As you would know, last Sunday – Pentecost – seven people were baptised, and/or confirmed, and entered fully into the life of the Church in their first communion in the Eucharist.
Those of us who were directly involved in the process by which these new Catholics came to the faith, found it a delightful and enriching time. The seven people involved did not do the journey alone but were accompanied by a group of parishioners, who shared their own experience and their own faith, and in turn had their own faith developed and strengthened.
From comments that were made to me after several of the rites celebrated during Sunday Masses, members of the parishes were also moved and encouraged by what they saw happening among those entering into the faith.
The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) of the Catechumenate is not just an addition to parish life but an aspect of it, something which springs naturally from it.
If you know of people who would like to inquire into becoming Catholics, it would be good to encourage them, or suggest that they chat with Fr Brendan or one of the members of the accompanying team or myself. It is only when people begin to talk about coming to faith or becoming Catholic that it becomes real for them.
I used the word ‘inquire’ in the last paragraph. It is an important word. The whole process of discussion and reflection starts out as an inquiry, as a chance to ask questions and make comments and also an opportunity to look into the journey of our own lives. The whole process is a dialogue between friends, and within that, and extending that, with the Lord himself in praying together.
Published: 24 May 2024
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Sandy says:
Thank you Frank for such perceptive words for all of us, it is indeed a dialogue.