A Personal Prayer of Thanksgiving for Baptism, Confirmation, and the Journey of Faith

Lord Jesus,

With our hearts overflowing in gratitude, we thank you.

You have walked with us every step of this journey-through questions, through

searching, through moments of light and of stillness.

And now, You have welcomed us fully into Your Church through the sacred waters

of Baptism and the fire of Your Holy Spirit in Confirmation.

You have claimed us as Your own.

You have washed away our past and given us a new name, a new purpose, a new

family in faith.

I am no longer a seeker- we are Yours.

Thank You, Lord, for the incredible grace of this moment.

Thank You for the gift of faith, for the strength to say "YES," and for the

peace that only You can give.

Thank You for the cross that saved us, and for the empty tomb that gives us hope.

With all my heart, I thank you for those who walked with me:

For my sponsor-who stood beside me, believed in me, and prayed for me when I

couldn't find the words.

For our group leaders-who gave their time, their heart, and their wisdom to

guide us gently and faithfully.

For my fellow catechumens-my brothers and sisters in Christ, whose witness

inspired me and whose presence reminded me that I am not alone.

You, Jesus, are the center of it all.

Help me to live every day in the light of what You have done for my life.

Let this be not an end, but the beginning of a life poured out in love for You

and for others.

Here I am, Lord. I am Yours.

Amen.

by Sadra Robins

Sadra Robins (From your Google Contacts)

RCIA 2025

Blessing of the Tea at the Retreat "Living Water" by Mark

 Dear Heavenly Father, 

Thank you for this moment of fellowship, joining us together in our journey toward you and for the gift of this tea. We ask that you bless it, and as we drink it, may we also drink deeply from the well of your love, as you showed to the woman at the well.

Prayer By Ramon

 Dear Lord, 

I want to start by expressing my gratitude for bringing us here safely and uniting us as we embark on our journey in the RCIA.  

You are aware of the path that has led us to this moment—the decision we made to wholeheartedly seek a deeper understanding of you and your love.  I ask for your ongoing guidance as we draw nearer to you in our lives.

Help us all to keep our hearts open and to continually seek you for wisdom, courage, and direction.  

I also pray for your grace and mercy during the times we may falter in our efforts.  You have shown us immense kindness, and we recognize that. Although this journey can be challenging, please remind us that with your love, we can overcome all obstacles as we grow and become reflections of your love to share with others.  

GOSPEL OF JOHN CHAPTER 20:19-31

 This video shows the biblical story from John 20:19-31 about Jesus appearing to his disciples after His resurrection:

• Jesus Appears (without Thomas): Initially, Jesus appears to the disciples who are gathered behind locked doors [00:08]. He offers them peace, shows them his wounds, and they rejoice [00:37]. He commissions them, saying "As the Father sent me, so I send you," and breathes on them to receive the Holy Spirit [00:47].
• Thomas Doubts: Thomas wasn't there for the first appearance and refuses to believe the others [01:13]. He states he must see and touch Jesus' wounds himself [01:21].
• Jesus Appears (with Thomas): A week later, Jesus appears again when Thomas is present [01:40]. He invites Thomas to touch his wounds [02:10]. Thomas declares his belief, saying, "My Lord and my God!" [02:29].
• Belief Without Seeing: Jesus responds to Thomas by saying, "Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed" [02:38].
• Purpose: The video concludes by noting that these events were recorded so that viewers might believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and find life through Him [02:51].

Welcome Home! Your Journey Continues: Life After the Easter Vigil

Alleluia! He is Risen!

To our newest brothers and sisters in Christ, welcome into the fullness of the Catholic Church. 
Welcome Home! The joy of Easter, the Resurrection of our Lord, is profoundly mirrored in your own resurrection into new life within the Body of Christ. Your journey through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) has been a testament to faith seeking understanding, and our entire parish community here in Welland rejoices with you and celebrates your commitment.

The Easter Vigil was a mountain-top experience, filled with grace, symbolism, and the powerful sacraments of initiation. But like any profound journey, reaching the summit isn't the end – it's the beginning of a new vista, a new way of living. Now, rooted in the sacramental life of the Church, you embark on the beautiful, lifelong adventure of discipleship as a Catholic Christian.

So, what's next? How do you live out this vibrant new faith day-to-day?

Understanding Your Role: The Dignity of the Laity

First, remember the incredible dignity of your Baptism. You are not just "members" of the Church; you are incorporated into Christ Himself. Through Baptism, you share in His priestly, prophetic, and kingly mission.

