Hebdomada 29 per annum

As I stare at this blank page, the words of Stephen King come mind. In his memoir, he wrote about how 'daunting' was the start of the writer's process. In the end, this advice stuck out to me: 'Write for an audience of one. That's all who will ever read it.' This seems reasonable for no other reason then to get me to write. Whether it's good advice, let's find out together.

Friend,

may this letter find you in Christ's peace. The purpose of these letter bears the same scriptural attribution as my url: to give a reason for my hope (1 Pt 3:15). My format's inspiration begins with in a couple of friends. My old supervisor, Ross, last year introduced me to a letter. In it, St. Ignatius scolded his fellow Jesuits to write "what will be edifying." He ordered all his brothers to write a principle letter. He wanted to share news about their various ministries. This letter had to have order and not ramble. He also discouraged them not to add "irrelevant" personal matters.

This blog is my contemporary emulation. As Ignatius instructed, you can expect plenty of my personal letters soon. But expect them hand written in the mail. My prayer is that this forum will stay true to St. Peter's instructions. May my words build up the body of Christ through my witness of the mighty deeds of God.

Just, this past week, He blessed me with a community. A group of your professionals gathered together a couple of years ago. Since then, it's only grown. My first encounter was at a bar. It was the tried-and-true 'Theology on Tap' event. There were about 40 young men and women. It was a group of Catholics in their mid-twenties. Then they invited me to hear a lecture. It was at someone's house. That group crammed into someone's living room. My vocations journey is on hold for the moment. Other people have to review and approve paperwork. So, I find myself here in my parents adopted town. At least while I wait, God gave me this community.

We'll end with my latest apostalate: It is an effort to gift presents to NET missionaries. https://netusa.org/ There is a little green Catechism from Australia. It is perfect for the mobile missionary. My hope for the next few letters is twofold: First, that you begin to know the wisdom of the Catechism. God reveals Himself like a singer sings a song. The Catechism guides you through that song. Second, I invite you to join me. Give NET missionaries the Deposit of Faith this Christmas.

In divine hope,

jesse pascua