From the Rector: Who am I in the life of the Church?

Who am I in the life of the Church?

A few weeks ago, I was asked to make a presentation to the students on the Confirmation retreat on this topic which I found thought provoking, who am I in the life of the Church?

I. First and foremost our identity comes from our relationship to God.

-because we are made in His image and likeness.

So God created mankind in his own image,

in the image of God he created them;

male and female he created them.  Genesis 1:27

-we have been Baptized into His death and Resurrection

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.  Romans 6:4

-we have become children of God

Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed.  We know that when He appears, we will be like Him because we will see Him as He is.  1 John 3:2

-we are members of His body

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.  And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping administrating , and various kinds of tongues.  Are all apostles?  Are all prophets? Are all teachers?  Do all work miracles?  Do all possess gifts of healing?  Do all speak with tongues?  Do all interpret?  But earnestly desire the higher gifts.  1 Cor 12:27

II. The vocation of the lay faithful (laity)

-They are the people of God.

-They are sharers in the priestly, prophetic and kingly office of Christ.  Each one is especially entrusted with seeking the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and bringing Christ to the world.

-Their Baptismal share in the priestly office of Christ entails offering their daily work to God, especially by making a morning Offering of all prayers, works, joys and sufferings, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for sins, for the poor souls in Purgatory and for the special intentions of Our holy Father.

-Their Baptismal share in the prophetic office of Christ means taking part in the new evangelization.

-Participation in the kingly office of Christ means cooperating with pastors in governance of the Church, through ministries, volunteering, teaching and serving.

Morning Offering

Dear Lord, I do not know what will happen to me today. I only know that nothing will happen that was not foreseen by You, and directed to my greater good from all eternity. I adore Your holy  and unfathomable plans, and submit to them with all my heart for love of You, the Pope, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Amen.