CHRISTIAN BAPTISM & CONFIRMATION  

This is offered with the hope that individuals or families with questions about Holy Baptism or Confirmation will find these notes helpful. Please avail yourself of your Rector who will gladly find time to answer any questions and help you on your spiritual journey. 

 BAPTISM 

Christian Initiation is the term we give to the process by which we become members of the Body of Christ, incorporation into the family of the Church of Jesus Christ. The rites by which we celebrate this are Baptism and Confirmation. 

In the Anglican Church we are willing to baptize infants if the parents are baptized members of the Church. In the early church whole households were baptized. We continue in that tradition: It seems appropriate that where there are parents who are active members through Baptism, they will ensure that their children will be raised with an appreciation of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. However, increasingly in today’s world where many have no early contact with the Church, we have people coming forth in their teen and adult years seeking Baptism.

In past times, there was some who felt that baptism was a personal rite for cleansing that person from sin and that it was a way to be saved from going to hell when one died. However, if we understand ourselves today as God’s creatures, whether we are followers of Jesus or not, it’s safe to say that our loving God will never let his creatures down, so Baptism is far more that just a personal salvation device. Within the Anglican Church, many of us increasingly see that Baptism is a corporate act by which an individual is given a gift of new life and becomes part of a conscious group (the Church) who follow and experience Jesus Christ as a foundation in their lives, and also has a sense that they are called to share and articulate this good news..  That’s why today baptisms are celebrated within the context of the gathered worshipping community. Easter, Pentecost, All Saints, the Baptism of our Lord are very appropriate times for this event, but often the Rector will find other times with families to celebrate Holy Baptism.

Normally Baptism takes place at the font in the church. The candidate and/or  Godparents (Sponsors), in the case of infants, will make promises to renounce evil, turn to Jesus, and to follow him as Lord.  The congregation and the candidates then affirm their faith together by reciting an ancient statement of the Church known as the Apostle’s Creed. In the service, members are reminded that we who follow in Jesus’ footsteps are called to lives of service to others, to share this good news of Jesus (evangelism), and to action for justice and peace.

 In our Anglican tradition, water in the font is blessed and then poured across the forehead of the candidate. Water is a symbol of life and of cleansing. Water was a basic element at the beginning of creation, and it was through the water that Moses led the children of Israel from slavery; it was in the waters of Jordan that John baptized Jesus. The water of Baptism also reminds us of the waters of the womb from which we are born into this world.

Baptism is done in the name of the Trinity, reminding us that God is revealed as Creator (beyond ourselves), as Christ (among us), and as Holy Spirit (within us). The Trinity formula links us to other branches of the Church and is recognized as valid by them. Sometimes at Baptism, a candle which is lit from the Paschal  (Easter) candle is lit and given to the newly baptized, a sign that in baptism we have passed from darkness to light. The congregation then welcomes the newly baptized into “the household of God” and invites them into the life of faith. 

PREPARATION

 Some preparation is required before baptism. [In ancient times, the season of Lent was a 40-day period of preparation before Baptism at Easter.] Today, in the case of adults and teens, they are encouraged find opportunities to come to a greater appreciation of the promises that they are undertaking and also to learn more about the Christian Way and community. Sometimes this will happen with sessions with the Rector or other members, sometimes by directed reading and conversations with others, and also some involvement in church activities. When an infant is brought for Baptism, Godparents (sponsors) and parents normally have a session or two with their Rector to help in understanding their responsibilities.

CONFIRMATION

In the early days of the church when the bishop presided over all baptisms, the rite was mainly for adults and included both baptism and confirmation (the laying on of hands with prayer for the gift of the Spirit). In later years with increasing numbers of candidates, the bishop delegated baptism to his priests spread throughout the diocesan family, and confirmation was delayed until the bishop’s visit to a member’s congregation. In the Anglican Church we now have come to regard Baptism as full membership in the Church with Confirmation considered a mature step of renewal of baptismal promises before the Bishop. Sometimes this annual service is held in one of the churches in Brock Region, while at other times it is held in our Diocesan Cathedral in Hamilton.

