MARCH 19
Midway through our Lenten journey, Holy Mother Church begins our Mass crying out in the words of Isaiah: Laetare Ierusalem, et conventum facite, omnes qui diligitis eam; Gaudete cum Laetitia, qui in tristitia fuistis, ut excultetis, et satiemini ab uberibus consolationis vestrae. “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her! Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.” Most churches (including our own) don’t sing the antiphons that are prescribed for each Mass, so you may not even be aware of this voice that reverberates today throughout the whole world, but this call to rejoice is a call to rally the troops in the middle of this campaign of fasting and penance.
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Although the Act of Faith might seem simple in itself, we know that it takes a lot more than one good intention to change our lives. The early Christian communities used to spend years forming those who desired to enter the Church, taking them through a process of the catechumenate. These stages of formation correspond to the Sacraments given to us by Christ, and these Sacraments of Initation, which today we stretch out over the span of many years, are what conform us to Christ and make us full members of His Church. Discover these sacraments with us, and join our catechumenate if you are interested in becoming a member of Christ's Church.