You are chosen by God

This sculpture by Michelangelo reminds me of these reason we are all here and why we were all chosen to be baptized at different times in our lives. I remember from the many history of art classes that I took in college that Michelangelo convinces us that we are here to face not only pain as a condition of redemption, but rather with absolute beauty as one of its consequences. This masterpiece is called La Pietà (1499) and is housed in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Michelangelo was only 23 when it was completed.

In the Bible, there are many stories of God choosing a person or even an entire people. The Israelites were God’s “chosen people.” David, the shepherd, was chosen by God to be king of God’s people. The angel Gabriel brought Mary the news that she had found favor with God and had been chosen to be the mother of God’s Son. And of course, Jesus is called the Messiah, the “chosen one” of God.

I grew up with all of these wonderful Bible stories and because of this, I've learned that it is God who chooses. God takes the initiative and claims a person or a people as his own. I think it is easy to see God’s influence clearly in each person’s life, especially those of you in the RCIA process, as well as our team, community and Fr. Marc! This is truly where God is at work!

To our catechumens, you might not have realized it, but I hope you have, that as you are seeking to be baptized, the signs that God has chosen you is becoming more evident! During this time of discernment in preparation for the Rite of Election, when your months of preparation take the final turn, I want to ask each of you what it means to you to be chosen.

I hope that you comment with your thoughts to a couple of these questions: When have you felt chosen? What were you chosen to do? Who testified on your behalf that you were the right choice? How did their testimony make you feel?

Among the many ministries at St. Mary's, the RCIA team has been, for me, a wonderful example of people sharing their gifts. The second reading from Paul's Second Corinthians said it well:

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;
there are different forms of service but the same Lord;
there are different workings but the same God
who produces all of them in everyone.
To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit
is given for some benefit.
To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom;
to another, the expression of knowledge according to the
same Spirit;
to another, faith by the same Spirit;
to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit;
to another, mighty deeds;
to another, prophecy;
to another, discernment of spirits;
to another, varieties of tongues;
to another, interpretation of tongues.
But one and the same Spirit produces all of these,
distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.

1 Cor 12:4-11

Working together as a team involves recognizing each other's gifts, and leaving room for the Holy Spirit to work. As pastor, I bring certain gifts to our shared ministry. Theresa brings the gifts of relating to people in a welcoming way. Gary shares that gift, and adds another dimension of leadership to our Inquiry group. In addition to sharing her faith, Cristi helps us to use technology and organizes us. Tom helps ensure that Dismissal after the Liturgy of the Word is available. Donna brings years of experience on the team, Cliff brings a real desire to teach and share the faith he has received. I see my job as keeping our ministry in line with the Church's vision of Adult Initiation. Of course, we can't forget the great gift that our Inquirers, Candidates and Catechumens are to us. They are our focus, and without them, I wonder how we would experience the deepening of our own faith that comes from our initiation ministry.

What are the gifts you see in each person on the team?

I'm truly blessed to work with such a talented and giving group of people.

Welcome to the St. Mary RCIA Blogspot!

Hello all and welcome to the St. Mary Catholic Church RCIA blogspot. St. Mary Church is located in Monroe, Michigan and is one of the oldest Catholic parishes in the state. Please visit the website at www.stmarymonroe.org.

This blogspot, in particular, is dedicated to the RCIA program at St. Mary. RCIA is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and is the path by which persons from other Christian backgrounds, or Catholics who have not completed their sacraments, or even individuals who have no particular faith foundation can learn about our faith and attain full initiation into the Catholic Church. At St. Mary, we have an active parish which includes and active RCIA group. Please feel free to read the posts and comment.

The RCIA team and our pastor, Rev. Marc Gawronski, appreciate your interest and feedback. Peace