When you think of the Lutheran church, mariachi bands don't usually come to mind, the Rev. John Albers said.
In a church dominated -- at least locally -- by Americans of German, Swedish and Norwegian descent, Holy Week music doesn't usually include the distinctive sounds of trumpets and guitars of the Hispanic community.
But the 12 Lutheran churches of Northwest Indiana that support the Gloria Dei Mission have been ministering to the Hispanic community for the past 12 years and believe it's time the cultures come together during Holy Week.
That's why the Gloria Dei Mission has sponsored the local appearance of the Lutheran mariachi band Mariachi San Pablo, of El Paso, Texas.
The group will perform at locations in Porter, Lake and LaPorte counties during the upcoming week. The musicians will finish their visit in Northwest Indiana with a Good Friday procession through the streets of Valparaiso.
"The immigrant community in Valparaiso is not as established as some others in the region," said Albers, the pastor at Faith Memorial Lutheran Church in Valparaiso. "The recent immigrants like their new country but still like their customs from their home country."
Mariachi San Pablo is part of the music ministry in El Paso, whose overall goal is to bridge the gap between the traditionally Anglo community and the Hispanic community, Albers said.
"It's obvious in El Paso, but not as obvious here," he said.
The band's performances and the Good Friday procession -- Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross -- are a way to bring the cultures of Northwest Indiana together, Albers said.
While Via Crucis may be new to Valparaiso, the tradition of recognizing the events of the Christian Holy Week is not, Albers said. His church has for years held a Saturday Easter vigil.
This year, the congregation will proceed through the streets of Valparaiso from Heritage Lutheran Church and end up at the lawn of the Valparaiso University law school, in the heart of Valparaiso's Hilltop community, which is home for many Hispanic residents.
All are invited to walk the way of the cross with the actors, Albers said.
IF YOU GO
Monday: A Mariachi San Pablo concert and homemade Mexican dinner will be offered from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Michigan City. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door and $5 for kids under 10. Call (219) 872-4419 to purchase.
Tuesday: The band will give a concert and presentation on its music and ministry from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Valparaiso University Union Great Hall. Tickets are $6. They are available at the Union or by calling (219) 464-5150. Tickets also are available online at www.valpo.edu/union.
Wednesday: There will be a dinner and concert from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crown Point. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door and $5 for kids under 10. Call (219) 663-1587 to purchase.
Good Friday: The band will play in a Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross, procession through the streets of Valparaiso. The procession will leave Heritage Lutheran Church, 308 N. Washington, at 4 p.m. The walk will end at the VU Law School lawn.
Saturday: There will be a community prayer breakfast in the Casa del Roma banquet room, 712 Calumet Ave., from 9 to 11 a.m. where the band will play during a time all Christians can come together to pray for the community. In the evening, the band will play at the Easter vigil service at Faith Memorial Lutheran Church 753 N. Calumet, Valparaiso.
Easter Sunday: There will be a special service in Spanish with mariachi music at 11 a.m. at Heritage Lutheran Church.