ADMISSION TO COMMUNION

At one time we use to defer the receiving of Communion until a person was confirmed but again there has been a rethinking of this. If Baptism is regarded as admission to full membership, then all the activities associated with membership should be available to the member. As a consequence, as long as there is some understanding of God being present at Communion (Eucharist), that person is encouraged to receive the nurture of this Holy Sacrament. As a result many parishes now encourage children as well as adults to join in communion around the Lord’s Table at His meal. From time to time the Rector and/or Sunday school teachers will have educational sessions to help our children appreciate what the Eucharist is about. 

And Now 

Should questions arise which have not yet been answered, please feel free to discuss them with your Rector.  We want these events to be meaningful times marking special points in your Journey in Faith!

KJC Oct 2002

            St. Paul's Anglican Church

32 Idylewylde Street

Fort Erie, ON   L2A 2L1

1-905-871-6704

www.forterie.com/stpaulschurch/

 YOUR MINISTER

Your clergy are the ones who have the responsibility of getting you off on the right foot. To that end it is very important before you set your final date, to consult with them to avoid disappointment. A couple of meetings are held between the couple and the minister before setting the date. The clergy have been entrusted by the Church to make sure every couple entering into marriage in the Church is fully aware of the sacred dimension to this act. Your clergy are very much interested in YOU as a COUPLE as you make this very important step in your lives.

 GROUP MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE

Once a year in either spring or autumn, a weekend course is offered for couples entering into marriage, focusing on communications, backgrounds, conflict management, affection and sexuality. It is our hope that you plan to take advantage of this course about “Learning to Live Together”. 

(Registration is $35.00) 

MARRIAGE LICENSE

This must be procured from the Town Municipal  Hall at least three days before the wedding for the Church Office to process, but not more than 90 days before. Your clergy will guide you. 

Important Note:

Please do not sign the license until the wedding! Bring your license and fees (placed in individually marked envelopes) to the Parish Office by the Tuesday before the wedding.

Office Hours: 9am –12noon. 

FEES

Please don’t hesitate to discuss these fee guidelines with your clergy if there is any difficulty. These church “costs” are not high when you consider what many families are spending today on photography, liquor and wedding receptions. 

1.  CHURCH BUILDING FUND DONATION*…………… $350.00

                                  an income tax receipt will be issued if requested

*(This does not apply if you are a regular contributor to St. Paul’s)

2.  ORGANIST…rehearsal & service…….… $90.00

    if extra rehearsal time is required with a soloist……..$100.00

3.  VERGER…………………………….……… $50.00

4.  ALTAR GUILD…………………………...… $20.00

5.      MINISTER’S HONORARIUM…This is left to the couple’s discretion. Your minister’s services are made possible by the parish thus no fee is set. However, many couples do like to show their appreciation at this special time. As a guideline, when a supply minister is to be brought in, a minimum honorarium of $150.00 is in order, plus travel expenses.

WEDDING FLOWERS

If desired flowers are arranged through the Altar Guild. The bride is responsible for the ordering and payment of her wedding flowers at the florist of her choice. She should contact the Altar Guild at least 7 to 10 days prior to the wedding date and advise as to the name of the florist where she has purchased the flowers. Please phone Teresa Whitford at 905-871-1490. A member of the Altar Guild will take containers from the church to the florist two days before the wedding. The florist will deliver the flowers to the church at 10am the morning of the wedding. The Altar Guild will be at the church at this time. If it is the bride’s wish to provide flowers from other sources, such as “from the garden”, please make these arrangements with Mrs. Whitford.

Please note: The flowers in the Sanctuary remain on the Altar for Sunday, and are then distributed to the sick and shut-in. 

