One of the less appealing aspects of my melancholic temperament is that I tend to get hung up on  imperfections even in the face of overall success. I vividly remember the great backhanded play that Lancaster Bible College’s third baseman made to rob me of my fourth hit of a game all the way back in 2009. I went 3-4 and had a great game, but it still sticks in my craw that I didn’t go 4-4 that day. But occasionally, even in a sea of internal negativity, a light sneaks through and allows me to sit back and be proud of something. This week, we got some feedback and reviews from our Latino brothers and sisters who have been participating in the Coram ESL classes, and the overwhelming sentiment was one of gratitude and  excitement to be learning the language and working towards greater unity in the region. Some highlights:
 
¨ “I want to keep studying so I can learn more from the English class and communicate with our   American brothers and sisters.”
 
¨ “The class is very useful and helps me to improve  my English and relate to our American brothers and sisters. I’d love to have a field day or a picnic so we can eat together and have activities like a  bilingual Rosary.”
 
¨ “The classes are very interesting, and you have opened the doors to the entire Latino community.”

In all honesty, it is deeply fulfilling to see how so many have opened their hearts and volunteered to make such great inroads towards unity. In the midst of a tumultuous time in our Archdiocese and in the entire church in America, things like this don’t happen everywhere. We are looking at what could be the start of a bright chapter in our region, one that defines the great work to be done here in the coming decades. There are other places in the   Archdiocese where there is a disproportionate  number of faithful Catholics from one ethnic group or another, and each one of those situations was born out of God providing an opportunity and His people answering the call. My prayer is that in  twenty years people will ask why these particular parishes are doing better than others in the      surrounding area, and we can look back at this as the beginning of a movement.
 
Many people have stepped up, and it is because of their hard work and dedication that things are going so well. There is still a need, and anyone who is looking for a chance to get involved, this is the sign for which you’re looking. Many hands make light work, and we could really use a person or two to unlock and set up, lend a hand, and make sure things are running smoothly, no Spanish required. To those who have already been so generous with your time, talent, and treasure: thank you from the bottom of my heart. To all those who have prayed for this success and continuing fruits, keep it  coming. There is always more work to be done in the vineyard of the Lord, and I am excited to see what else is still to come.