Welcome for new Catholics at Cathedral Mass

Archbishop Kevin celebrated a Mass for New Catholics at the Cathedral on Saturday, May 19 2007. Addressing a congregation of around 350 people he warmly welcomed them, encouraged them to continue on their journey of faith and invited them to use their God-given gifts in the service of others. 

In his homily Archbishop Kevin said:
 

We last met here at the Cathedral for the Rite of Election. Then you were preparing for your goal and focus – namely the receiving of the Easter sacraments. The beginning of Lent, like Advent, was a time of looking forward.
 

Today’s Mass is different in atmosphere and mood.  It is a Mass of thanksgiving.  You have arrived.  You belong. You are in full communion …. but the journey is not over. That is key. Indeed the whole of the Christian life continues to be a time of looking forward. That is the wonder of Christianity. We look forward to the coming of the Lord, to being with the Lord.
 

St Bernard speaks of the 3 ‘comings’ of the Lord:
 

First, his coming in ‘history’. Christianity was born in time.

Secondly, his coming in ‘glory’ at the end of time. We look forward to the end times.

Thirdly, his coming in ‘mystery’. The Lord comes to us now and we meet the Lord in so many ways and especially in the sacraments.
 

The sacraments are an integral part of our Christian life and of the pattern of life and prayer by which we get to know and love our living God and to know Jesus. This is particularly true of the sacraments we receive more than once – and especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Christianity is a relationship – and a developing and deepening one.  Life involves change and growth. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is vital for this.  It is a time of healing, of new beginnings.
 

Advent, which I’ve mentioned already, encapsulates the spirit of the Christian faith, in looking forward to meeting with the Lord. In coming closer to God you also come closer to the communities to which you belong. Each of you has a unique call in God’s plan and purpose.  At Easter you were confirmed – a sacrament which we receive only once and yet is a gift which continually invites us to live out our vocation and call to service. It’s not about me but about people. It’s not about my choice or my rights but involves instead a sense of being called by God to some unique service.  We continue to discern our gifts and our call. I often say at Confirmation that our gifts are a sign to us of what God is asking us to do and to be. 
 

The prayer of St Richard of Chichester sums this up very well :
 

O Lord Jesus Christ,

our most merciful Redeemer,

Friend and Brother:
May I know thee more clearly,

love thee more dearly

and follow thee more nearly,

day by day.

Amen.   

The Congregation leaves the Cathedral

 

Reception in the Amigo Hall