MUSIC

Music should be sacred in nature as the Wedding Service is an act of celebration before God. The Organist will help you select appropriate music. It is very important that you be ON TIME for both the REHEARSAL and the CEREMONY – the music you select is timed to coincide with the other parts of the Service. 

PHOTOGRAPHY

No still pictures are allowed during worship time, although video is possible. A time can be arranged following the service if you so desire, for still photography. Discuss this with your minister.

NO CONFETTI – INSIDE OR OUT

We are not equipped to cope with confetti being tracked in

However, we do allow birdseed and/or bubbles – outside only.

 ATTIRE

REHEARSAL: Semi-casual attire (neat and tidy) are in order.

WEDDING DAY: Strapless dresses, low-cut dresses, etc. are not appropriate for the bridal party during the service. Please use good discretion. 

RECEPTION

The minister attends, if able, upon invitation.

  **St. Paul’s Centre is available for receptions – please speak to the office staff for booking information.**

If any other questions arise,

please phone the Parish Office 905-871-6704.

Monday – Friday 9am – 12noon.

 KJC Oct 2002

St. Paul's Anglican Church

32 Idylewylde Street

Fort Erie, ON   L2A 2L1

1-905-871-6704

ILLNESS 

When there is illness, it is the privilege and responsibility of the family to notify their minister. At such times the Church has opportunity to minister to both the one who is ill and to the family. When death nears, your minister can be of help. As a rule, if serious illness necessitates calling the doctor, call your minister too!

When a death does occur, your Rector should immediately be contacted.  He or she would like to be with you at this difficult time, and there are pastoral ways you can be helped in coping with grief. 

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

The normal place for Burial Liturgy is in the church within the context of the Eucharist. While the casket or urn is present in the church, it is covered with a pall. Following the church service, which is an occasion of thanksgiving, the earthly remains are committed to God’s keeping through burial, or placement in the Columbarium. 

Simplicity and reverence are keynotes of Anglican funeral practice. Flowers are appropriate as symbols of the resurrection, but increasingly, donations to the Church,

[e.g. St. Paul’s Memorial Fund or The Building Fund, or to other charitable institutions], are seen as more lasting memorials. Consultation with the parish clergy is essential when a memorial is desired for the parish. In some cases when the deceased has    died and is buried elsewhere, a Memorial Service is deemed appropriate and is planned by the family and minister.

CHURCH FUNERALS

When a Funeral takes place in the church, there is no charge for the minister. These services of the minister are underwritten by all active supporting members of the Parish. Should the services of a supply minister be required, your parish bears this expense. It is left entirely to the family’s discretion if they wish to express their appreciation to the minister for help in their difficult days.

FUNERAL HOME FUNERALS

When pastoral and liturgical services of a minister are requested by non-members in a funeral home setting, this arrangement usually occurs with the funeral director contacting clergy on behalf of the family. A clergy honorarium of $150.00 is suggested as a guideline to non-members of the church, to cover the minister’s time and expense. In cases of hardship, the honorarium may be waived. 

MUSIC 

Should music be desired in a funeral service, the music selected is chosen in consultation with the minister and should reflect our Christian hope of eternal life. 

Church Organist: Should the services of the church organist be required, in as much as this is above and beyond Sunday Worship arrangements, an organist fee has been established in accordance with guidelines of the Royal Canadian College of Organists.

At St. Paul’s this fee is $85.00. The funeral home director will assist the family in attending to this matter.

Funeral Home Organists: Our funeral homes have organists which can be called upon to provide music. The funeral home organist fee is $85.00.

PRACTICAL MATTERS 

Services of a fraternal or civic nature should be held at a time before the Burial Liturgy in the church or funeral home. At funerals of a military nature, while the church’s tradition takes precedence, sympathetic consideration may be expressed to military custom. 

If cremation occurs, families are encouraged to ensure that the ashes are reverently disposed. Family and minister should be present when ashes are committed to their final resting place. 

All arrangements, including time of service, should be finalized only after consultation with the clergy involved. The director of parish church funerals is always the Rector. All arrangements, including the assistance of other clergy, therefore must be made through the Rector.

