This week we welcomed the birth of new life in our family. Our first grandson, our third grandchild, was born to our daughter and son-in-law. We eagerly anticipated this child’s arrival, prepared for him, and prayed for him. We helped plan for the care of his big sister, made sure everyone had meals, and helped take care of the little details that would make this week and all the weeks that led up to it go a little smoother. While I know that our help was appreciated, the real work was on the new mom and dad. For nine months they have had to navigate the joys, worries, and concerns that a new life brings. They have had to discern decisions and serious life changes as well, because we all know that little babies bring big changes. But as all experienced parents already realize, the work (nor the joy) does not end at the arrival.
This week also marks another event that many more have eagerly anticipated, prepared for, and prayed about. Our St. Mary’s Church welcomes a group of catechumens who have, for many many months, readied themselves to be sacramentally received into the Catholic faith. These individuals have discerned a call and prayerfully responded to a yearning. They have attended lectures, studied key elements, listened to the witness of others. They have had to navigate the concerns about how life will be different, and the implications of having to live differently, for surely life will be different. They have asked questions, pondered truths, and sought answers, not all of which have yet been satisfied. Still, they step out in faith.
Like the anticipated arrival of a new child, each of our catechumens have anticipated this new life in Christ. May we all continue to support them in their faith journey, welcome them into our faith family, and witness to them what it means to be a new creation. Let each of us share that the work, and especially the joy, does not end with the first day!
May God bless them abundantly!
