In the Priestly Ministry, there is nothing more truly life-giving than receiving adult catechumens into Holy Mother Church, and how much more this is true when it is from the East that the Light has entered these young hearts. It is an emerging area of grace that young people are searching for God, and indeed, God is always inviting souls to Him, and so Dalton, Brandy, Gerard, Liam and Ryan looked to find Him in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

Preparation commenced some months ago the catechumens progressed through studies of catechesis, the articles of the Creed, the operation of grace, and avoiding sin, the Institution of the Sacraments from a Biblical perspective, and the History of the Byzantine Greek Catholic Church, its roots through time and place, from Kyiv, to Constantinople, to Jerusalem itself its historicity, beauty and timeless teaching.

When it came to the date for this Baptism, it was at first thought that Pascha would be a good time, but with such a full schedule of events, and so many areas to be covered, it was the Will of the Comforter that Pentecost be the time chosen for the reception of these catechumens.

So, on the Vigil of Pentecost before the evening Divine Liturgy, Father Matthew Drury baptized these 5 converts! It is a great example to all in our Parish Community to see the perseverance and enthusiasm of these wonderful new Converts. As we sing, all you who have been Baptized into Christ, you have put on Christ, how joyful are these newly accepted into the Sheepfold of the Good Shepherd, to receive the Newness of Life.

The Sacrament begins at the back of the Church, with the declaration of Faith and the beautiful prayers of exorcism. And facing west, they denounce Satan, and facing East and the Resurrection, they promise to serve Christ and His Church. The profession of faith, by the recitation of the Nicene Creed, is very moving, as one can feel the anticipation of these initiates who would be one with Christ.

Proceeding into the Church, the ektenia and blessing of the water is followed by the anointing of the initiates. This is a most moving ritual, as the head is anointed that the mind be opened to Christ, and to accept Faith. The chest, for the healing of soul and body, and for the love of God and neighbour. The shoulders that cross be carried willingly as a light yoke.  The ears are anointed to be open to the teaching of Faith, and the Word of the Lord. The hands to be raised to Heaven and the feet that follow Christ.

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Then they are finally baptized. It is the moment of the soul’s washing and imprinting of the Character of Christ, a beautiful and impressive Sacrament. Then they are robed in the white garment, as the Catechumens were so many years ago, and given a candle to represent Faith. How blessed we are to witness such an ancient expression of entrance to the Church, and how wonderful to celebrate the beauty of these souls in the reception of Christ, and clothing them with such grace!

As is the privilege and joy of the East, they were then Christmated, and proceeded to attend the Divine Liturgy, and receive their First Holy Communion. This is certainly an eloquent demonstration of the love of these new initiates of our Parish!

Let us pray to have many more! We live in an incredible time in history, where many souls are truly receptive to grace and are taking active steps to walk with God and dedicate their lives to Him.

Among our converts is Brandy, who is looking forward to marriage and has also taken the step of Baptism. As she learned about the Eastern Catholic tradition, she could not be happier in looking forward to a married life where Christ can be its centre. She said the only disappointment was that the presentations on History and Catechesis are over, as she learned so much, and felt so well prepared, and would love to continue learning.

Dalton is quite a young man, of a mechanical mind. Having met parishioners from the Dormition at school, he decided to join the Greek Catholic Church.
Gerard and Liam are of protestant background, and were so happy to begin with the Bible, and now broaden their view to take on the traditions and community life of the Greek Catholic Church.

Ryan is an example of the shift of society towards truth. Having no religious background, he has been moved by the Holy Spirit to seek what is true and find beauty and goodness in this confession of truth and Faith.

This is indeed a special time of grace in history, and we must be ready to invite such to the vineyard of Our Blessed Lord, and lead by encouragement and example.

As Father Matthew enlarged upon in his homily, Prince Volodymyr searched the world for a Faith for his people, and found this in Byzantia, and brought it to his home and heart as the pearl of great price, of the Gospel. Let us pray that the example of those who have searched out the faith resonates and converts our hearts to God, and confirms us in the pursuit of holiness as a parish.

And may our Blessed Lord send many more such into our midst.