Catholic Religious Education
Today is the great celebration of the Baptism of Jesus. The baptism of Jesus is considered an important manifestation of God in the person of Jesus, another epiphany. Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of his work to bring about the kingdom of God, his mission. Just as our Baptism makes us disciples of Christ and calls us to missionary life. This is the last day of the Christmas season yet we do not hear about Jesus’ childhood. Instead we hear about Jesus’ relationship to God: the Son of Mary and Joseph is also God’s own Son. This is the same …
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Elizabeth Ann Bayley was born in New York in 1774 to a prominent Episcopal (a US branch of the Anglican Church) family. At 19, Elizabeth married William Seton, a businessman with whom she had five children. William died in 1803, leaving Elizabeth a young widow. William died in Italy and here Elizabeth experienced the Catholic community. Returning to the United States Elizabeth entered the Catholic Church. After some years bringing up her children, Elizabeth moved to Maryland, where she founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s, the first community for religious women established in the United States. She also …
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A wonderful story is often told about an incident in the life of Poland’s famous concert pianist, Ignace Paderewski.* Advent celebrates the coming of God. God who longs to be in partnership with us. To join us in the harmony of our lives. Advent reminds us that we are not alone. That God longs is with us in partnership, surrounding us in our pilgrim journey, surrounding us with love. Have a partnership filled advent! *That there was a famed concert pianist named Paderewski is certainly true. He would later become the Prime Minister of Poland. This particular incident, however, may …
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He is Risen! The darkness of the Church at the Easter Vigil was brought alive by the light of the Paschal candle. On this night of all nights we celebrated the glory of Christ’s resurrection. It is a ceremony rich in symbolism and joy. Having experienced and remember the Passion story through Holy Week our hearts burn with joy and excitement. Our hope is renewed as we recognise that Jesus resurrected lives with us. This annual celebration of the Lord’s resurrection is one of our earliest. It goes back to the first generation of Christians. In fact for the first …
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