• Priestly: You are called to offer your daily life, your joys, sorrows, work, and prayer as a spiritual sacrifice to God. You participate actively in the Mass, the source and summit of our faith.
• Prophetic: You are called to be witnesses to Christ in the world – in your families, workplaces, and communities – through your words and actions.
• Kingly: You are called to serve others, especially the poor and marginalized, recognizing the inherent dignity of every person made in God's image. 

The vast majority of the Church is made up of laymen and women like you, living out their faith in the midst of the world. Your unique gifts, talents, and experiences are essential to the Church's mission!

Living the Faith: Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, Lex Vivendi, Lex Agendi

As you step forward, it's helpful to understand a foundational principle of Catholic life often expressed in Latin: Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, Lex Vivendi, Lex Agendi. This phrase encapsulates the deep connection between how we worship, what we believe, how we live, and how we act.

• Lex Orandi (The Law of Praying/Worshipping): This refers to how the Church officially prays, most importantly in the Sacred Liturgy (the Mass and Sacraments). The way we worship shapes and expresses our faith.
• Lex Credendi (The Law of Believing): This is what the Church believes – the doctrines and dogmas summarized in our Creeds. Our beliefs flow from and are reflected in our prayer. As we worship, so we come to believe more deeply.
• Lex Vivendi (The Law of Living): Our beliefs, nurtured by our worship, must then inform how we live our daily lives, our ethics, our choices, our relationships, our character.
• Lex Agendi (The Law of Acting): This is the practical application of our faith and life – how we act in the world, the good works we do, the service we render, the witness we give.

Essentially: how we pray forms what we believe, which guides how we live, which motivates how we act. Participating fully in the Church's life, especially the Mass, isn't just an obligation; it's the wellspring from which our belief, life, and actions flow.

Getting Involved: Sharing Your Gifts

Your parish is your spiritual family, and like any family, it thrives when everyone contributes. There are countless ways, big and small, to get involved, deepen your faith, and build community, putting the Lex Agendi into practice. Don't feel pressured to do everything at once! Prayerfully consider where God might be calling you to share your time and talents:

1. Deepening Your Sacramental Life (Lex Orandi):

   • Attend Mass Regularly: Beyond the Sunday obligation, consider attending daily Mass occasionally. This is the heart of our faith.
   • Frequent Reconciliation: Experience the healing grace of Confession regularly.
   • Eucharistic Adoration: Spend quiet time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Many parishes have dedicated adoration chapels or specific times.

2. Liturgical Ministries: Help make our celebrations of the Mass beautiful and reverent.

   • Lector: Proclaim the Word of God during Mass.
   • Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion: Assist the priest and deacon in distributing Communion at Mass or to the homebound.
   • Usher/Greeter: Welcome people to Mass, assist with seating, and take up the collection. Create a welcoming atmosphere.
   • Music Ministry: Join the choir or offer instrumental talents.
   • Altar Server: Assist the priest at the altar (open to adults in many parishes).

3. Faith Formation & Education (Lex Credendi): Share the faith and continue learning.

   • Bible Studies & Faith Sharing Groups: Join a group to study Scripture or discuss faith topics. This is a great way to learn and connect.
   • Assist with Catechesis: Help teach children's religious education, youth ministry, or even assist with the RCIA program in the future!

4. Service & Outreach (Lex Agendi): Put faith into action by serving others.

   • Parish Outreach Programs: Volunteer with groups like the St. Vincent de Paul Society, food banks, or initiatives supporting the poor, elderly, or vulnerable in your community.
   • Hospitality: Help with coffee Sundays, parish dinners, or social events.
   • Visiting the Sick/Homebound: Bring Communion and companionship to those unable to attend Mass.
   • Parish Councils/Committees: Offer your skills (finance, building maintenance, pastoral planning) on various parish committees.

5. Community & Prayer Groups (Lex Vivendi/Agendi):

   • Join Parish Organizations: Consider groups like the Catholic Women's League (CWL), Knights of Columbus, the Holy Name Society, or other parish-specific groups focused on prayer, service, and fraternity/sorority.
   • Prayer Groups: Participate in Rosary groups, charismatic prayer meetings, or other prayer gatherings.

Continuing the Journey:

• Keep Praying: Develop a consistent personal prayer life. This could include the Rosary, reading Scripture (Lectio Divina), formal prayers, or simply talking to God throughout your day.
• Keep Learning: Read Catholic books, listen to Catholic podcasts or radio, explore reputable Catholic websites. Your formation doesn't end with RCIA.
• Build Relationships: Get to know fellow parishioners. Introduce yourself after Mass. Join a group. These connections are vital.
• Be Patient: You are entering into a 2,000-year-old tradition. Be patient with yourself as you learn and grow. Don't be afraid to ask questions!

