The joy of the Easter season is further enhanced when we welcome new Catholics into the Church. This year at the Basilica during the Easter Vigil, one catechumen received the Sacraments of Initiation. One candidate was welcomed into full communion. Our Easter Vigil at nightfall, presided by Bishop Joseph, was a beautiful liturgical celebration filled with new fire, candlelight, incense, Sacred Scripture, the making or renewal of baptismal promises, baptismal water, holy Chrism, and the Eucharist! All with music and singing filling the holy place.
In April, 35 children celebrated First Holy Communion. Saint Pope John Paul II once shared, “The Eucharist, instituted by Christ at the Last Supper on the night before his passion, is a sacrament of the new covenant, the greatest of the sacraments. In this sacrament, the Lord becomes food for the soul under the appearance of bread and wine. Children receive this sacrament solemnly a first time and are encouraged to receive it afterwards as often as possible in order to remain in close friendship with Jesus.”
Ten youth celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday. During his General Audience on May 23, 2018, Pope Francis said, “The Spirit is in our heart, in our soul. And the Spirit guides us in life so that we may become the true salt and the true light for mankind. If in Baptism it is the Holy Spirit who immerses us in Christ, then in Confirmation it is Christ who fills us with his Spirit, consecrating us as his witnesses, participants in the same principle of life and of mission, according to the design of the heavenly Father.”
The celebrations of the Easter Sacraments are joyful occasions! While the Sacraments of Initiation are grace-filled for those receiving them, they also inspire everyone around them to be mindful of their own faith journey and mission as disciples of Jesus! These festive rites highlight the role of parish faith formation programs. At St. Dunstan’s we are grateful for the support of parents, catechists, catechist assistants, and our many volunteers.