Celebrating the Faith

Clap your hand, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
Psalm 47:1

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Introduction

The Church is the community of those who seek to follow Jesus as his disciples. It is above all through celebrating faith together that we express that faith, give witness to our belief and encounter the living God who is the source of our life. For Catholics worship is not primarily something we “do” for God, but something that we, join Christ in.

The most significant celebrations in the Christian life we recognise as “sacraments” moments of encounter with Christ in his Church. These can be frequent like the Eucharist (going to Mass) or once in a lifetime commitments – like Baptism or Confirmation. Such celebrations are never “private” events; they are always celebrations of the whole church where God’s gifts and grace are given to the Church through those who participate.

Baptism

Baptism gives us our identity as a child of God. It says that this person
– baby, child or adult -is now known by the name of God and also to the
community as someone special, someone unique, a member of God’s family.

Marriage

“Married Christians, in virtue of the sacrament of matrimony, signify
and share in the mystery of that unity and fruitful love which exists
between Christ and his Church; they help each other to attain to holiness
in their married life and in the rearing and education of their children;
and they have their own special gift among the people of God.”

Funerals

“For your faithful people Lord, Life is changed not ended, And
when this earthly dwelling turns to dust, An eternal dwelling is
made ready for them in heaven.”