape or padding to keep them sure-footed. Have a good, strong step-stool to reach items.

Sugerencias para proteger el hogar y la familia

La seguridad es algo que preocupa durante todo el año y es especialmente crítica en la temporada de fiestas cuando amigos y familiares están de visita. 1. Instale un sistema de seguridad adecuadoUn sistema de seguridad instalado profesionalmente es una excelente manera de sentirse seguro en el hogar, cuando la familia esté de visita así como también mientras uno esté de viaje durante las fiestas. Un sistema se puede instalar por menos de US$1,000. Los estudios muestran que los sistemas de seguridad y los hogares bien iluminados pueden disuadir a los delincuentes. 2. Instale detectores de humo y monóxido de carbono. Estos dos aparatos poco costosos ayudan a salvar vidas, especialmente durante esta temporada en la que las luces y velas de Navidad están encendidas durante largas horas. Debe haber un detector de humo y un detector de monóxido de carbono o una unidad combinada en cada piso en el hogar, en especial cerca de los dormitorios. El costo promedio es de $25 a $50 y First Alert y Kidde son dos fabricantes populares. 3. Proteja la chimenea. La chimenea es la pieza central perfecta para entretener y mantener el calor. Sin embargo, sin el mantenimiento y limpieza adecuados las chimeneas se pueden convertir en un riesgo para la seguridad. Llame a un profesional para que inspeccione y limpie la chimenea todos los años. Más arreglos rápidos y fáciles: Asegúrese que todas las alfombras tengan una almohadilla o cinta adhesiva antideslizante para mantenerlas seguras al pisar. Tenga a mano una escalera pequeña.

Get vaccinated! ¡Vacunarse!

KOC BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: The Knights of Columbus St. Patrick's Council #15876 held their annual Breakfast with Santa 2021 event. Many came out to enjoy a great breakfast, fellowship and to meet Santa! (Photo by Georgina Barrera)

SANTA'S HELPERS: Volunteers helped to make this Winter Wonderland event special and fun. The event was held at St. Patrick's Church and offered breakfast, photos with Santa, activities, and fellowship. (Photo by Georgina Barrera)