Should questions arise which have not been answered, please fell free to discuss them with your Rector. 

 KJC October 2002

 [Note from the Rector: This Sermon was preached by a parishioner  sharing his recent spiritual journey from the time he was diagnosed with cancer. I believe it worthwhile to retell and share it here.]

PRAYER: MAY WE ALL LIVE, GROW AND LEARN TOGETHER WITH AND IN CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR

 INTRODUCTION:

GIVING A SERMON ON APRIL 1 IS ALWAYS RISKY BUT IT IS PROBABLY APPROPRIATE FOR ME TO BE HERE ON APRIL FOOLS DAY.  BEING AN OLD FOOL IS A LOT BETTER THAN BEING A PAST FOOL. 

MOST OF YOU ARE AWARE THAT I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH RENAL CANCER LAST OCTOBER AND THE INITIAL PROGNOSIS WAS FAR FROM ENCOURAGING.  THINGS WORKED OUT BETTER THAN ANYONE IMAGINED AND I AM HERE TODAY TO THANK ALL MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, CO-WORKERS AND THE PEOPLE AT ST. PAUL'S AND TRINITY LUTHERAN WHOSE PRAYERS, SUPPORT AND HELP MADE MY RECOVERY POSSIBLE.  I WILL TRY AND SHARE THE PROCESS I WENT THROUGH FACING A SERIOUS ILLNESS, WITH MY FAMILY HERE AT ST. PAUL’S.  THE TIMING IS PERFECT AS WE APPROACH EASTER, AND RECOGNIZE THE STRUGGLE WITH CANCER AND THE HOPE OF A CURE BY THE SALE OF DAFFODILS, ONE OF OUR FIRST FLOWERS OF SPRING, SPRING, THE TIME OF REBIRTH. THIS SERMON WILL NOT BE A MEDICAL LOG BUT A PICTURE OF A PERSONAL, MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL JOURNEY.  HOPEFULLY THE SHARING OF MY STORY WILL BE OF SOME HELP WHEN SICKNESS OR TRAGEDY TOUCHES, LIKE IT INVARIABLY WILL, ALL OF US.  WHILE READING ABOUT THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF SICKNESS I FOUND THAT THERE IS INDEED A PROCESS THAT MOST PEOPLE WILL FOLLOW. IF I PAUSE FOR A MOMENT OR SO IT IS BECAUSE REMEMBERING AND SHARING THE JOURNEY IS AN EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE.

DENIAL: 

 I RECEIVED A CALL FROM MY DOCTOR WHILE AT WORK LAST OCTOBER THAT I HAD TO SEE AN UROLOGIST AT NIAGARA FALLS IMMEDIATELY.  I HAD SOME SUSPICIONS AS A ROUTINE MEDICAL HAD EXPANDED TO INCLUDE SEVERAL ULTRASOUNDS AND A CAT SCAN.  I HAD NO SYMPTOMS, NO PAIN AND FELT FINE AT THE TIME.  THAT WAS THE DAY THAT CHANGED MY LIFE.  I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD A LARGE TUMOUR IN MY LEFT KIDNEY AND THE LYMPH NODES WERE ENLARGED AND THERE WAS A HIGH PROBABILITY OF CANCER THAT WAS SPREADING.  HOW COULD THIS BE?  I ENTERED THE FIRST STAGE OF THE PROCESS.  DENIAL. 

