Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of presiding at two services for the Rite of Election at the mother church of the archdiocese, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Representatives from the various parishes of the archdiocese brought catechumens – those preparing for baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil, and candidates for confirmation and the Eucharist – together for presentation. It was fitting that these individuals, who will be made members of the family of the Roman Catholic Church, gather in our mother church. Where better to be on a Sunday than at Mother’s?
As I looked at the various people that were introduced, I noticed that they represented all shapes and sizes, colors and ages. Each of these men and women carried with them a call to conversion, a personal story, which led them to this moment. As I talked to some of the converts, they shared with me their excitement about the faith and their feeling of sadness for many cradle Catholics, who fail to appreciate the great gift they have been given in their faith. Sometimes, we tend to take our faith for granted. However, when we begin to see faith through the eyes of a convert, it makes us appreciate and rediscover what we have.
I reminded the elect and the candidates that they need to unwrap the gift they were given. A gift not used is disrespectful to the giver, in this case, God. They need to share the story of their faith journey, in order to inspire others. They need to continue a relationship with the Lord through prayer and explore the beauty of the Church’s teachings, which they now call home. I really could have been speaking to any group of Catholics since all the suggestions could enrich their faith. Faith: if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.
It was great to greet the new members of our family, to realize the Holy Spirit is still at work, directing individuals to accept the Lord Jesus into their lives. Called by the Lord to embrace His Church, we gladly share the mission given to us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Note: This blog originally appeared as the March 24, 2015 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.