Hispanic Ministry Honors Our Lady of Guadalupe, By June Smith

COMMUNITY NEWS Hispanic Ministry Honors Our Lady of Guadalupe

By June Smith

The community is invited to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Capitola, on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 10:30 a.m. for the annual celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Following a bilingual Holy Mass in Her honor, a reception in the Parish Center takes place. Food and beverage stations will be available, featuring chicken and beef tacos, flavored waters, hot chocolate and Mexican bread, a menu that guests have heartily enjoyed in past years.

The Ministry of Jesus, El Buen Pastor, (Jesus, the Good Shepherd) was created seven years ago at St. Joseph’s church with the support of Pastor Wayne Dawson.

To meet the needs of its Hispanic community, coordinators Juan Enrriquez and wife Ana, who experienced the strength of God’s love 20 years ago while in the parish of Our Lady Star of the Sea, say that their great power of faith has now made it possible for them to lead other communities.

At St. Joseph’s, they guide a ministry of more than 150 active Hispanic members who make the parish a place where everyone feels like family.

“Although the times we live in are difficult, God’s providence is always present to lift and sustain us,” say Ana and Juan. “It has not been easy; we have encountered challenges and obstacles, but in the end, with God’s help, we have emerged triumphant. Many families have been blessed with the work we have been doing in catechesis, marriage counseling, for the sick and elderly and by helping young people in the community. There is still much to be done, and God always sends committed people to help and serve.”

With the assistance of volunteers, they are making a difference with parish Hispanic families who now see a more solid future in their interaction with the Anglo community.

This is the case with Nery from the Garcia-Romero family, who says, “Seven years ago, I participated in helping to form the Hispanic Ministry. We are more connected and willing to serve since I felt the call of God to work as an outreach person. On the path of faith, we are discovering the importance of belonging. I thank God and Father Wayne for allowing us the opportunity to work together in creating a community of faith with strong foundations for future generations.”

In the same way, the Perez family shares their experience.

Eduardo Perez attended Bible study in 2015 with Ana and Juan. He is blessed that God sent him to help others receive what they need to build the Kingdom of Heaven and invites all of St. Joseph’s parishioners and visitors to join the ministry.

“I’ve felt so much peace and care during our gatherings,” he says. “Get to know us and get involved in the many activities of our ministry and make us stronger in faith, culture, friendship, and love for each other. Like Father Wayne, we can say ‘All are welcome!’”

Jean Dunn, chair of The Parish Council ,says, “This is a wonderful event! Juan is on the council, and we are supporting the ministry by donating items for the reception following the Mass. We plan to convey requests to the greater St. Joseph’s Community for other donations and needs as they occur.”

To volunteer or to make a donation, call the office of St. Joseph Catholic Community at (831) 475-8211. n

Photo Credit: June Smith

“COVID Omicron” from page 7

What can Californians Do To Slow the Spread?

• Get Vaccinated: All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in California are safe and effective at preventing serious illness from COVID-19. Vaccination will protect you and those you love. Californians ages 5 and older are now eligible. Those over18 who are at least six months since last dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or at least two months since J&J, are eligible for a booster. To get vaccinated or get a booster call (833) 422-4255 or see https://myturn.ca.gov/ • Wear Masks: CDPH recommends everyone wear masks in indoor public places (such as grocery stores and movie theaters) regardless of vaccination status. Masks are required in indoor public places for everyone not fully vaccinated. Everyone must wear a mask on airports, planes, trains, buses, stations and in healthcare settings, K-12 schools, childcare settings, correctional facilities, cooling centers, and shelters. • Get Tested: You should immediately get tested for COVID-19 if you are feeling any symptoms – regardless of your vaccination status. COVID-19 symptoms can feel like a common cold (including “the sniffles,” seasonal

allergies, or flu. COVID-19 testing in California is free. You can book a free appointment, find a walk-in test clinic, or buy a self-test kit from your local drugstore. Call (833) 422-4255 or 211. • Stay Home if Sick.

What is a Variant of Concern?

The World Health Organization determines which variants are of concern based on having one or more of the following changes that could impact global public health. • Increase in transmissibility or detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology; OR • Increase in virulence or change in clinical disease presentation; OR • Decrease in effectiveness of public health and social measures or available diagnostics, vaccines, or therapeutics.

Can current COVID-19 Tests Detect the Omicron Variant?

Yes, current understanding is that available PCR and antigen tests should detect this variant. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently confirming this information.

What Should Someone Returning

From a Country of Concern Do?

The CDC recommends that travelers from Southern Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi test within 3-5 days after arrival, quarantine for 7 days, and isolate and test if COVID-19 symptoms develop.

Timeline

Nov. 9: First known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection from a specimen collected in

South Africa. Nov. 24: South Africa announced the detection of a new variant, B.1.1.529 following genomic sequencing. Nov. 26: World Health Organization designated B.1.1.529 a variant of concern and named it Omicron. The

U.S. government placed a travel ban for non-U.S. citizen travelers from

South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe,

Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi. Nov. 27: At least 115 recorded cases identified, with most from Botswana and

South Africa, and others from Hong

Kong, Belgium, Israel, Germany, Netherlands and the United Kingdom. n