DENIAL IS A COMMON HUMAN ATTRIBUTE.  WE WILL SOON HERE THE STORY OF PETER WHO DENIED CHRIST THREE TIMES BEFORE DAWN.  THOMAS DENIED THE RESURRECTION UNTIL HE COULD SEE THE NAIL HOLES AND THE SPEAR WOUND IN CHRIST’S SIDE.  DENIAL IS ALWAYS WITH US.  ONE OF THE MOST COMMON DENIAL PHRASES IS “IT’S NOT MY FAULT”, USUALLY THERE IS FAULT ON BOTH SIDES OF A DISAGREEMENT AND THE SOLUTION IS OFTEN BETWEEN THE TWO POSITIONS.  ONE PERSON CANNOT ARGUE BY HIM/HER SELF.  HOW ABOUT SOME OTHER DENIAL WORDS,  “ I CAN QUIT SMOKING, DRINKING, OVEREATING OR DOING DRUGS ANYTIME I WANT”.  THESE WORDS SIMPLY TELL US A PERSON HAS NOT ACCEPTED A PROBLEM AS BEING REAL.  FINALLY THE CLASSIC DENIAL PHRASE, BUT I AM SURE NO ONE HERE HAS USED THIS ONE,  “I KNOW BEST,”  A DENIAL OF EVEN CONSIDERING ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW. 

NOTE THAT IN MOST CASES THERE IS AN ‘ I’ IN EACH OF THE DENIAL PHRASES JUST LIKE THE I IN DENIAL.  IN MY CASE MY DENIAL STATEMENT WENT SOMETHING LIKE THIS.  “ HOW CAN I HAVE CANCER, I FEEL FINE, IT MUST BE A MISTAKE.”

 INFORMATION: 

THE SECOND STEP IN MY JOURNEY WAS WHAT I CALL THE INFORMATIONAL STAGE.  I WAS BOMBARDED WITH INFORMATION: INFORMATION ABOUT CANCER, INFORMATION ABOUT HOSPITAL PROCEDURES, INFORMATION ABOUT SURVIVAL RATES, INFORMATION ABOUT RECOVERY, INFORMATION, INFORMATION AND MORE INFORMATION.  IN THE MIDST OF THIS INFORMATION OVERLOAD I HAD TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT SELLING MY BUSINESS, RETIRING, DOCTORS, HOSPITALS AND EVEN THE POSSIBILITY OF MOVING.  RESULTS FROM ADDITIONAL TESTS CAME IN AND I WAS BUSY ARRANGING MY FINANCIAL AFFAIRS AND PREPARING FOR THE WORST.  IT MUST BE A HUMAN FAILING TO ALWAYS REGARD THE WORST INFORMATION FIRST.  THERE WAS A LOT OF HOPE IN THE INFORMATION I RECEIVED, BUT SOMEHOW I LOOKED FOR AND SIFTED OUT THE WORST.  MAYBE WE ARE ALL PESSIMISTS AT HEART. TO THIS POINT THERE WAS NOT MUCH OF A SPIRITUAL COMPONENT TO THE JOURNEY.  THE OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF INFORMATION AND THE TIME REQUIRED TO ASSIMILATE IT DID KEEP ME EXTREMELY BUSY AND THE DENIAL PHASE WAS LEFT BEHIND. 

DESPAIR :  WITH A PESSIMISTIC VIEW OF ALL THE INFORMATION RECEIVED AND WITH MANY DECISIONS MADE MY THIRD STAGE BECAME ONE OF DESPAIR.  I HAVE AVOIDED THE WORD DEPRESSION, BUT THIS COULD ALSO BE USED TO DESCRIBE THIS PHASE.  IT WAS BECOMING INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO FACE THE OMINOUS FUTURE I HAD CREATED, WITH A HAPPY FACE.  THERE WAS A SENSE OF IMPENDING DOOM AND A REAL RECOGNITION OF MORTALITY.  MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS WENT SOMETHING LIKE THIS. “WHY ME LORD?”  “WHAT HAVE I DONE TO DESERVE THIS?”  LIKE MY GRANDMOTHER USED TO SAY,  “WOE IS ME”.  WE ALL FACE DESPAIR IN OUR LIVES AND FOR SOME THERE IS NO REMEDY. IT IS A HUMAN TENDENCY TO ALWAYS MOVE BLAME AND IN THIS CASE I EVEN BLAMED GOD.  DESPAIR AND DENIAL ARE NATURAL BEDFELLOWS AND SEEM TO LEAD ONE TO ANOTHER.  ONE CAN EVEN BE CAUGHT IN AN EVER DECREASING CIRCLE OF DENIAL AND DESPAIR CRYING OUT FOR HELP, YET SEEKING NONE.  GOD DID NOT SEEM TO HELP ME AND IT FELT LIKE HE OR SHE HAD ABANDONED ME.  I BEGAN TO REALIZE AND FEEL THE SUPPORT AND PRAYERS OF MY FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FELLOW CHRISTIANS. 

