{"id":14447,"date":"2021-03-10T10:06:15","date_gmt":"2021-03-10T15:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fallriverdiocese.org\/?p=14447"},"modified":"2023-11-06T17:40:44","modified_gmt":"2023-11-06T17:40:44","slug":"bishops-blog-giving-life-to-the-church","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fallriverdiocese.org\/pt-pt\/bishops-blog\/bishops-blog-giving-life-to-the-church\/","title":{"rendered":"Giving Life to the Church"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n


\nOn Sunday, February 28, in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River, I celebrated the Rite of Election for men and women from throughout the Fall River Diocese, preparing to become members of the Roman Catholic Church. The Rite of Election marks the beginning of the final phase of preparation for those participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults \u2013better known by the acronym RCIA- the process through which adults enter the Catholic Church. It is always a great honor to welcome the newly elect into our Church and faith community.
\nAs we welcome these men and women, who heard the voice of the Lord calling them into faith, the sacraments, and the Church, it was good to spend time reflecting on the Gospel recounting the Transfiguration of the Lord. In the Transfiguration, something extraordinary takes place. God was made visible and manifest in the person of Jesus. The disciples had an experience of seeing the Lord in a way they never had before. On some level, our Catechumen can relate to this extraordinary encounter with Jesus, which allowed them to hear the voice of God and to accept his invitation to the faith, the Sacraments, and the Church.
\n 
\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Image Courtesy: The Office of Faith Formation-Fall River Diocese<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\nAfter witnessing the Transfiguration of Jesus, St. Peter responds, “it is good that we are here!” St Peter discovered God’s presence, and he didn’t want to leave that moment. He suggests erecting three tents: one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. However, Peter forgets to include tents for himself, James, and John. Perhaps Peter reveals a profound truth in his actions. When we encounter God in the way that Peter did, when we experience the presence of God, seeing God manifest before our very eyes, we become free of our self-centeredness and see the good in others. We become open to truly encounter God, hear his voice, and listen to him.
\nWe hear things all day long, but how often do we really listen? When we choose to listen, we commit ourselves to focus and be present. It means we accept what we hear and create a response on our part to it. We choose what we want to hear and listen to, and often those choices are what is comfortable, affirming, and pleasant\u2014not what is challenging or asking for a change in us. To listen to Jesus is the challenge of the Gospel, as it causes conversion and leads to a transformation.
\nWhen we encounter Jesus, we are never the same again. It is not easy and often takes a lot of work. Jesus brought Peter, John, and James from the valley of darkness to the mountain of light to experience the extraordinary. Each of us who has chosen to answer the invitation to be Jesus’ disciple has likewise journeyed with him from the valley into a great light. Every day we must fight the temptation to go back to the valley of darkness and ignore what promises and experiences we have from Jesus. Don’t allow the winds of despair, fear, or doubt to lead you back into the valley of darkness. My friends, hold on to the faith and promises of Jesus. Hold on to your commitment to him, so your lives are never the same again, so you may continue to walk faithfully with God for the rest of your lives.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Image Courtesy: The Office of Faith Formation-Fall River Diocese<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

National Catholic Sisters Week<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Catholic Sisters Week, March 8-14 2021, spotlights women religious, who bless our Church with their commitment to tirelessly pray and serve.  During this week, <\/span>according to the Catholic Sisters Week website<\/span><\/a>, others are encouraged to offer a wide range of campaigns and events that invite all who follow Jesus to:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n