As we celebrate the second Sunday of Easter, I would like to give God thanks for how he is moving in the life of our community. One of the highlights of the past 12 months has been the presence of “searchers” amongst us. It has been a privilege to journey with our catechumens and candidates over the last 12 months and to have them finally received into full communion with the Church at the Easter Vigil. For me this is a sign of the health of our community, a sign that we, for want of a better word, are a “normal” parish. When a community is
living its faith, it outward focused and welcoming, then people will naturally be drawn to us and want to be part of us. I hope that this becomes our new “normal” and that every year we are able to welcome new members into full communion with the Church.
Having said that, I must acknowledge that there aren’t too many people who would sacrifice 90 minutes of a Saturday afternoon for a faith journey, not when they could be relaxing at home, or spending time with family, or watching sport, or doing anything else. Our Elect persevered, they learned and they prayed, and they learned to pray. Anyone can get book knowledge; anyone can swallow the Catechism of the Catholic Church and regurgitate it at the press of the button. It is another thing entirely to learn how to open one’s self to God, to learn how to listen for his presence and be open to the guiding Spirit. It is another thing to engage at a deeper level with both the truths and mysteries of our faith, to realise that neither as straightforward as we would like, and to be able to live with ambiguity.
This is the journey that I am inviting members of our St Martin de Porres family on. Are you not Catholic but attending mass because of your partner or spouse? Are you Catholic but for whatever reason did not complete the sacraments of Holy Communion or Confirmation? Have you thought about formalising your relationship with this faith community or completing your sacramental journey?
If so, please sign up for the RCIA program and join us for our first class on Saturday, 9th May at 15h00, in the parish board room.