NEGOTIATION : 

MY NEXT PHASE, PHASE 4, I CALL NEGOTIATION.   I NOW REALIZE THAT MY PRAYERS HAD CHANGED FROM QUESTIONING WHY ME TYPE TO WHAT I CALL A CHRISTMAS SHOPPING LIST PRAYER.  I WAS NOW TRYING TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE LORD.  MY PRAYERS, WHICH WERE NOW MORE FREQUENT WENT LIKE THIS.  “GOD IF YOU CURE ME I WILL …………” YOU CAN FILL IN THE REST.  MY PRAYERS WERE ONE SIDED.  I WAS ASKING FOR SOMETHING AND NOT LISTENING.  RATHER THAN APPROACHING THE LORD IN A HUMBLE WAY I WAS LIKE A DEMANDING TWO-YEAR-OLD.  I WAS A HUDSON BAY TRADER IN PRAYER EXPECTING I COULD RECEIVE WHAT I WANTED BY TRADING.  THIS APPROACH YIELDED NO RESULT AND THE PRAYERS THEMSELVES BECAME FOR A TIME MORE DIRECT AND MORE DEMANDING.  FRUSTRATION AND PANIC SET IN AND IT BECAME APPARENT THAT ANOTHER APPROACH WAS NEEDED.  THE DISCIPLES THEMSELVES TRIED TO NEGOTIATE WITH CHRIST WHEN THEY ASKED WHO WOULD BE ON HIS RIGHT SIDE IN HEAVEN.  THEY EXPECTED HIM TO MAKE A CHOICE.  HE DECLINED.  SOMEHOW I GOT THROUGH THIS PHASE WITH CONTINUING SUPPORT FROM ALL SIDES.  SOME PEOPLE I AM SURE ABANDON GOD AT THIS TIME ALTHOUGH GOD ABANDONS NO ONE.  BITTERNESS IS OFTEN THE RESULT OF BECOMING STUCK IN THE MIRE OF NEGOTIATION.  THE FRUSTRATION AND I AM SURE THE SUPPORT OF MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS PLUS MY BELIEF THAT THE LORD WOULD ALWAYS BE WITH ME GOT ME THINKING AND I MOVED ON IN THE PROCESS. 

KNOWLEDGE : 

THE FIFTH PHASE, I WILL CALL THE KNOWLEDGE PHASE.  I BEGAN TO RETHINK A LOT OF THE INFORMATION THAT HAD OVERWHELMED ME EARLIER.  I RECALL HOW OFTEN IN SCHOOL WE ARE ALL REQUIRED TO REMEMBER INFORMATION, WHICH THE DAY AFTER AN EXAM LEAVES OUR  MEMORY.  YET IF WE CAN APPLY AND USE INFORMATION, WE GAIN KNOWLEDGE.  CHRIST GAVE A LOT OF INFORMATION TO THE DISCIPLES.  VERY LITTLE OF THIS APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN USED WHILE CHRIST WAS WITH THEM.  THEIR DEEDS SEEMED TO BEGIN AFTER THE RESURRECTION AND THINGS REALLY STARTED TO HAPPEN AFTER PENTECOST.  INFORMATION BECAME KNOWLEDGE AND KNOWLEDGE CAN BE APPLIED.  I BEGAN TO NOW LOOK AT THE POSITIVE SIDE OF THE INFORMATION ON CANCER NOT LOOKING AT THE MORTALITY RATES, BUT LOOKING AT THE SURVIVAL RATES.  THE OLD GLASS HALF FULL OR GLASS HALF-EMPTY ANALOGY.  MY PRAYERS TO GOD WENT SOMETHING LIKE THIS, GOD HELP ME THROUGH THIS ILLNESS, GUIDE THE SURGEONS HAND, HELP MY FAMILY. GIVE ME THE STRENGTH TO FACE THE FUTURE.   NO NEGOTIATIONS HERE.  A FEW WORDS AND LOTS OF LISTENING.  GOD GAVE US TWO EARS AND ONE MOUTH SO WE SHOULD PROBABLY LISTEN TWICE AS MUCH AS WE TALK.  THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE DISCIPLES LET THEM DO GREAT THINGS IN A HUMBLE WAY.  THE HOLY SPIRIT IN US CAN DO THE SAME. 

