Fr. Vincent Nguyen’s Message for the Week
Hello everyone!
While Fr. John is away on pilgrimage, you’ll be hearing from me this week and next week in the bulletin. One of the responsibilities I have in the parish is supporting our parish catechists in sacramental preparation. Confirmation preparation classes are well underway and preparation for Reconciliation and Communion have begun as well. There a number of things that are important when it comes to preparing our students to receive these Sacraments. I just want to share a few things with the parish so that all of us see our proper roles in their formation and preparation. (Yes, everyone has a role even if you don’t have children in the program.)
Specifically, there are three important groups for our students as they prepare for receiving the sacraments. The most important people are the parents. As the parents reading this column know, they promised at baptism that they would raise their children in the faith. They are the most important people for passing along the faith. The second most important group are the godparents and sponsors. Godparents are also supposed to be a role model for their godchildren by the live out their faith. As a parish we have a role in supporting the parents and godparents/sponsors as they guide their students in the practice of the faith. This support happens through our prayers and through some of the faith formation programs that we offer as well but that these programs can only supplement what the students receive at home. We are always looking for more Confirmation sponsors though so if you would like to take a more active role in helping form students for Confirmation please let us know at the office.
In addition, one thing we have added to this year Confirmation preparation is a faith survey where we try to get to know the students a little bit better. I want to share some of the questions as an ice-breaker or a as point of reflection on your faith journey. I believe these questions are great ways to talk about faith in a very non-threating way and are a way to add a different dimension to the conversations we have everyday with family and friends.
- Which of Jesus’ miracles is the most amazing to you? Why?
- What is your favorite Old Testament event?
- Who is your favorite person in the New Testament (in addition to Jesus)? Why?
- What is your favorite memorized prayer? Why is it your favorite?
- Who is your favorite Saint?
Some reminders:
- Next week we will have a collection for our sister diocese. We will hear more about that collection at Mass.
- Ministry leaders (and all who are involved with any ministry in the parish) please don’t forget to RSVP to the ministry meeting we are hosting on the 18th. The link should be in your email. Please call the office if you need another link.
- Speaking about emails, every month Fr. John sends out an email update about what is happening in the parish. If you do not get this email please let us know at the office so we can add your email address. Email is the most efficient way for us to quickly send out information and email is very helpful when things rapidly change such as during hurricanes.