Pastor’s Letter: August 27, 2023

Pastor’s Letter: August 27, 2023

25 Aug 2023 | Posted by: chadmin

Dear friend,

This week we read Peter’s declaration to Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The power, meaning, and significance of these words should not be lost on us. As the Old Testament Jewish community awaited the savior, the Christ, the messiah, we believe this prophecy was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ. He truly is the anointed one the world awaited. Not only is He the awaited Christ, but He is the Living God, the unseen one from heaven, now visible. If Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, then His words and actions carry the authority of God. The invitation for the Christian is not only to make Peter’s profession of faith our own, but to follow through by living the Christian life. Certain phrases from Christ then come to mind. “Love others as you love yourself.” “The measure with which you measure will in turn be measured to you.” Christ calls us to personally recognize how His words illuminate our lives. The reality is that Christian truth changes the way we think, act, and live. Every day should be a day of conversion for the Christian. As we seek His kingdom together, may we all be open to His gentle yoke of guidance that leads us to thanksgiving and joy.

On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, we will host a Come and See for the 2024 RCIA class. RCIA, or the Rite of Christians Initiation of Adults, is the ordinary means for adults to learn about and join the Catholic Church. The Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The RCIA class is then for those who are not Baptized Christians, those who are non-Catholic Baptized Christians, and Baptized Catholics who have not received First Communion or the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Come and See informational meeting introduces the process and the preparation toward receiving the Sacraments. Attendance at class does not require one to receive the Sacraments, but does allow one to make a free-will choice about giving a personal “yes” to join the Church. If you are, or you know anyone who is interested in receiving the Sacraments, please feel free to join us. One can register by contacting the parish office at parish@stphils.com, filling out the form at stphils.com or by showing up to the meeting in the Parish Center Banquet Room on September 12. Please feel free to reach out if there are any questions.

God bless,

Father David