In different ways, ‘much can be done’

January 17, 2019

180. There are no uniform recipes, because each country or region has its own problems and limitations. It is also true that political realism may call for transitional measures and technologies, so long as these are accompanied by the gradual framing and acceptance of binding commitments. At the same time, on the national and local levels, much still needs to be done, such as promoting ways of conserving energy.

These would include favoring forms of industrial production with maximum energy efficiency and diminished use of raw materials, removing from the market products which are less energy efficient or more polluting, improving transport systems, and encouraging the construction and repair of buildings aimed at reducing their energy consumption and levels of pollution. Political activity on the local level could also be directed to modifying consumption, developing an economy of waste disposal and recycling, protecting certain species and planning a diversified agriculture and the rotation of crops. Agriculture in poorer regions can be improved through investment in rural infrastructures, a better organization of local or national markets, systems of irrigation, and the development of techniques of sustainable agriculture. New forms of cooperation and community organization can be encouraged in order to defend the interests of small producers and preserve local ecosystems from destruction. Truly, much can be done!

Source : Laudato Si'

Msgr. Michael Souckar

St. Andrew Church

Sacramental Procrastination

Dear Parishioners of Saint Andrew:

Today’s feast of the Baptism of the Lord brings to a close the Christmas Season. It also is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the sacraments in our spiritual life. As you know, baptism is the first of the sacraments. It also is the doorway to all the other sacraments. Unfortunately, we sometimes delay the reception of the sacraments and, in so doing, deny ourselves the grace which the Lord wishes to provide us through the sacraments.

It was once customary for Catholic parents to have their new-born child baptized as soon as possible. Often times, the mother was not yet fully recovered from delivery and so unable to attend the baptism. From this arose the custom of the godmother holding the child at the time of the baptism itself. Today, parents still want to have their children baptized; to share with them the Catholic faith that they themselves treasure. At the same time, for some parents, there is less of a sense of urgency about the baptism of their child. Sometimes, parents postpone their child’s baptism so that relatives from out of town or another country can come for the ceremony or they wait until they can travel as a family to their native place for the baptism. While it is good to want family members to be present for the baptism of one’s child, it often happens that the child’s baptism is postponed over and over again. Good intentions are sometimes frustrated by busy schedules, practicalities and even the expense of travel. The Church encourages parents not to defer the baptism of their children. Here at Saint Andrew, baptisms are offered every week after attending a preparation for parents and godparents. You can register for the baptism of your child by visiting the parish office or the parish website.

Sacramental procrastination also sometimes happens when it comes to marriage. Some Catholic couples who are otherwise free to marry, first marry civilly with the intention to marry in the Church when family members can attend, or when they are financially ready. This often results in the couple living without the Sacrament of Matrimony for many years. To marry in the Church does not need to be expensive and the ceremony does not need to be complicated. In these cases, following the required marriage preparation, a suitable wedding ceremony takes place with close family members and friends. If you are married civilly by not by the Church, I hope you will meet with me or one of the priests of the parish to discuss the Sacrament of Matrimony.

Finally, there are those adult Catholics who for whatever reason never received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Again, it sometimes happens that those who were baptized and receive First Holy Communion never had the chance to receive Confirmation.

A special preparation class for adult Catholics in need of the Sacrament of Confirmation begins on February 7th.

For details, please contact Mrs. Cecilia Sousa, the Director of Faith Formation, at (954) 9056332.

As we reflect on the baptism of the Lord, I hope all of us will also reflect on the importance of the sacraments in our lives. Should you or a member of your family be in need of the sacraments be it Baptism, Matrimony, Confirmation or any of the sacraments I encourage you to do so this year.

• Why deny yourself the grace of the sacraments?
• Why postpone the spiritual benefit which the sacraments provide?

The parish priests and staff are here to assist you and to make the sacraments available.

May the Lord continue to bless you and your families with His love!

Msgr. Michael Souckar