Memorial of Saint
Basil the Great and Saint Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and doctors of the Church
Reading and Reflection
This year at St. James we began praying for our confirmation students at the Sunday Masses. It helps all of us remember them in our prayers. In a similar way, we announce the names of those who are about to be baptized at the end of the Sunday Masses on the day of baptism. These young people and these infants probably have little or no idea of the significance of these Sacraments. It is the community's responsibility to nurture their faith. As each of us reflects on our own reception of these Sacraments, we, too, realize that although we were unaware of their great and continuing impact in our lives, the anointing and the baptism continue to strengthen and protect us. We are also commissioned at these times to be the one who goes out and proclaims the Good News to others.
Today as we pray for the newly baptized and the
soon to be confirmed, let us also pray in thanksgiving for all those at
St. James and other parishes who provided and continue to provide a
community of faith for us.
