From the Pastor – Baptism of the Lord
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This is an important feast from a number of perspectives. It follows closely after our celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas. Of course, from the perspective of the Church it marks the official end of the Christmas season.
More important, however, is the reminder of the significance and importance of Baptism. Our Baptism is more important than almost any other event in our lives. Yet, many do not know the date of their Baptism, and very few actually celebrate that date, although we should.
We are also quite likely with the term our “Baptismal call.” This is a call to how we should live our lives; it is a call to stewardship. The Catechism reminds us that “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit.” The Catechism continues to say “Baptism is God’s most beautiful and magnificent gift.”
So what exactly is our Baptismal Call? We are called to live our lives in imitation of Christ. It can be summarized, as it was by Jesus Himself, quite simply. We are called to “Love one another.” There are three things which bind us together as Catholics — this love; the Eucharist; and our Baptism. Living lives of stewardship is one way that we carry out this Baptismal call — this call to love. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants
Pastoral Pondering – On December 30 th the Diocese of Charlotte released the names of those clerics who had been credibly accused of the abuse of a minor. This was the culmination of a promise Bishop Jugis made early last year. He was clear that before a list could be released, an exhaustive examination of the relevant files had to be completed. An outside firm was contracted to complete that work, and the report issued is the fruit of that labor. The website with the relevant information can be accessed at https://accountability.charlottediocese.org. As the Bishop noted in the release of the information, no clergy members serving today in our Diocese has a credible allegation of sexual abuse against him. Those who are found on the list are either deceased or were removed from ministry long ago.
Dealing with these realities can be painful, especially if we know anyone involved. However, just as at times it is painful to go to the doctor, so too this pain has to be experienced so that healing can begin in earnest. Let us always to remember to pray for those who have been harmed over the years by those who have failed to be faithful shepherds and let us pray that moving forward the Church may be a beacon of truth, hope and healing.