Dear Friends:
Greetings in the Lord! I'm writing a personal note to each who share the life in the Spirit at St. Alban's and all our friends.
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| John+ and doña Terri |
As many of you know, my experience in Guatemala began almost 20 years ago with a health promotion project in 22 Mayan villages sponsored by my former parish in Tucson. Every few years I would visit here, meet with Bishop Guerra, and accompany one of our teams. The people, the beauty of this country, and the thought of possibly serving as priest here in retirement grew in me. In 2014, my wife Terri and I visited Antigua for 11 days. Terri enjoyed the visit very much and confirmed what was in my heart.Bishop Guerra, Father Ricardo, and the welcome of the St. Alban community have made possible our coming!
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| The Reverend Ricardo Frohmader and the Right Reverend Armando Guerra Soria |
So here we are, beginning a new ministry in Antigua! I hope each of you receiving this letter will join us in ministry, offering love, reconciliation, and healing to all the people of this beautiful city. In the Book of Common Prayer Catechism it asks the question: Who are ministers of the Church? For many, the answer is a little surprising when it says: The ministers of the Church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons. In other words, all of you receiving this letter, are ministers of the Church empowered by your Baptism in Jesus Christ. Will you join Terri and me and all the people who worship at St. Alban In this adventure? Your life in Antigua will be filled with even more joy and satisfaction!
This Sunday is a special celebration: the visit of the Bishop making St. Alban an "official" Mission, thanking and leave-taking of Father Ricardo, and the beginning of my ministry and Terri's with you all. Hopefully you can come this Sunday, but if you are not able, please join us as soon as you can!
Peace, Love, Joy
John +
