DECEMBER BAPTISMAL PREPARATION CLASS STARTS SECOND SATURDAY OF ADVENT MORNING...........

Parish pastoral ministry this second Saturday of Advent begins with the December Baptismal Preparation class for Parents and Godparents of children 6, and under - at 10:30 a.m. here at OLOL.  R.C.I.A. Inquiry session and Homiletic preparation will follow into the afternoon.  Cathecisis, Evangelization, Faith Formation, are necessary ongoing facets in the lives of Catholic-Christians, as no matter how well educated in the Faith we are there is a continual need to stay informed and updated, to nurture and develop the precious gift that our belief and relationship with God in Christ requires of us.  Sacramental Preparation for parents, godparents, and those seeking to receive and celebrate the Sacraments of the Church, is a primary part of the ongoing education and formation of the faithful.  Thus the Baptismal Instructions class is a linchpin of the responsibility to enter more deeply into the commitment of Discipleship, we share as Catholic-Christian families and members of the Community of Believers.  The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, (R.C.I.A.) is the lifeline of forming inquirers, catechumens, and candidates into persons of Living Faith.  Through R.C.I.A., those who take part are brought into the fullness of the Catholic-Christian Faith, through sharing in coming to understand and experience Sacred Scriptire and Tradition, stories of Faith, instruction in the Teachings of the Church /  Catholic-Christianity, and formation in becoming members of the Community of Believers, liturgically, sacramentally , spiritually, and socially.  On a weekly basis the majority of Catholic-Christians are further enlightened, informed, instructed, and given insights, into God's Word and how to implement the message of Good News into our daily lives.  So in one of these three manners of faith formation you and me, and all Disciples of Jesus should be, will be participants in this 2nd Saturday and 3rd Sunday of Advent 2011.  For most of you that will happen at Gaudete Sunday Mass in your parish community.  At the midway point of this sacred season leading us to Christmas, are you keeping Sunday Mass and Advent devotions, a chief priority to be ready for Christmas ?   Jesus and His Church wants you too, and Welcomes You to God's House, This Sunday and Every Sunday...........Fr.  Troy