 The Rev. Phil Byrum, vicar of La Guadalupana |
 |
a report by the Rev. Phil Byrum, Vicar
Read story in The Wilson TimesLa Iglesia de La Guadalupana celebrated its 10th anniversary in June 2006. The worshiping community had its birth at St. Timothy’s, Wilson, where I was then rector. Since June 1996 we have had only one Sunday with no “Misa en español” (no communion in Spanish)--and that was a snowy Sunday in late December 2004.
The Latino/Hispanic community here numbers more than 10,000 persons. Many came to this eastern North Carolina region to work in agriculture. Most now fill a variety of jobs. Migrant farm workers come in great numbers in the growing season. (We participated in weekly program this summer which brought farm workers to the local health clinic. The hours were appropriate ones for this mission/endeavor-6 pm to 1 am!)
Ecumenical relations are generally good. The local Roman parish serves approximately the same number of people as does La Guadalupana. There are several Latino Pentecostal congregations with Latino pastors, as well as Spanish-speaking Baptists and members of the Church of God.
Since its founding, La Guadalupana has celebrated more than 400 baptisms, 150 confirmations, 125 first communions, and 60 weddings. This does not reflect other celebrations such as Tres Años or Quince Años events.
Since our beginnings we have celebrated the Feast of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe) on the Sunday nearest the feast with a street procession and Misa (eucharistic service). Our usual Sunday congregation (115-130 persons) grows to 300-400. At 5:00 am on 12 December we have the Misa of the day with a crowded church, followed by breakfast. Our bishops have arranged to be present for the Sunday celebration on several occasions, a fact very much appreciated by our people.
In the process of being admitted as a congregation in union with the diocese of North Carolina, we had a “vote” to determine the name of the congregation to be submitted for the bishop's approval. The choice, hands down, was any name which reflected the Virgin of Guadalupe. The most popular name, La Guadalupana, was submitted to Bishop Robert Johnson, and he gave his consent.
The congregation was admitted as a mission in good standing, and has been duly represented at all subsequent diocesan conventions. We presently have three delegates. We have accepted and paid in full our diocesan asking each year, as well as our contribution for theological education.
When I officially retired from St. Timothy’s and the active ministry in 2000, the bishop appointed me priest-in-charge of St Mark's (an historic African-American church), and La Guadalupana. St Mark's invited La Guadalupana to share its facilities. The last Misa at St. Timothy’s was Easter Day 2000, and the La Guadalupana flock processed the 10 blocks to St Mark’s, where they were welcomed by that congregation with a time of prayer, song, and refreshments.
As might be expected, the relationship between the two congregations has had its ups and downs. When the Bishop comes we have a beautiful and long bilingual liturgy, but usually have an English liturgy and a Spanish one on a typical Sunday. The notion of some people being “hosts” and others “guests” has begun to wane.
Our two churches were part of a regional cluster ministry for 5years, and this was a wonderful opportunity for eastern NC Southerners to get acquainted with people from markedly different backgrounds. Our two Wilson churches had something significant to offer the other cluster congregations, and we were lovingly received and affirmed.
La Guadalupana has never been asked to pay rent for the use of the St. Mark's facilities. The decision was made early onto contribute a monthly sum to St Mark's as our share of utilities and other expenses. The sum is $300 per month at this time. In addition, La Guadalupana provides all paper products, cleaning products, communion supplies and altar candles. A Guadalupana parishioner has cleaned the church and parish house weekly, while another has tended to the mowing of the church yard. While these acts of service have filled a need, they have also challenged and encouraged the St Mark’s people to assume their responsibility.
On 13 August 2006 a fire broke out in the parish house, and considerable damage resulted. Since that date we have been displaced from our church and parish house. St Timothy's gracious welcomed us for worship for 6 weeks. On the first Sunday in October we were able to use our new Community Center for worship. While not intended for worship, it is lovely and working well. The center (La Casa de San Marcos, or St. Mark’s house) received a $30,000 grant from UTO in 2004, and has been further funded and supported with gifts-in-kind, and contributions large and small. It is debt-free. This building, shared equally by the two congregations, offers us a new way of working and worshiping together. It is exciting, and yes, a bit daunting!
Our congregation hosts an AA group for Spanish-speaking men, meeting three nights weekly. An afterschool reading program for grade-school children is held in the afternoons, Monday-Thursday. Books and other materials destroyed in the fire have been replaced by gifts from across the community and the diocese. We have Vacation Bible School for children from both communities in late June. We have been joined by a Sister of St. Margaret (from Boston) the past three summers.
Relationships have been strengthened between St Mark’s and La Guadalupana through participation in the NC Food Bank monthly distribution to the larger community. The effort is hard work, but it affords opportunity for communication and opportunities to get to know one another. It is a special time.
La Guadalupana bas been given land on which we hope to erect a church building. The fire has been a challenge in so many ways, but is also a positive motivator in prompting conversation about getting off dead-center, and making plans for a new Latino/Hispanic church structure.
I am a 65 year-old Anglo, in my 40th year ordained. I worry about the future of La Guadalupana with regard to priestly ministry. I pray daily that someone will be raised up from the congregation, and know that a couple of people are struggling with such a call. Please join us in praying for them and La Guadalupana, as well as for the diocese and bishop.
Bendiciones.
Phil