August 17, 2025
“…whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19)
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Welcome to mid-August! In just one month, our love-hate relationship with summer will be over! Whatever the case, we thank God for what he has enabled us to accomplish so far since the beginning of this Jubilee Year which we are still carrying forward with hope that doesn’t disappoint.
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote that we shall be beginning OCIA (formally known as RCIA) for adult Catholics who never completed their Sacraments of Initiation (such as those baptized but never received First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation) as well as non-Catholics who would like to become Catholics (such as Protestants and non-Christians). As I have always done before, even this time I reminded you of our common responsibility to help such people find and participate in the fulness of the faith. Having told you that the program will start in September but without giving you a specific date, now please know that the date for opening will be Wednesday September 24th. So, now when you invite those you think can benefit from this religious formation, you will have a specific date in mind. Those you invite may ask you what is offered in the program. It is very difficult to explain in fullness everything taught there but you can just answer them in general terms that it is the indispensable basics of the Catholic faith. As for the details, you can borrow the words of Jesus to the two disciples who wanted to know where he lived and, like him say, “Come and see” (cf. John 1:39). Then you can refer them to me. Let us handle this together for the salvation of the souls of our brothers and sisters.
Like we just heard in the Second Reading, let us pray that we may persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. That way, we shall have the urge to point others to Jesus Christ our Lord.
Yours in the Master’s service,
Fr Evarist.