 "GOOD STEWARDS OF BAPTISM"
The Role of Godparents
The excitement that surrounds a birth generates a great desire to invite others to share in the life of the child. Many times the choice of Godparents is based on the relationship of the parents with their own brothers and sisters or life-long friends. Choosing from this group is most logical for they will have the greatest contact with the child throughout their lives. But the role of Godparent is more than an honorary one for it demands one to represent the Church and a life of Faith.
Godparents: "Are you ready to help these parents in their duty as Christian mothers and fathers?" (Rite of Baptism)
“For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents' help is important. So too is the role of godfather and godmother , who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized on the road of Christian life. Their task is a truly ecclesial function (officium).The whole ecclesial community bears some responsibility for the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism, but is sec-ondary to the parents and godparents.” (Catholic Catechism)
An Ecclesial function denotes sponsorship based on the profound faith and active life in the Church by one who is to fulfill the role of godparent.
Prerequisites of the (sponsor) god parent to fulfill the role:
- Sponsors are to be at least 16 years of age
- They must be Catholics who are already confirmed and have received the Holy Eucharist.
- They must be leading a life of faith in harmony with the duty that they are undertaking, (valid sacramental marriage and weekly Mass attendance).
- They must have the qualification for and intention of carrying out this duty.
Note: The proposed sponsor must be approved by their pastor according to the Canonical Law before they can be admitted as a godparent.
BEFORE YOU ASK…BE A GOOD STEWARD!
Many times parents fail to investigate whether the person who they desire to be the godparent of their child meets the above criteria. This can cause great disappointment for the parent as well as the potential godparent if they are not properly disposed or qualified to act as sponsor. Before you ask…. Make sure they are more than a close friend or relative, make sure they are a good practicing Catholic who can aid your child in accomplishing Eternal Life.
PENANCE SERVICE
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 14th
7:00 PM
We desire to approach the sacrament by "making a good confession." The most important aspect of doing so is our examination of conscience. How do we avoid just saying the same old thing time after time? We need to be more reflective and honest with ourselves.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
As I mentioned in my Homily on Pentecost we should consider using the gifts of the Holy Spirit to guide our preparation for confession. What gifts have we sinned against by not responding to them in living out our daily lives.
Take a look and see:
The Gift of understanding: have I taken time to read sacred scripture, study the teachings of the Church to guide my daily actions. Have I become angry at those who do not follow the teachings of the Church? Have I become angry with the Church because I can not accept certain truths and teachings in my own life?
The Gift of Knowledge: Have I placed my trust in God as the source of all truth and reason of our lives?
Or have I been prone to trust science for answers of the mysteries that the world presents to me? Have I used knowledge for my own self worth and not as a tool of sharing the love of God’s teachings with others?
The Gift of Wisdom: Have I behaved and lived in my relationships with the respect and dignity of my very existence in the way God sees me and desires me to respond to His Kingdom over the importance of the world? Have I been able to accept God’s will in my life as a part of His Divine plan?
The Gift of Council: Have I strived to be a good example to my children and peers? Do I allow the Church to guide and form my conscience in decision making and presentation of Truth?
The Gift of Piety: Have I fulfilled my Sunday obligations and received the Holy Eucharist with reverence and only when in the state of Grace? Have I put God above all things and raised my heart to him each day in prayer?
The Gift of Courage: Have I responded to every Christian challenge with zeal for the love of Christ?
Have I responded without hesitation to advert from gossip and demeaning and degrading conversations?
Fear of the Lord: have I avoided falling to the kingdom of the Flesh and desires of things stuff and junk?
Have I accepted all that comes my way, positive or negative, with true humility and for the heavenly prize? |
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Wed ........................................................................ Cantors/Choir LOOK FOR A NEW EVENTS PAGE!!! COMING SOON!!! |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 06 September 2010 )
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Please pray for the family of Greg Gaudi and Cheryl Harper, whose mother, Gloria Gaudi, died recently. |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 06 September 2010 )
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