in Vestry Papers
By Santi Rodriguez
Mental illness in comunidades latinas is not something that is openly discussed. In Shared Anxieties, Santi Rodriguez talks to us about mental illness – often seen as taboo or a stigma in comunidades Latinas – and how important it is for us to talk about it openly and truthfully. He also gives us ideas on how to care for our mental health.
By Angela Gutierrez Castillo
There are times when only family is able to help us keep moving forward. In My Family, My Motivation, Angela Gutierrez Castillo talks about the importance of family – not only the family you’re born into but the family you make along the way – to motivate her and to help her to overcome struggles and reach important life goals. Her family has inspired her to work hard and be dedicated.
By Mildred J. Briones Reyes
Sometimes all we need is a sign to show us if we are on the right path. In Faith in a Sand Dollar, Mildred J. Briones Reyes tells the story of how her love for the beach inspired her to ask God for a sign while she was discerning whether she should work for the church or not. This sign was to find a sand dollar that was intact, and this symbol became most important to her and her discernment.
By Christina Encinosa
Art can help us figure out what our future holds and can also help us express ourselves. In Pacts with God, Christina Encinosa remembers her pacts with God that had to be revisited as she grew and matured and eventually discerned a call into the priesthood. She also shares how her art helped her cope with stress and is a bridge to God and others.
By Arnoldo L. Romero
There is beauty in making art that shares what your spirit is feeling. In My Spiritual Art Journey, Arnoldo L. Romero shares how he began to use art to express his spirituality and himself. He shares what he has found to make art spiritual and explains how you can start making spiritual art. Arnold also tells us how he used his art as he discerned his calling into the priesthood.
By Bernadette Williams
Music has the power to heal pain, lift us from deep sorrow and carry us to a place where there is comfort and joy. In Music Brings Hope and Healing, Bernadette Williams shares experiences that reveal how music is one our greatest gifts from God.
By Steven Paulikas
A sound bath is a meditative practice that harnesses the healing potential of sound using both instruments and vocals. In Evensong Meets Healing Sound, Steven Paulikas describes how a unique and creative partnership has become a means for inviting strangers and friends into the love of Christ at his church.
By Ronald Braman
In A Musician’s Journey, Ronald Braman, charts his life from a spiritual teen who loved music to Director of Music at Good Shephard Episcopal Church in the Shoshone-Bannock Fort Hall Indian Reservation in southeastern Idaho, describing how music will never be “high” or “low” and how all musical traditions can enrich worship.
By Ellis Montes
In Enjoying Music Again, Ellis Montes describes the concept of HIP, or historically informed performance, and how it is much more interpretative and freeing than one might imagine. In his piece, Ellis shares HIP techniques that allow classically trained musicians to explore new ways of bringing music to life.
By Charis Bhagianathan
In this issue, our authors bring us wisdom on the depth of meditation, creativity, and the powerful spiritual upliftment that music ministry can bring.
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