From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey of faith and an initiation into the sacred mysteries, in several stages of initiation (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1229). At the 9 AM and 1:30 PM liturgies on Sunday the 4th (and again at the 9 AM Mass on the 11th), we will witness one such stage of initiation as we celebrate the Rite of Acceptance.
For some time now, a small group of men and women have been meeting together every Thursday, within the context of the parish’s Faith Institute, to hear about the Good News proclaimed by the Lord Jesus, and to learn of the faith-life we live as members of the world-wide Catholic Church. Each Thursday, after the teaching-component of the Faith Institute has been completed, these inquiring men and women break off from the parish group, and together, with our Catechumenate team (led by Sherry Johnson), they explore the plan of God they are recognizing in the depths of their hearts. This same process of questioning and discernment is going on within the minds and hearts of many Hispanic members of SJN, as the Catechumenate team and those seeking the Lord meet on Sunday, to discuss the Way.
In the Rite of Acceptance, the Church accepts the longing for the Lord of these pilgrims. After being accepted by the parish, these men & women and boys & girls will be called catechumen, and will continue their formation as they look toward the sacred Triduum of Holy Week and the great Solemnity of Easter. It is at the Vigil of the Lord that this group of elect will be baptized into the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, joining us in the vocation of the baptized. In the upcoming Rite of Acceptance, they have made the initial step, from inquirer (questioning what we believe) to seeker (thirsting for the faith we profess).
Please know that as we are successful in raising the funds we need and in building a legacy of faith, we will have a new worship space large enough to hold ALL that seek baptism on that Vigil of the Lord. Please pray for all who seek to know the Lord, especially the men & woman and the boys & girls that will take part in our Rite of Acceptance, on the 4th and the 11th of November. As God wills, these catechumen will join us in the baptismal vocation of new life. And as God allows, they will then join us in the great thanksgiving banquet of holy Eucharist….every Sunday, until the Kingdom dawns.
Some other news: Did you know that Archbishop Gregory has asked the whole Archdiocese to take part in a Marian catechesis this fall? Some months ago, our Archbishop announced that he would ask every parish community to reconsecrate its members to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. But in addition, he asked that we do this in connection to our growing love for Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of the Americas. Archbishop Gregory made a pilgrimage to Mexico City, and obtained for the Archdiocese, several copies of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Members of his curia have designed a way for each parish to give honor to this special image of Our Lady, as the blessed image is moved throughout our deanery.
At the 1:30 PM Mass this Sunday, one of the images of Our Lady of Guadalupe obtained by the Archbishop will be brought to SJN, and will stay by our Altar for about two weeks. After this special time of devotion, an image of Our Lady will then be placed in the vestibule, where the baptismal font has been located. Let us join Archbishop Gregory in asking Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. Mary answers with follow my Son!
Msgr. David
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