Sacraments of Initiation

“It was a life-long journey of deepening my relationship with God. Finally, on January 10, 2021, a new beginning started as I was baptized and few weeks later, I received the Sacrament of my Confirmation. It was an absolutely magnificent occasion. The gift of Spirit is the same gift of God’s love and life which I received at Confirmation. It’s a sign that my life has been radically influenced by God and it’s not captured in singular sacramental moments but experienced and expressed throughout all my life of how deep my relationship with God is. As Paul says: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

I would like to thank Father John, my Godfather Robert and my Godmother Irine and all other people of the Church for their commitment to walk with me on my spiritual journey, leading by example when the path isn’t clear, waiting for me when problems slow my pace and offering to be with me when my spirit wants to soar.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.”

Ekaterina generously shares with us her personal testimony regarding her faith journey over the past few months.  During this time, her journey has been both intense and exciting as she has realized in the midst of our faith community her life dream to be baptized and life her faith in the Church.  

As for all of us, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are the three Sacraments of Initiation which brought Ekaterina into communion with the Church, with the culmination being her full participation at eucharist with the reception of communion.  So we become and be who we are – the living Body of Christ.  Our Church is described as being a eucharistic Church.  Each Sunday we gather to celebrate we are the Body of Christ and then go forth to live who we are during our week.    

Over the past few months, our community has had ones preparing for these sacraments. These efforts continue with three children now beginning preparation for their first reception of the eucharist this coming Easter.  We pray with and for them as they are special at this time in our midst, reminding us of who we are.  Along the way in life, we all need friendly reminders of who we are in life.  Let us thank them for reminding us in such good ways as we celebrate the sacraments together. 

Let us never forget that “we are the Body of Christ” ( St Augustine of Hippo).  

John P Murray osa – Lent 2021