Beginning this weekend, and for the following two weekends we will have special ceremonies at one of the weekend masses for the three people who will be initiated (baptized, confirmed, and receive Eucharist for the first time) at the Easter Vigil. The ceremonies are called “Scrutinies” and “Presentations.” We will be praying for Janell Jones, Sydney Mills-Gomez, and Madison Jeanes that they will enter deeply into the process of conversion as they prepare for the Easter sacraments. We will present them with a copy of the Creed, a summary of our faith, and a copy of the Our Father, the model for our praying. You may recall that a few weeks ago we “sent” them to the Cathedral using the “Rite of Sending” and on Saturday, March 9, upon the recommendation of their teachers and sponsors, they were “chosen” for initiation by Auxiliary Bishop Battersby during the “Rite of Election.”
These ceremonies are part of the Church’s Rite of Initiation for Adults, (RCIA). They are obviously special moments for these candidates, but they also provide us with the opportunity to pray for strength for ourselves in the face of temptation and appreciate once again the gift of our faith and prayer.
We also pray for Christopher Chilaka who is preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation. Christopher will be confirmed on Sunday, May 5 at St. Regis Church.
We are grateful to God for the gift of these persons, and we offer our support on their faith journey. As they prepare to make these professions of faith, we prepare to re-commit ourselves to our faith and open ourselves to God’s continuing call.
Fr. Jeff