 ACCEPTANCE :  

   KNOWLEDGE AND REAL PRAYER LED ME TO THE FINAL COMPLETED PHASE OF MY JOURNEY.  I CALL IT ACCEPTANCE.  MY PRAYERS YOU SEE WERE ANSWERED.  THE ANSWER WAS NOT THAT THE SURGERY WENT WELL AND THE TUMOR WAS ENCAPSULATED AND THE LYMPH NODES WERE FREE OF CANCER, ALTHOUGH THIS DID HAPPEN.  THE ANSWER WAS NOT THAT I HAVE RECOVERED WELL ALTHOUGH THIS HAPPENED . THE REAL ANSWER WAS THAT I NOW REALIZE THAT GOD IS WITH ME AND WITH US ALL.  HE WILL ALWAYS BE THERE IN JOY, IN DESPAIR, AND IN ADVERSITY.  ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS REACH OUT. BE CALM AND LISTEN.  NO ONE WILL BE ABANDONED. 

 MOVING ON :

I WILL NOW SHARE A STORY THAT ILLUSTRATES THE CONTINUING PHASE WE ALL SHARE.  THIS STORY WAS TOLD TO ME BY CANNON ANTHONY AND I BELIEVE IS TRUE.  IT’S THE STORY OF A YOUNG PRIEST WHO WAS AT SEMINARY WITH CANNON ANTHONY AND DUE TO FEW OPENINGS IN THE AREA, WAS SENT TO A MULTIPOINT PARISH IN NEWFOUNDLAND. ONE OF HIS PARISHIONERS WAS A FISHERMAN NAMED JOHN.  HE WAS ONE OF THOSE OPTIMISTIC PEOPLE WHO SAW THE BRIGHT SIDE OF EVERYTHING.  MY FATHER WOULD HAVE SAID HE IS THE KIND OF PERSON THAT TOOK A HAPPY PILL EVERY MORNING.  JOHN’S POSITIVE OUTLOOK WAS TO BE TESTED.  HIS FISHING BOAT BROKE LOOSE FROM ITS MOORING DURING A STORM AND WASHED ASHORE.  WITH THE HELP OF HIS NEIGHBOuRS HE BEACHED THE BOAT BUT IT SUFFERED SUBSTANTIAL HULL DAMAGE.  HE WENT TO WORK REPAIRING HIS BOAT AS IT WAS HIS SOLE SOURCE OF INCOME AND REMAINED POSITIVE AND UPBEAT. 

