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:
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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.
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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).
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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!
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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.
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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!
