Rite of Christian Initiation
Eleven adults and twelve children have been waiting to be received into the Church. Normally we do that at the Easter Vigil after a period of prayerful preparation during Lent. With Covid-19 all that was placed on hold as public celebrations of the Mass were canceled out of concern for the health and wellbeing of all our parishioners, especially the most vulnerable.
With joy, I announce that these individuals will be received into the faith at two separate liturgies; one on July 18
th and the other on July 25
th. So that their families can gather with them, these Masses will not be open to parishioners, except those who have served as catechists and sponsors. However, I invite you to keep them in your prayers.
This Sunday at both Masses those who are preparing for Baptism will undergo one of the Scrutinies. Normally there are three that take place during Lent. This is a prayer by the church that God reveal to those preparing for baptism all that is weak and sinful so that they may experience true healing from our Savor. We also pray that they know all that is good and graced in their lives so that it may be ever strengthened.
It is a good template for prayer for all of us: forgiveness and healing for sin, strengthening of the virtues. The first keeps us humble; the second fills us with gratitude. This week I would suggest we include in our prayer the request for God to strengthen one virtue. The cardinal virtues are prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. The theological virtues are faith, hope, and charity. Other virtues could include Courage, Tranquility, Diligence, Focus, Equanimity, Humility, Integrity and Wisdom. (I just googled “virtues”) Is there one virtue you would like God to strengthen? Ask for it in prayer.
-Fr. Bill
