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Daily Scripture

+ 7th Week of Easter

Much ado about nothing or, is there something to it?

Readings: Acts 19:1-8 Psalm 68:2-7 John 16:29-33

Paul traveled through the interior of the country and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They answered him, “We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” [Acts 19:1-3]

Depending on one’s sacramental theology and pastoral practice, this text has been variously interpreted. For example, those who work with the RCIA (catecheumenate) hold that the sacrament of Confirmation should be administered with Baptism as it was in the early Church. It is one of the sacraments of initiation—Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The Eastern Rite of the Roman Catholic Church has retained the tradition of administering all three at Baptism. Yes, the infant receives a small piece of the Eucharist bread. And so in the Eastern Rite, there is no formal celebration of First Holy Communion at the age of reason or Confirmation by the bishop at whatever age the local diocese has determined the age of maturity appropriate for Confirmation. All three sacraments are administered shortly after birth.

Others feel that the celebration of First Communion and Confirmation at a later age ensures the participation of youngsters in parish religious education programs – at least until Confirmation. In this case, many Catholics view Confirmation as the completion of or graduation from religious studies.

In recent years I have become convinced that the RCIA folks and the Eastern Rite Catholics have it right. All three sacraments of initiation should be administered together. First Holy Communion and Confirmation have become more social than spiritual. I do not mean to suggest that there is no connection or that there should be no celebration after sacramental ceremonies but for many, the accent is on the wrong syllable.

The path from Baptism to Christian maturity is life-long and the benchmarks for progress are not easily measured by grouping children by age or grade level for a period of preparation that is largely academic.

This is not to suggest that religious education is optional. Faith development is unique to each person within the context first of family and then of parish. Religious education / formation is intended to provide insight into faith development at an age-appropriate level.

Catholicism has become ‘child-centered’ the result of which, we have an adult population whose religious and spiritual development stopped at Confirmation.

The celebration of Eucharist is the primary setting for faith formation. Religious education is a necessary component but detached from Eucharist, it remain just another subject to master.

Of course this all assumes that the parish celebration of the Eucharist is truly inclusive and meaningful rather than just an empty ritual. The parish at worship should be a rendition of a community of faith that strives to live its faith ‘in the town square’ as I mentioned in Sunday’s homily.

Notwithstanding my commitment to religious dialogue, I do believe that effective dialogue is based on the assumption that although both parties are knowledgeable about the topic. Though they may have different perspectives, they are not based on ignorance of the subject.

A Difficult Time

Tuesday February 22, 2005

Although I was saddened by the news of Father Briganti’s resignation, I believe he made the correct decision for his good and for the good of St. Joseph Parish.

When the ‘personal matter’ referred to in The DAILY RECORD report [02-22-05] came to my attention, I urged Fr.Phil to consult with the police authorities. I did so for his own protection, not because I assumed he was guilty of any criminal wrongdoing.

As the investigation continued, I considered it necessary to bring the matter to diocesan authorities and so I spoke with Bishop Serratelli on Friday morning [02-18-05] and with the diocesan attorney, Mr. Ken Mullaney, to apprise them of my concerns.

I offered whatever assistance I might provide to Bishop Serratelli and of course to Mr. Mullaney and continued to assure Fr. Briganti of my concern for his wellbeing.

Having heard nothing further from the bishop, I spoke with Msgr. Tillyer early on Sunday morning to express my concern that a meeting be convened as soon as possible so that ‘we’ might be able to inform the people of St. Joseph of any changes. Up to that point, I did not know whether or not Fr. Phil had resigned and whether or not Bishop Serratelli accepted his resignation.

I received no further communication from the diocese.

I learned about the appointment of Fr. Joseph Anginoli from a local reporter who called to inquire if Fr. Phil had resigned.

Of course, I informed the reporter that I did not know if he had resigned. I assume he then called the spokesperson for the diocese.

He called about twenty minutes later to inform me that Fr. Phil’s had resigned and that Fr. Joseph Anginoli was appointed pastor, effective immediately.

He has been a good pastor at St. Simon in Green Pond and will be a good shepherd at St. Joseph. I urge parishioner to welcome him as you welcomed me and as you welcomed Fr. Phil. People of faith do not give up hope. Father and hope lead to charity under all cirucmstances and above all things. Remember Paul’s counsel to the Corinthians, “In the end there remain faith, hope and love but the greatest of these is” ... remember? “Flexibility!”

I am so sorry for the people of St. Joseph Parish but I am hopeful that the resilience that has been characteristic of parishioners will enable them with God’s grace to grow through this experience. The words of St. Paul in his letter come to mind again:

“I kneel before the Father
from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name;
and I pray that he will bestow on you gifts
in keeping with the riches of his glory.
May he strengthen you inwardly through the working of his Spirit.
May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith,
and may charity be the root and foundation of your life.
Thus you will be able to grasp fully, with all the holy ones,
the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love,
and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge,
so that you may attain to the fullness of God himself.”

Amen!