You Are Needed!

Your presence, your faith, and your unique gifts enrich our parish immeasurably. Don't hesitate to reach out to the parish office, the clergy, or your RCIA team members to learn more about specific ministries or simply to talk about finding your place.

Welcome again to the family! We are so incredibly blessed to have you walking alongside us as we journey together toward the Kingdom of God. May the joy of this Easter season continue to fill your hearts!

My First Prayer by Sandra

 My First Prayer

Heavenly Father,

With hearts full of gratitude, we come before You, giving thanks for the gift of faith and the journey that has led us to Your Church.

As we take this step in becoming Catholics, strengthen our hearts, enlighten our minds, and fill us with the Holy Spirit.

Bless our group, Lord, that we may grow in love, wisdom, and unity, always seeking to follow Christ and serve others with joy. We praise You for Your endless mercy and grace, and we ask that You guide us every day on this sacred path.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Journeying Through Holy Week: A Special Reflection for Our RCIA Community

 

Dear Friends in Christ,

As we move closer to the glorious celebration of Easter, we enter into the most sacred week of the liturgical year: Holy Week. For us Catholics, this week is a profound and deeply moving journey, a time to walk alongside Jesus in his final days, his suffering, death, and ultimately, his triumphant resurrection. As you prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter, understanding the significance of Holy Week takes on an even deeper meaning.

Think of Holy Week as the very heart of our Christian faith. It's not just a historical recounting of events; it's an active participation in the Paschal Mystery – the saving work of Jesus Christ. Each day of this week invites us to reflect, pray, and enter into the story that defines who we are as Catholics.

Let's briefly touch upon the key moments of Holy Week and why they are so important for us:

Palm Sunday (April 13th, 2025): This Sunday marks Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The crowds hailed him as the Messiah, laying down palm branches in his path. We, too, wave palms in our churches, acknowledging Jesus as our King. However, this joyous celebration also foreshadows the suffering to come. It reminds us that even amidst praise and glory, the path to salvation often involves sacrifice.

Holy Thursday (April 17th, 2025): This evening liturgy commemorates the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples. It was during this meal that Jesus instituted the Eucharist, the true presence of his Body and Blood, which we receive at every Mass. He also washed the feet of his disciples, demonstrating the importance of humility and selfless service. For those of you preparing for First Communion, Holy Thursday offers a powerful glimpse into the profound gift you will soon receive.

Good Friday (April 18th, 2025): This is a day of solemn reflection on the Passion and death of Jesus on the cross. We remember the immense love he had for humanity, a love so great that he willingly endured suffering and death for our salvation. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and often, veneration of the cross. As you prepare for Baptism and Confirmation, Good Friday underscores the reality of sin and the incredible sacrifice Jesus made to redeem us.

Holy Saturday (April 19th, 2025): This is a day of quiet anticipation. The Church is in mourning, reflecting on Christ's descent into the realm of the dead. There is no Mass celebrated until the Easter Vigil. This silence and waiting prepare us for the glorious news of the Resurrection. It's a time to contemplate the darkness before the dawn, the stillness before the explosion of new life.

The Easter Vigil (Saturday Evening, April 19th, 2025): This is the most magnificent liturgy of the entire year! We gather in darkness, light the Paschal Candle (symbolizing Christ our Light), and hear the stories of salvation history. It is during the Easter Vigil that you, our catechumens and candidates, will receive the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion – entering fully into the Catholic Church! The joy and hope of the Resurrection are palpable, a testament to Christ's victory over sin and death.

Easter Sunday (April 20th, 2025): We celebrate the glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ! This is the culmination of Holy Week and the foundation of our faith. The empty tomb signifies the triumph of life over death, hope over despair. It is a day of immense joy and celebration, a reminder of the new life we have in Christ.

For you, our RCIA community, this Holy Week is particularly significant. You are on the threshold of entering into full communion with the Catholic Church. As you journey through these sacred days, allow yourselves to be drawn into the story of Jesus' love and sacrifice. Reflect on the gifts you are about to receive and the new life that awaits you in Christ.

We, your RCIA team and the entire parish community, are walking alongside you during this holy time. We pray that this Holy Week will be a time of profound grace and preparation for the incredible joy of Easter.

May the blessings of this holy season be with you all.