From the Pastor – Baptism of the Lord

January 12, 2020

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.

From the Pastor

From the Pastor - Divine Mercy Sunday

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By John Putnam • April 3, 2026
The great feast of Easter has begun, Christian stewards. Let us rejoice and be glad! Just as we embraced the discipline and fasting of Lent, let us fully embrace the joy and feasting that the next 50 days offer. We are called to be good stewards of the Easter season. Our first reading, from Acts, gives instruction on how to do this. Here, St. Peter says that our Lord, “commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead… that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.” How do we ordinary people preach and testify to all God has done? We do so through how we live our ordinary lives — through the intentional use of our time, talent, and treasure for the kingdom of God. Putting God and others ahead of ourselves in every aspect of our lives is the most eloquent preaching we can do. Boldly and joyfully embracing a stewardship way of life is our most powerful testimony. As Christian stewards, we are the modern-day witnesses of an incredible miracle prompted by unfathomable love — the death and Resurrection of our Savior for us. Let us rejoice and be glad and let’s make sure our lives are a testimony to this amazing grace! © Catholic Stewardship Conference, 2026  HAPPY EASTER!