A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER HIS WIFE WAS HELPING HIM AND SHE SLIPPED ON A ROCK, FELL AND BROKE A LEG.  NOW JOHN HAD TO KEEP WORKING ON THE BOAT AND HELP HIS WIFE.  HE ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE CHEERFULLY.  A FEW WEEKS LATER HE AND HIS WIFE WERE HAVING DINNER AT HIS NEIGHBOUR’S HOUSE WHEN THEY NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE BACK OF HIS HOUSE.  THEY RUSHED TO THE SCENE AND WERE ABLE TO PUT OUT A FIRE IN THE BACK PORTION OF THE HOME WHICH WAS A WOODSHED.  JOHN WENT HAPPILY ABOUT FIXING THE HOUSE, WORKING ON THE BOAT AND HELPING HIS WIFE.  A FEW DAYS AFTER THE FIRE HIS DAUGHTER, UNEXPECTEDLY RETURNED FROM TORONTO WITH A NEWBORN BABY AND NO HUSBAND.  JOHN TOOK THIS IN STRIDE AND NEVER COMPLAINED, JUST CONTINUED HAPPILY IN HIS WORK.

THE YOUNG PRIEST WAS AMAZED THAT JOHN NEVER COMPLAINED DESPITE ALL HIS TROUBLES AND AS PRIESTS WILL DO CORNERED JOHN AFTER CHURCH.  HE SAID,  “JOHN I KNOW ABOUT ALL YOUR PROBLEMS AND I WONDER HOW YOU ARE ABLE TO KEEP SUCH A POSITIVE OUTLOOK.  HOW DO YOU DO IT?”  JOHN REPLIED, “I GET MY STRENGTH FROM THE BIBLE”.  THE PRIEST IMMEDIATELY ASKED, “WHERE DO YOU FIND SUCH STRENGTH, WHAT PASSAGE, WHAT VERSE”.  JOHN REPLIED, “ FATHER I REALLY DON’T KNOW THE EXACT VERSE BUT I KNOW THAT SOMEWHERE IN THE BIBLE IT SAYS IT CAME TO PASS, IT DOESN’T SAY IT CAME TO STAY”.

THE WORDS IT CAME TO PASS  REALLY DESCRIBES US AND ALL THINGS AROUND US. A MORE MODERN DESCRIPTION OF THE ESSENCE OF THE IDEA OF IT CAME TO PASS MIGHT BE, “GET GOING”, OR “ GET OVER IT.”  I PREFER A LITTLE MORE GENTLE PHRASE AND I NAMED THIS CONTINUING PHASE “MOVING ON”. 

EVERYTHING AND EVERYBODY ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH IS MOVING ON A JOURNEY.  EVEN IMMOBILE PLANTS AND TREES ARE BORN, GROW, FLOURISH, DIE AND EVENTUALLY NOURISH THE GROUND FROM WHICH THEY SPRUNG. ALL THAT WE KNOW AND SEE WILL EVENTUALLY BE GONE. WE ALL HAVE OUR JOURNEYS AND IN THE END A NEW BEGINNING.  HOW WE TRAVEL THE ROAD IS UP TO US, BUT WE CAN HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY PASSAGE WITH GOD.  YESTERDAY IS PAST AND WE CANNOT CHANGE IT.  TODAY IS OUR JOURNEY AND TOMORROW WE FACE A NEW TODAY. IF WE TRAVEL EACH DAY AS A CHRISTIAN, IN JOY, WITH COMPASSION, KNOWLEDGE AND THE LOVE OF GOD, OUR TO DAYS WILL BE JOYFUL AND OUR YESTERDAYS PLEASANT MEMORIES.  OUR TOMORROWS AS FEW OR AS MANY AS WE HAVE ARE GIFTS FROM GOD.  CHERISH EACH DAY AS IT COMES WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT WE ARE ALWAYS IN GOD’S KEEPING HERE AND BEYOND.

MY JOURNEY STARTED WITH DENIAL MOVED THROUGH AN INFORMATIONAL STAGE, THEN TO DESPAIR FOLLOWED BY NEGOTIATION AND FINALLY ACCEPTANCE.  ACCEPTANCE LED ME TO REALIZE THAT DESPITE SICKNESS OR HEALTH WE ARE ALL JUST MOVING ON.  I KNOW NOT WHERE I AM IN MY JOURNEY BUT I DO KNOW GOD IS WITH ME AND WITH YOU.  CHERISH EACH DAY IN GOD’S LOVE. 

LET US PRAY