from the Rt. Rev. Sylvestre Romero, Assisting Bishop of the Diocese of El Camino Real:

My dear Brothers and Sisters:

May the Christ Child bring peace and joy to you and yours this Christmas season and the year through.

Two weeks have gone by so quickly, I can hardly believe it.  During these weeks I have had the opportunity to meet new friends and have received so much love. There is no doubt in my mind that God is present with us.  I continue to ask God that He open our hearts and minds so that we can receive Him within us. 

I take this opportunity to thank you for welcoming us and providing the comfort in our house and in the Diocese.  My wife, Eva, my mom, sister and myself wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

In Christ,
+ Sylvestre

from the Rev. Donna Ross, President of the Standing Committee:

As Bishop Romero comments above, the first two weeks of December have been a whirlwind of joyful activity for him and for the Standing Committee.  Bishop Romero and members of the Standing Committee have made visitations to several congregations, met with a number of vestries, and made retreats with diocesan clergy.  We have also met with the hard-working members of most of our diocesan councils and committees.  It has been a busy time, but also a time of great happiness and great hope.  Everywhere we go, we find members of congregations and members of diocesan committees contributing their best to the teamwork that is helping El Camino Real move into its future. 

The Standing Committee and Bishop Romero have established two priorities for his first months among us.

(1)  Promoting teamwork:  Bishop Romero will be meeting with people throughout the diocese (members of the Standing Committee, the diocesan staff, the Corporation, Council and DIEM, the COM and the Instituto, lay leaders and members of the clergy) to help us coordinate our common work. 

(2) Providing pastoral care: Bishop Romero will be available to clergy, lay leaders, and congregations (especially those congregations now experiencing difficulties or conflict) to help bring healing and peace.  Persons (lay and clergy) who wish to meet with Bishop Romero are encouraged to call for an appointment in the new year.  

As we move towards Christmas, I want to add a personal note to this message from the Standing Committee.  My hope for each and every one of you is that you will come to know Sylvestre Romero as I have been privileged to know him over the past two weeks.  For me, this Advent has been a blessed time of truly experiencing the Holy Spirit working among us.  I pray that every member of our diocese will experience the same joy as we celebrate God's presence with us this Christmas and throughout the coming year.   

In Christ's love,
Donna Ross+