S t a f f R e f l e c t i o n s
Port Huron Catholic Cluster
FROM THE DESK OF SISTER LYNN
The Elect and the Candidates in the RCIA process are on a roll in their preparation for the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist on Holy Saturday. There has been much growth through the year in getting to know who Jesus is and what it means to be a member of the Catholic Church. The group was very intent in learning and loving the Gospels, praying more deeply and making a turnaround in their life-styles.
We had a variety of Presenters and each imprinted their own special gift to the group. I marvel how the Holy Spirit uses the talents of people to build up the Kingdom of God. My prayer is that these Elect and Candidates continue to do the same as they progress in their faith through the years. I found the group exceptional and this certainly is inspirational to the team and each other.
Four adults and four children will be baptized in a Baptismal Pool with the immersion process. Being totally plunged into the waters of Baptism is a robust symbol for a more fruitful experience of what the sacrament means. The Church recommends Baptism by immersion because they realize that the reality of conversion is so powerful that a few drops of water cannot adequately express what is going on in the life of the Elect or the community that initiates them.
When Father Brian blesses the water in the fount, we remember Noah and the flood, and the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. We recall the crossing of the Red Sea and the quantities or walls of water that set the tone for dying and rising. Being baptized is an epic event in the life of each and every person that responds to the call of the Father.
Come to the on Holy Saturday Services and support these fledglings. They need to know that their being incorporated into Christ and the Church is important to you and good for the Church. Let us show that we need these new members just as they need our wisdom and experience of what it means to be Catholic.
Please plan on coming
to the Lenten Retreat on
Tuesday, March 27!
Sister Lynn
The Elect, Candidates, and Sponsors in the RCIA program participate in the 1st Scrutinies of the Elect.
Scrutiny rites are meant to uncover what is weak and bring out what is upright in the hearts of the Elect.
RELIGIOUS ED NEWS
Peace be with you!!
We have just celebrated the feast day of a very well known Saint, but how much do we really know about St. Patrick?
The children in RE are always amazed when they find out that he wasn’t Irish but was the son of a Roman military officer stationed in Britain. He was kidnapped at the age of 16 by Irish pirates and forced to work as a shepherd for 6 years, suffering from cold and near starvation. He turned to God!! Eventually he escaped and returned to his family a changed man with a goal and a vision to serve God. He became a priest and then a Bishop.
When the Church decided to evangelize Ireland, Patrick volunteered to go and the rest is history. He set up monasteries and convents, established parishes, adapted Irish celebrations to Christian feasts and worked to abolish paganism. He taught the Trinity with the use of a shamrock and legend has it that he expelled all the poisonous snakes from Ireland! A popular morning prayer called the Breastplate of St. Patrick expresses Patrick’s love and trust in God.
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger
Christ in the hearts of all who love me,
Christ in the mouth of friend or stranger.
Today Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, and his feast is a worldwide day of celebration. When we see a picture of St. Patrick we should remember the joy he found in serving God. We should remember that we, too, have a mission to witness the Gospel to the ends of the earth!!
Have a wonderful week. Thank God for spring!!
Karen Clor - DRE