Sharing in Divine Life
God’s default way of communicating his grace to his people — his giving us a share in his divine life —is sacramental, through the seven sacraments. Sharing in his divine life is what we were made for. So God’s way of dealing with us is a big deal for anyone who was made by God. And that is all of us. Why did he arrange things that way? I don’t know; that’s his call. But it seems like he is following up on the way he made us: spiritual and physical, social and communicative, sign-makers and sign-readers all. He invites us to share his life, but on our own level
Does he have to follow that pattern? No. But we do. If we know about his plan, we need to live according to his plan. He can act outside it, giving his grace in ways that don’t follow the sacramental rules. He can forgive the good thief, on the cross beside his own, without a formal confession of sin; but thieves, if they are in the position to do so, must confess their sin. He can bring the unbaptized but truly good person into the glory of heaven; but the unbaptized, if they know about baptism, must come to the watery sacrament.
Baptism
To have a child baptized you must register and attend a class as a couple (unless attendance just isn’t possible, in which case some discussion with Kathy will be necessary). Sessions are held quarterly for both parishes. Try to take the class before the child is born. If you are expecting, call Kathy to register for the class. Don’t ask if you “have to go.” This is an opportunity to meet together with parents of children about the same age as your little one; they are in the same wonderful boat as you are. At least one parent must be a practicing Catholic. Both godparents need to be practicing Christians, at least one a practicing Catholic Christian. If you don’t attend Sunday Mass regularly, there is something you can do about it: Start coming to Sunday Mass.
Penance
The priest is available for Penance at St Bernadette Saturday afternoons at 3 and Thursday evenings at 5:30, andat St Mary Bremen on Sunday at 8 am.In addition to Advent and Lenten Penance Services, every Catholic priest is available whenever there is a need. We are beginning to provide Penance opportunities for parochial school children several more times during the year so that they will learn the beauty of frequent confession. The Church’s law requires us to receive the sacrament of Penance at least once a year.