Last weekend, our young candidates for the Sacrament of Holy Communion came to Mass and committed themselves to the final and formal preparation for this celebration.
You may have also noticed that all of us, as parishioners, agreed to support these children in their preparation. This weekend, you will be asked to consider how you may be able to support our parish’s preparation of adults seeking initiation in the Catholic Church.
This brings us to a very important point about people preparing for sacramental initiation. This work is essential to the evangelising mission of the Church. Remember the story in the Gospels of the Ascension “… go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…” These final instructions given to the disciples are essential to what we are called to do as Catholics.
This means that supporting and participating in the sacramental initiation processes for adults and children is every parishioner’s responsibility. It’s not a job that can be “palmed off” to someone else. Some people think that Catholic schools and Special Religious Educators (Catechists) should still do sacramental preparation for children. Such an approach denies the parish of its right and duty of spreading the Good News of Christ to others.
So whatever you do – joining the RCIA group or hospitality team, leading a First Communion preparation group, making these children and adult enquirers feel welcome, giving support to those on our preparation teams, even praying for our candidates and catechumens – make sure that you’re doing something to support the continued growth and life of our Church and of our parish community.
People want to join our community – don’t let your inactivity cause us to have to turn them away.
Liturgy 