Dear Parishioners,
I grew up in the local Anderson Township area. Next door lived the Turnau’s; they were Presbyterians. Next to them were the Luedecker’s who were Lutheran and on the other side of our home lived the Hemer’s who were Methodists. Basically, everyone on our street was “something.” All families went to church on the weekend, and if they didn’t, they surely didn’t tell anyone. I knew I was Catholic, just like I knew I was the descendant of German immigrants. It was a part of my identity.
Unfortunately for children today, Catholic identity is not always a given. As parents and grandparents you have to be more deliberate in helping them claim that identity. We have to talk to our children about our Catholic faith, particularly those beliefs that distinguish us from other religious denominations. One is not as good as another….if they were why would we be one as opposed to another? And we have to help them experience the rites and rituals, the sounds and smells, and the gracious giving that marks us as Catholic. We are different!
What do we believe? We see God’s goodness in all of creation. We believe in Jesus Christ, God with us. We believe we are the body of Christ in the world today, called to reconcile and heal all people and the earth itself. We believe in the sacraments, seven concrete signs that God is with us, inviting us to live in His grace. We believe in Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist. We believe in the community of saints, living and dead. And we are great promoters of justice and peace for all our brothers and sisters.
We are a Church of rituals. Bring those rituals home with you. Burn incense, light candles. Fast and abstain from meat during Lent. Make the sign of the cross often and together maybe even blessing your children with it as they go out the door each morning to school. Serve those in need. And constantly tell your children this is what it means to be Catholic. Use the word “Catholic” often. Help your youngsters feel proud of their faith, proud to be called Catholic.
Happy Easter
Fr. Jan
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