From the Pastor's Desk
August 23-24, 2008
It Seems To Me... How does one become a Catholic? The Catholic Church is a family of faith. To become a part of this family it is necessary that a period of formation take place. The goal of this formation is to pass on the heritage of the Church. This heritage includes what we believe, how we worship God, and how we live as disciples of Jesus. However, people have different needs and are best treated in different ways.
*Not Baptized: If you are not baptized you will go through the R. C. I. A. process and receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.*Baptized/Not Catechized: If you are baptized and were not raised in a practicing Christian family, you would need to go through the R.C.I.A. process.
*Baptized/Catechized: Finally, if you are baptized and were raised in a practicing Christian family and have extensive connection to the Catholic Church, you do not have to go through the entire R.C.I.A. process. A shorter time of preparation is necessary and you may be received into the Church.
In all situations, the first step is to contact Father Hitch (886-2506), Mary Barnum (886-2545), the parish office (886-2506) or tiptonsm@netwtc.net. Brochures on the R. C. I. A. are on the tables in the back of the church.
Father Hitch
Question of the Week - August 23, 2008
Breaking Open the WordMatthew 16:13-20
Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
Step One: Listen to the Word
When you hear the Gospel proclaimed today, what words or phrases really strike you? What lingers in your memory from this reading?
Step Two: Look into Your Life
Question for Children: What are three things you know about Jesus?
Question for Youth: Today’s Gospel is about identity ý the revealing of Jesus’ true self. How difficult is it to you to reveal your true self? What holds you back from being who God created you to be?
Question for Adults: If Jesus turned and asked you the same question, who would you say he is? How would you describe Jesus to someone who did not know him?
208 Meridian Street, PO Box 309 - Tipton, Iowa 52772 Ph: 563-886-2506 Fax: 563-886-6326
tiptonsm@netwtc.net
Last updated 08/23/2008
