September 16, 2007

Dear friends in life and in ministry  . . .

Without doubt, the relative quiet of summer has given way to a burst of September activities. This Sunday (Catechetical Sunday) marks the beginning of our faith formation classes. Earlier this week, our RCIA team welcomed
three "inquirers" who over the next few weeks will discern God's call to journey with our Roman Catholic community to either baptism or full communion with the Church.

It was also a busy week for meetings. Both our finance committee and parish council met this week to review our parish budget and the progress we've made over the summer on several building and grounds projects.

For the second week in a row, our parish celebrated a baptism at Sunday Eucharist.  I know that at some parishes, baptisms taking place at Sunday Mass have not been well received.  Fortunately, this is not the case at St. Mary's, Bath which has a long tradition of holding these celebrations with the full community. Yes, Mass lasts a few minutes longer. But, in my
experience, the richness of a liturgy that involves joyful young parents, a beautiful infant, enraptured young children coming forward to view the ceremony and a welcoming and supportive community - far surpasses private Sunday afternoon ceremonies in darkened churches.

My column this week is one that has appeared over the years in email in-boxes and church bulletins. It asks the question - "Why Bother Attending Church?"  I know that at least one of my parishioners has already sent the column to her children.  Perhaps you will too.

Have a blessed week. Serve one another well!

Deacon Ray

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Bulletin: September 16th, 2007