This week, as part of the Period of Purification and Enlightenment, we celebrate with Mechelle the first of three scrutinies at our Vigil Mass. The scrutinies, which are solemnly celebrated on Sundays and are reinforced by an exorcism, are rites for self-searching and repentance and have above all a spiritual purpose. The scrutinies are meant … Continue reading 24/2/08 – The Scrutiny
Category: Christian Initiation of Adults
Last Sunday, a group from our parish accompanied Mechelle, then our catechumen preparing for initation, to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Mechelle, with many others across the diocese, continued her journey towards initiation through the celebration of the Rite of Election. At this second step, on the basis of the testimony of godparents and catechists and of … Continue reading 17/2/08 – Rite of Election
What did you give up for Lent? It’s a common question at the beginning of this liturgical season. Yet sometimes we can become preoccupied for forty days about what we won’t do again until Easter. This doesn’t mean that we should not abstain from things of our choosing during Lent. We must, however, do so … Continue reading 10/2/08 – “Giving Up” During Lent
Last week we looked at how Lent and Sacramental Initiation are centred on God calling people to conversion. This is why the season of Lent and the final preparation for sacramental initiation are so closely aligned. Our catechumen, Michelle, is moving closer to this final preparation for Easter and the Sacraments of Initiation. This weekend, … Continue reading 3/2/08 – Rite of Sending of Catechumens for Election
In less than two weeks’ time, we enter once again into the season of Lent. We typically think of Lent as a season of penance. Yet it is firstly the season when we focus on the preparation of those seeking Christian Initiation. Those of us already baptised engage in penitential practices so that we may … Continue reading 27/1/08 – God Calling People to Conversion
Liturgy 