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August 18, 2025Next month we begin the OCIA gatherings/discussions. Formerly RCIA, it stands for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. Next month we begin the OCIA gatherings/discussions. Formerly RCIA, it stands for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. If you feel a calling to receive the Sacraments, to explore further the Catholic faith, to to be received into the Church, please contact the parish office and I will contact you, provide whatever information you need, support your decision. Two individuals share their brief explanation of their reception into the Catholic faith. “I was led to Catholicism by a‘direct call’ while at my relative’s funeral Mass. I heard the words spoken to my heart. . . I converted, my husband returned to his faith, our son was baptized, our marriage was convalidated. . . .Our marriage is exponentially stronger than before. I believe He saved our family, I truly do.” And for the other person it was simply,“Wanting to be the best husband to my wife and father to my children.”Jesus said,“There is a baptism with which I must be baptized.”(LK 12:50)In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, section 537, the explanation of this Sacrament is defined: Through Baptism, the Christian is sacramentally assimilated to Jesus, who in his own baptism anticipates his death and resurrection. The Christian must enter into this mystery of humble self-abasement and repentance, go down into the water with Jesus in order to rise with him, be reborn of water and the Spirit so as to become the Father's beloved son in the Son and "walk in newness of life.”In one of his last public acts before succumbing to his deteriorating physical health that kept him from his beloved service of public ministry.
Pope Francis baptized 21 infants on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, January 12th. Seated in a wheelchair he warmly welcomed the families, and their desire to pass the faith onto their children. As he shared with them:“Today, each of you, parents, and the Church herself, give the greatest, greatest gift: the gift of faith to children. . . .Let us ask the Lord that they grow in faith, a true humanity, in the joy of the family. . . .Each of you, parents, and the Church itself are giving the greatest gift: the gift of faith to the children. . . .It is important that the children feel comfortable. . . .and we must serve them, with the Sacrament, with prayers." And consider how the Sacrament of Baptism calls us into the Body of Christ, the Community of Christians, regardless of how different we may be, how unique our life stories, the blessings and tragedies that have been faced, our generosity and our selfishness—we are called into a community to belong. And as Mother Teresa said, ”If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” In the words and faith of a much earlier saint, Pope Leo the Great:“Through the sacrament of baptism you have become a temple of the Holy Spirit. Do not drive away so great a guest by evil conduct and become again a slave to the devil, for your liberty was bought by the blood of Christ.” Inspired to share the distinctiveness and grace of the Sacrament of Baptism, Peter Leithart provides a keen insight from his book, “Baptism: A Guide To Life From Death:” “Baptism's power doesn't stop when the water dries. God preaches in your baptism every day. When the bullies and demons return, remind Jesus and yourself you are his.
When you want to slink into the shadows, God says, 'You are robed in Christ.' When you feel shackled by your past, God calls you to the future he opened at the font. Whenever you're insulted or falsely accused, hear God's declaration: 'Whoever has died [in baptism] is justified from sin' (Rom 6:7). When you're fearful, call on the Spirit, and he will give you words to speak. When a murderous mob surrounds you, remember your baptism is fulfilled in martyrdom.You are what God says you are, not what you feel. Consider yourself to be who baptism says you are.” Acknowledging that our Baptismal calling is that of service, not for our own accreditation but the acknowledgment of the Light of Christ before us and within us.An old nineteenth century poet gave credence to this calling we are baptized into:“I slept and dreamt that life was joy; I awoke and saw that life was service; I acted and behold, service was joy.”God Bless, Fr. Tim