The Year of Saint Paul Reading II 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23 Brothers and sisters: If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it!… The way of faith The church has received a missionary […]
Catechesis for 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, B
I recently read this line in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: The sacrament of baptism cannot be repeated and therefore it is not permitted to confer it again conditionally, unless there is a reasonable doubt about the fact or validity of the baptism already conferred. If serious investigation raises such prudent doubt and
Conditional baptism? Three interesting thoughts
The Year of Saint Paul Reading II 1 Cor 7:32-35 Brothers and sisters: I should like you to be free of anxieties. An unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord…. The way of faith The marriage covenant, by which a man and a woman form with
Catechesis for 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Year of Saint Paul If you are celebrating Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul today, the second reading is the same as for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary time. Reading II 1 Cor 7:29-31 I tell you, brothers and sisters, the time is running out…. For the world in its present form is
Catechesis for 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, B
It might seem daunting to discern a person’s readiness for the next step in the RCIA process. But the Rite, itself, gives us some clear guidelines on who does the discerning and what they’re looking for in the daily actions and demeanor of a person seeking to deepen their relationship with God. Note that the
Discernment: What does the Rite say?
Discernment isn’t just for catechumens. It’s for all the faithful to do each day. And it’s not about what we know in our head. It’s about what we know in our heart. This is because discernment isn’t really about having proof, but having faith that God is with us. This is what we learn from
Discernment: Looking backward to move forward
Reading II 1 Jn 5:1-9 Beloved: Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the Father loves also the one begotten by him…. The way of faith By love, God has revealed himself and given himself to us. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 68) Baptism imprints on
Catechesis for Baptism of the Lord
This editor’s note appeared in the January 2009 issue of Religion Teacher’s Journal. I recently met a couple who have been married 51 years. As I was expressing my admiration at the duration of their marriage, the husband smiled and said, “We’re still hoping it’s going to work out.” He was joking, but, if you’re
Do sacraments make a difference?
Last week, I was rushing to get out the door for Midnight Mass (which for some inexplicable reason was being celebrated at 9:00 p.m.). As I looking for my car keys, I heard an NPR reporter reading a snippet of Pope Benedict’s homily from the Midnight Mass at the Vatican. Later, I wished I’d chosen
A homily catechumens should hear
The Year of Saint Paul Reading II Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 Brothers and sisters: You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation…. The way of faith God has revealed God’s self fully by sending his own
