For our final episode of Season 7, we are thrilled to welcome Bishop Joseph Tyson from the Diocese of Yakima, WA. He likes to describe his diocese as the largest border diocese without a border because the population is 75% Latino, with many migrants coming there to work in the fields picking fruit. He talks about what inspired him to require his seminarians to work next to migrants in the field as a part of their formation. He discusses the theme of “Iglesia en Salida” (the Church on mission), describing his parishes not as country clubs but as mission centers that must go out to meet people where they are.
Brian and Joe share stories about the Church on mission. Brian shares the example of all the women religious in the Rio Grande Valley accompanying those on the margins. Women religious throughout history have been a bold example of a Church that goes forth on mission. Joe recounts his initial visits to the Ozanam Center in Brownsville, TX, and the fears he had to overcome as he started celebrating communion services there to put into practice the idea of the Church on mission. He kept waiting for what felt like a sufficient quorum, until he realized that the Gospel provides one: “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Mt 18:20). Turns out it was a pretty low bar!
Enjoy this final episode of the season, and blessings on your Advent. We’ll be back with a new season in early 2025.