And now for something different. Recently I had a “God sent” outing with a group of parishioners from the children’s liturgy at St George’s church. The walk had been planned some time ago. First and foremost it was a challenge, with the walk and views refreshing. The weather was not ideal for picnics or sitting around. It was in neighbouring Kent, noticeably different. On our farm when I was growing up as a child we had some sheep, and that breed was called Sussex. The sheep in neighbouring Kent, noticeably different.
The walk was quite long, allowing for a more prolonged quality time being spent together. Continuing with my hobby horse: life having two characteristics a) journey and b) story telling. So like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, there are always issues in the background. In a way the issue in the background is the effects of the pandemic, and the drastic effects it has upon life. The stresses and strains breaking through; and what will be the outcome, especially for our churches.
On Sunday we had our celebration of First Holy Communion at St George’s. This celebration of the sacrament can be a powerful window into our life of faith. Again, two things – belief and prayer. At baptism the parents and godparents are given a baptism candle with the words “this light has been entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly”. Through baptism your child has been enlightened by Christ. Now as part of our first communion celebration the parents present their child with their baptismal candle which they have just lit.. The children take the candle, quench it in order to place their candle on the altar as part of the offertory of the Mass. The parents place their children’s preparation book, the work that has taken place, at the foot of the altar.
Because of the covid virus we recently had a very rare celebration of confirmation at St Wilfrid’s without it being the Bishop who was the celebrant. At that service, we had the candidates lighting the candle themselves from the pascal candle, as a sign that they had taken upon themselves the light of Christ that had been entrusted to their parents and godparents. Please God, they will continue to be active witnesses to their faith, as it now influences their lives. A particularly memorable moment during a preparation class when asked what do we need to help us grow? – the response 1) food would you believe, and after some discussion 2) exercise.