The German Jesuit theolgian Karl Rahner (an early influence on Pope Benedict) used to say that the real test of a Christian community’s vitality is not the total attending Mass each Sunday, nor the activities they undertake (good as those might be), but the number of new Christians who have been added to the community in the past year. By that, Rahner explains that he means not converts from other traditions, but adults who have come fresh to faith in Christ and have sought Baptism and the life of grace. I think Rahner’s test remains valid. If we are presenting the Gospel in an authentic way then it should prove attractive not just to those already formed in the ways of faith, but also to individuals of good will who have not as yet sought Baptism.
This week sees the beginning of the adult instruction course (the RCIA = Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). We will meet at 7pm on Tuesday (and subsequent Tuesdays) in the Rectory. So far, fifteen people have indicated their desire to learn more about the Catholic Faith in this way, and if there are others who would like to use this opportunity for study and discussion they will be very welcome to join the group. Some of those starting the course are seeking Baptism, others Confirmation, while others feel this is the time to look again at what they believe. Please keep the RCIA in your prayers – these (mostly) young adults are God’s gift to us and we should value and support them
During November our thoughts are particularly concerned with those who have gone before us in faith. St John Chrysostom says: “Let us help and commemorate them. If Job’s sons were purified by their father’s sacrifice, why should we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some comfort? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them”. In ways that we do not as yet fully comprehend, we on earth have solidarity with those who have passed through the gateway of death and await their full share in the Resurrection. As they undergo the experience of purification and change, we can help them with our prayers and most especially by our offering of the Eucharist. The Mass is the perfect form of intercession because it is Christ’s own prayer made in loving obedience to his Father and it is right that we should associate our departed loved ones with the Holy Sacrifice – this can be done by including their names on the November Dead List or by writing their names on the papers provided at the back of church which will then be kept on the altar throughout November.
It is just on a month since I took over from Father Terry Phipps. The learning curve has been fairly steep but I would like to say a very sincere “thank you” to everyone for the warmth of your welcome and for the help and guidance I have been given. To quote once more what Mother Teresa of Calcutta would often say to her Missionaries of Charity, “Together, let us do something beautiful for God”.
No comments:
Post a Comment