As the Director of Religious Education, this time of year, as I'm registering children and adults for Sacrament preparation classes, makes me reflect on why we receive the Sacraments.
We are all aware that receiving the Sacraments is an important part of being Catholic. Yet sometimes we forget the truly transformative effect that the Sacraments have in our lives. The Sacraments are not symbols or rites of passage. In the Sacraments, god reaches out to us and we in turn open our hears to Him. Through each Sacrament we are truly changed. In the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion), we are born again in Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit, and united with the Body of Christ. In Confession, our sins are forgiven and we are reunited with God. In Sacramental Marriage, a man and a woman are bound together forever and given the grace to love one another and their children. In Holy Orders, men are ordained to share in the ministry of the apostles, bringing Christ to the world. Through Anointing of the Sick, our souls and perhaps bodies are strengthened. These are not merely symbols, but moments of conversion when our souls are actually changed.
As we go through our busy lives, these precious gifts begin to feel mundane. They become one more item on our to-do list or an event that happened a long time ago. So let's think about how each of us in our own lives can more fully realize the gift of the Sacraments:
Register for RCIA to prepare to receive all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation)
Receive the Sacrament of Matrimony--if your marriage is civil but not Sacramental, we can help you prepare for Marriage in the Church
Participate in the Sacrament of Confession regularly--we have confessions every Saturday at 3:30 pm or you can call one of our priests and make an appointment for confession.
Reflect on your Baptismal Promises when you bless yourself with Holy Water and on your responsibility to the Body of Christ as you receive Communion.
Share these gifts of the Sacraments with others, helping with Sacrament Preparation classes or encouraging friends and family members to receive the Sacraments
If you would like more information about our programs for adults or children, please call the rectory at 301-773-9300. I look forward to another holy, Sacramental year at Saint Ambrose!