During the past ten years, Cliff Garvey and I have worked together seven times to prepare adults for the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. Each year that we have been blessed to participate in this important ministry, the Lord has given us a diverse group of adults who prepare for the sacraments for different reasons. Some come simply because they have not received the sacraments and are preparing for marriage or hoping to serve as godparents to a newborn niece or nephew. Others come because they are not Catholic but are married to a Catholic spouse, are attending Mass regularly, but are unable to participate fully in the Eucharistic life of the Church. Still others come with a real hunger for prayer and instruction in the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. They long to become part of the Church for Christ’s sake and for their own. Whatever the reason, the work of preparing adults for the sacraments can be both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Last year, Cliff and I were joined by two fellow parishioners, Patricia Natti and Paul Makowski, who assisted us in preparing six adults for the sacraments. Patty and Paul offered their guidance, prayers, and support; and also shared their own spiritual journeys. Over the course of seven months, our group spent many hours getting to know each other, sharing our faith experiences, learning about Christ and his Church, and praying together as a fellowship of Christian disciples. Last spring’s Easter Vigil Mass was the joyous culmination of our journey when these adults were fully received into the Catholic Church through the blessed waters of baptism, the spiritual nourishment of the Lord’s Body and Blood, and the gracious gifts of the Holy Spirit.

I had hoped that this year would be no different. I prayed that a group of adults would step forward (for whatever reason) to prepare for and receive the sacraments. And I longed to experience again the miracle of new life that comes with watching someone receive the sacraments for the first time. Much to my disappointment, however, not a single aspiring adult disciple has registered for our program! But here’s the thing: I know that they’re out there! I know (in my heart and in fact) that there are men and women in our parish communities who worship with us but who are unable to fully participate in our shared liturgical and spiritual life because they have not received one or all of the Sacraments of Initiation.

Here’s where you come in! If I know that these aspiring adult disciples are out there, then you do, too! Do you have an adult son or daughter who has not been baptized? Do you have an adult grandchild or godchild who has not received First Penance or First Eucharist? Do you have an adult niece or nephew who has not received the Sacrament of Confirmation? Do you have a friend or neighbor who is seeking to grow closer to Jesus but doesn’t know the way? Ask them to contact us! Invite them to join us! No guilt! No lectures! No pressure! Just remind them gently that the Lord is calling them and is ready to welcome them with open arms! Most of all, please pray that these adults will step forward, take a risk, and trust that our Heavenly Father is calling them by name to join his Church. Please pray that they will accept the offer of peace and strength that comes with knowing and loving the Risen Jesus who loves them beyond words. And please pray they will let Jesus more fully enter their lives…and ours, too!

Peace and blessings to all,
Father Jim

Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (10-23-16)
Bringing Home the Word (10-23-16)

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Adult Faith Formation
RCIA & Adult Confirmation Preparation
Calling Adult Disciples!

Solemnity of All Saints
A Holy Day of Obligation
Tuesday, November 1st