As the year comes to an end, Advent, a time to prepare for the coming of Jesus into the world, begins. In the Mexican culture, it is a time for Posadas, family gatherings, and further preparations for Christmas.
As we all know, this year is very different. Families may not come together due to the continued restrictions on gatherings, and even at Centro we have cancelled festivities and our traditional posada.
While many of us have learned to expect the unexpected this year and have likely accepted that many aspects of our lives will remain uncertain for some time to come, we do know one thing for sure. Christ will come on Christmas!
As we prepare for the “most wonderful time of the year,” let us remember that it is during this time that all begins. Christ is born and the mystery of God walking among us becomes a reality. God comes to everyone, joining us on Earth throughout space and time, and in every moment of each of our lives.
During this Advent and Christmas season, let us find Christ in these moments and in each other, especially in the forgotten, the sick, the ignorant, and the poor. There is a big world beyond our bubble, and it is suffering. Let’s open up and let our joy expand to those around us; let’s go out and encounter those that Jesus wants us to find!
With my best for you and your family,
Alfonso Lara
Familia. Ganas. Pasión.
By Guillermo Lambarri, Director of External Affairs for AT&T Colorado
Centro San Juan Diego is excited to announce a recent gift from the AT&T Believes initiative! A $10,000 donation from AT&T will directly support Centro's adult education programs. We are grateful for this generous gift and pleased to invite Guillermo Lambarri, Director of External Affairs for AT&T Colorado, to share his thoughts on how Centro San Juan Diego's mission aligns with the AT&T Believes initiative:
Familia. Ganas. Pasión. -- As a Latino who grew up in South Texas, I always feel pride when I think of these words. Words that are part of the Latino journey and that my mother engrained in me through her dedication to her familia, unyielding work ethic and service to others. When things get tough, she tells me “ándale hecha le ganas no te dejes” or “come on, work hard, don’t give up.” I’ve leaned on that advice during this unprecedented year as I’ve held my family closer and renewed my passion to make things better.
This is the spirit I see in Centro San Juan Diego. They have been a trusted organization for so many families during this challenging, chaotic year. They lift families and businesses up.
Through our AT&T Believes initiative we are focused on economic empowerment and mental wellness, which CSJD has always provided to the community. We are proud to contribute to an organization like Centro San Juan Diego that is doing tremendous work to empower individuals to become to best version of themselves through education, family support, integration and the formation of leaders.
We all know that the coronavirus pandemic is having a disproportional impact on our Colorado Latino community. We see the job and wage losses due to COVID-19, with Latino parents/primary caregivers seeing their business shut down or have experienced significant drops in revenue.
Amidst a turbulent year, we must lean on each other and lift each other up, especially in our Latino communities. To quote my mother, “siempre ténenos que mantenernos una familia unida” or “we always need to be united as a family” – it’s unity and inclusivity that makes us stronger. We are glad to work together with CSJD as they create that support for our community.