Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical, ‘Laudato Si,’ has generated a great buzz.

I have to admit that I haven’t always taken enough interest in ecological issues, assuming that doing so would somehow compromise my dedication to the frail seniors with whom we share our lives as Little Sisters of the Poor.

We have another chance this Advent. After nearly two years of death, sadness, and separation from those we love, we have another chance this Advent. We have the chance to get it right. “Of all the seasons of the year, Advent offers us perhaps the clearest sense of adventure and journey. It is a season for resetting our horizon, reframing our movement toward fullness in Christ. And even though Advent is brief, it is filled with spiritual riches.” So writes Father John Burns, a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, both scholar and retreat director, but most of all a priest of Christ in the Catholic Church.

Our garden perennials have been chosen. They were cared for, carefully planted, watered and fed. We have enjoyed their wonderment and colors throughout this season, but alas’ the inevitable “s”- word (S-N-O-W) is on the way. How exciting! Taking a few steps to help protect our valuable greenery investments may provide years of continued life to come.

At this point in the pandemic, nothing should surprise us. Yet the employment numbers that came out earlier this month are head scratching.

COLORADO SPRINGS. The National Association of Diocesan Directors of Hispanic Ministry (NCADDHM) named Javier Cervantes as the recipient of its 2021 “Exemplary Award for Hispanic Ministry.” The award is co-sponsored by Loyola Press and is designed to honor someone who reflects the best practices, servant leadership and communion in mission for which the association strives, said NCADDHM president Javier Orozco. Nominees are chosen by peers working in the field of Hispanic ministry.

COLORADO SPRINGS. Visitors to four of the campuses in the Unified Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Colorado Springs may feel as if they’ve stepped back in time. Students are reading from printed books, collecting science data using a pencil and paper, and there isn’t a computer in many of the classrooms. The change to a classical education model for these schools wasn’t about joining the growing movement towards this type of education. Instead it was about returning to the roots of Catholic education and a commitment to deepening the knowledge of each student.

COLORADO SPRINGS.  A year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation, more than 900 people attended the Bishop’s Respect Life Dinner Oct. 6 at The Broadmoor.

Deborah “Deb” Harney, a member of St. Patrick Parish, received the Respect Life Volunteer of the Year award.

Saludos, hermanos y hermanas en Cristo. En 2019 planeé una peregrinación a Italia. Esto fue antes de que oyera hablar de COVID (y mucho antes de saber que me iba a mudar a Colorado Springs). La peregrinación está prevista para este 12-21 de octubre.

Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ. Back in 2019 I planned a pilgrimage to Italy. This was before I had ever heard of COVID (and way before I heard that I was moving to Colorado Springs!). The pilgrimage is planned for this October 12-21. I am surprised and delighted that we can still go.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. Father Robert Lampert, a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Louis who lived in Colorado Springs for several years after his retirement, died Sept. 17 at age 82. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Sept. 28 at St. Vincent de Paul Chapel at the Cardinal Rigali Center in St. Louis. Burial followed in Calvary Cemetery.