Week of August 24, 2025

My sister and brothers in Jesus Christ,
The end of the school summer vacation is upon us.  Children are returning to school.  Summer vacations are over.  We return to the usual routine of constant activity.  It is important that we pray for families, teachers, and students during this time of year.  Returning to school can be a difficult transition particularly with children with special needs and their families.  The new school year provides families with hope of what lies ahead but also uncertainty and challenge.  We must pray for families and students that this year may be a time to see God at work in the assignments, extracurricular activities, and friends and family.  Saint Oscar Romero Ministries lifts up in prayer all students and families during this time of transition.

This week provided an opportunity to work on several YouTube shorts for next year by looking at important days in the liturgical year including Epiphany, the Baptism of the Lord, and Ash Wednesday.  There are a number of longer videos whose scripts I am working on as I desire to provide a more in-depth study on the Trinity, Triduum, and Baptism in the Holy Spirit.  All of these take time but I am looking forward to recording these in the weeks ahead.
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Speaking of videos, this weekend a video was released on the importance of laity in the church.  So often, we think of clergy as members of the church first and neglect the common baptism that we all share in.  Jesus Christ does not simply call the clergy to follow him but all the baptized are made priests, prophets, and kings.  The waters of baptism provide a new identity to each of us.  We must never forget the dignity that we have as members of the Body of Christ.
May God bless and keep you.
Peace,
Rev. Ben