Easter - 2012
We were with a parish in Virginia for Holy Week. At the Holy Saturday Easter Vigil, the parish welcomed a young boy, Matthew age 11, to full membership into the church. He was so enthusiastic. He wanted to immerse his entire head three times into the large font of bubbling Easter water. He did, but not without a bit of sputtering! Then his godparents wiped his face and head and he took a few deep breaths to “recover.” Then they helped him into a new white shirt and white tie, his white “Easter” garments. Following his baptism he was confirmed and then made his first Holy Communion receiving both the bread and the cup. What a happy occasion this was for Matthew and his family, but also for the parishioners.
Matthew and the parishioners will be journeying together these next few weeks. Matthew will be learning more about his faith. The people will be renewing their faith, coming to know and see Jesus in new ways.
It is a time in the church called MYSTAGOGIA. Mystagogy is a Greek word that means “mystery.” This process for both old and new members alike to learn more about the mysteries of faith usually takes place each week as they gather together for the Eucharist, the readings, the homily and the breaking of the bread. Let us keep these new members close to us and not abandon them at the baptismal font!
We three are arriving in Australia Thursday, April 19. We will be Down Under until July 17.
Blessings!
Joan