The Role of Sponsor for Baptism & Confirmation
Three weeks ago we had 47 people confirmed in our parish.
On average we will have a baptism celebrated in our parish every other
Sunday. Soon we will have adults, children and teenagers who will
want to enter our Church through the catechumenate program. In each
of these cases a sponsor or godparents will be needed. Infants who
are baptized generally have a godfather and a godmother. Candidates,
Catechumens, and Confirmation students generally have one sponsor to assist
them throughout their journey.
The role of the Godparent for infant baptism has changed throughout
the last 30 or 40 years. I know that when I was baptized it was assumed
that my parents would choose godparents from the family. That way,
God forbid, if something should have happened to them I would have been
taken in by my godparents to grow into adulthood.
Sometimes you still year young couples assume that is the primary role
for the godparents. It isn’t. The role of the godparent is
to assist the parents in raising the child in the Catholic faith.
They are to be an example of faith for the child and for the parents.
If the parents do not do their job in teaching and practicing the faith,
it is the duty of the godparents to encourage or chastise those parents
to do their role. Likewise, every person in the community pledges to support
the parents and godparents in their role. So, it falls on each of
us to take responsibility for each other seriously.
Candidates and catechumens need someone to journey with them.
They need someone who has been down the road before them. That person
is a sponsor. The sponsor in the initiation process is called to
witness their faith with another person. They do this by spending
time with the candidate/catechumen. They do this by talking with
them and being with them at important crossroads (the rituals). They
are with them upon arrival (Easter) to share in the joy. It is generally
more intense than the role of godparents at baptism or confirmation.
The Church sets some guidelines for sponsors. [see Canons
873-874]
1) Only one male or one female sponsor or one of each sex is to be
employed.
2) They must be at least age 16
3) Be a Catholic who has been confirmed and have received the sacrament
of the Holy Eucharist and leads a life in harmony
with the faith and the role to be undertaken.
4) Not be hindered from practicing their faith (irregular marriage,
for instance).
5) Not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.
6) A Christian of another denomination may be allowed to be a Christian
witness together with a Catholic sponsor.
Like any guidelines, these are just a minimum. Sponsors should be prayerful
people. They should look for opportunities to celebrate the faith
with their candidate publicly and privately. I believe that sponsors
don't need to be perfect people, but those who daily strive to live out
their faith.
Peace,
Fr. Chris
The Black Communily Ministry Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary are continuing their collection of used eyeglasses to assist "Project: Right -to Sight', as well as their collection of clothes to support Ihe Osceola County Children's Home. To find out more about these projects or to look into membership, contact them at P. O. BOX 1249, Orlando, Florida 32802-1249, or call (407) 658-1818, extension 243.
"THE LITTLEST FIREMAN"
The 26-year-old mother stared down at her son who was dying of leukemia.
Although her heart was filled with sadness, she also had a strong feeling
of determination. Like any parent she wanted her son to grow up and fulfill
all his dreams. Now that was no longer possible. The leukemia would see
to that. But she still wanted her son's dreams to come true. She took her
son's hand and asked, "Billy, did you ever think about what you wanted
to be once you grew up? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do with
your life?" "Mommy, I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up."
Mom smiled back and said, "Let's see if we can make your wish come true."Later
that day she went to her local fire department in Phoenix, Arizona, where
she met Fireman Bob Klein, who had a heart as big as Phoenix. She explained
her son's final wish and asked if it might be possible to give her six-year-old
son a ride around the block on a fire engine. The fireman said, "Look,
we can do better than that. If
you'll have your son ready at seven o'clock
Wednesday morning, we'll make him an honorary fireman for the whole
day. He can come down to the fire station, eat
with us, go out on all the fire calls, the whole nine yards! "And if
you'll give us his sizes, we'll get a real fire uniform for
him, with a real fire hat - not a toy one - with the emblem of the
Phoenix Fire Department on it, and a yellow slicker like
we wear and rubber boots. They're all manufactured right here in Phoenix,
so we can get them fast." Three days later
Fireman Bob picked up Billy, dressed him in his fire uniform and escorted
him from his hospital bed to the waiting hook
and ladder truck. Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help
steer it back to the fire station. Billy was "in heaven."
There were three fire calls in Phoenix that day and Billy got to go
out on all three calls. He rode the different fire engines, the paramedic's
van and even in the fire chief's car. He was also video taped for the local
news program. Having his dream come true, with all the love and attention
that was lavished upon him, so deeply touched Billy that he lived three
months longer than any doctor thought possible. One night all of his vital
signs began to drop dramatically and the head nurse began to call the family
members to the hospital. Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as
a fireman, so she called the fire chief and asked if it would be possible
to send a fireman in uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he made
his transition. The chief replied, "We can do better than that. We'll
be there in five minutes. Will you please do me a favor? When you hear
the sirens screaming and the lights flashing, will you announce over the
PA system that there is not a fire? It's just the fire department coming
to see one of it's finest members one more time. And will you open the
window to his room?" About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck arrived
at the hospital, extended its ladder up to Billy's third floor open window,
and 16 firefighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room. With his mother's
permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they loved
him. With his dying breath, Billy looked up at the fire chief and said,
"Chief, am I really a fireman now?" "Billy, you are," the chief said.
With those words, Billy smiled and closed his eyes one last time, as the
fireman all stood around the bed with their hands to their foreheads in
silent salute and with tears running down their cheeks. (The person who
originally made this story available got to meet fireman Bob Klein in Phoenix,
and Klein gave him the article from the Phoenix paper. That person said,
as he passed this on, "It just keeps on coming back....a good true story
always does...
PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND, ATHENS AND EGYPT WITH FR GIL
Fr. Fernando Gil of St. Rose of Lima Parish, invites you to
accompany him on this trip. We will depart from USA to Athens via London.
We will be touring Athens and then fly to Cairo, where we will be visiting
the Egyptian Museum King Tut's tomb, the pyramids and the Christian headquarters.
Then we will spend seven days in Israel visiting the holy places Make your
reservation now This trip is scheduled for November 4 through November
15. Cost $ 2,300. Includes air fare, hotel, tour, breakfast and dinner
daily. For more information, please call Fr. Gil at the Parish Office at
(401) 932- 5004
FR WILLIAM O'SHEA INVITES YOU TO JOIN HIM ON A PILGRIMAGE TO THE
HOLY
LAND MARCH 5, 2001
FROM MIAMI FOR TEN DAYS. INCLUDED IS ROUNDTRIP AIRFARE, SUPER DELUX
HOTELS, TWO MEALS DAILY, GUIDED TOUR DAILY, ALL ENTRANCE FEES, DAILY MASS,
PLUS MUCH MORE. SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR EARLY REGISTRATION. PRICE $1948 00
PER PERSON EXTENSIONS AVAILABLE TO
ROME, JORDAN OR EGYPT EXTRA. FOR INFORMATION AND BROCHURES CALL OR
WRITE BOBBY FANNING, 6356-E CHASEWOOD DR JUPITER, FL 33458, TEL. (561)
741-2169.
Our nation is not great because of its material wealth or its standard
of living. There have been times in our history when we were materially
poor and weak in world politics. We are not great because we can wield
great influence over other nations on the globe.
We are great because of the principles on which this nations was founded:
that each human being has a dignity given
him by God, and that we have God-given rights to life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness. If we have problems in
these times, let us also remember that we have been blessed by God.
Let us renew our gratitude for God's blessing,
and beg him that we may always be faithful to our heritage of justice
and freedom which still shines as a beacon light
to the world.
MINI NOTES OF PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 6, 2000
Attending: Father Chris Hoffmann, Peggy Blickenstaff, Sandy Cahoon, Marcie Duval, Anne Florence, Lenny LaPointe, Deacon Joe Robert, and Tony Soldano. Absent: Patti DeLaCruz, Frank Cartagena, Jose Vazquez, and MaryAnn Woodward. Also present were: Patricia Reyes, newly named Pastoral Council at-large representative and Mary Betters, chair person of the Parish Festival.
Parish Festival: Mary Betters has extensive background in festival work
both at the school level and with Girl Scouts. She brings a lot of enthusiasm
to the Festival planning. Dates and times – Festival to run from
5-9 P.M. October 19 and 20; 10
A.M.-9 P.M. October 21. Purpose – To bring the community together in
an atmosphere of fun and entertainment; and to help
reduce the size of the parish debt. A general meeting will be called
soon for all interested persons to come with ideas and
commitment. Mary was provided with the name of a potential assistant
planner. A theme for the festival will be decided upon at the general
meeting.
Entertainment – Gene Gizzi has offered to help coordinate. Tony will
be involved with this planning as well.
Crafts – MaryAnn Woodward has a committee of persons already working
on projects.
Food – Consideration will be given to adding several new food booths
and dropping others that did not seem popular.
Solicitations – Contact will be made with local theme parks for passes.
Raffles - The big drawing will be held Saturday, October 21 for
cash prizes of $500, $1,000 and $1,500. Advance ticket
sales will be done.
Games – A diversity of games is hoped to provide fun for all
age groups.
Sound - Efforts will be made to expand the speaker placement
in order for announcements to be heard over a wider
area of the campus.
Fiscal Year Tentative Activities Calendars were distributed to Council.
Parking Lot Paving Estimates: Bids are being secured.
E-Mail addresses: A listing of e-mail addresses of those persons who
serve as ministry facilitators will be compiled. We
hope to improve parish communication through this medium.
Youth Ministry: Tracy and Michael McKeown are excited about working
with the Youth of the parish.
Pastoral Council representatives: Sandy Cahoon and Marcie Duval were
thanked for their two years of service and for
the input they have brought to the Council meetings. Patricia
Reyes was welcomed as new Council at-large representative.
Music Ministry: Efforts are being made to provide opportunities for
the various choirs to come together for social performances as well
as for its Liturgical ministry. New instrumentalists have joined the English
choir.
Parish Pilgrimages to churches designated by the Diocese for the Jubilee
Year will be coordinated by Marie O’Hair.
Parish Rectory: The move to the new rectory has been completed.
Patronal Feast: No response has been received from Bishop Dorsey’s
office re. the invitation that had been extended for
the night of August 11.
Family Banners: MaryAnn Woodward and Marge Peterson are reworking the
banners and are looking into ways of
preserving them.
San Juan: No festival will be held this year.
Facility: Everyone is reminded to check the air conditioning and lights
before leaving rooms and the building.
Electrical breakers are being installed in the kitchen to help
reduce the blown circuit problem we have experienced
when many appliances are in use during functions.
Cleaning and waxing of the assembly floor should be accomplished
soon.
Parish Council Meeting: The August 8 meeting is tentative, depending
upon any activities during Patronal Feast week.
Patricia Reyes will be the prayer leader.
THE ANGEL
Once upon a time there was a child ready to be born. The child asked
God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth
tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"
God replied, "Among the many angels, I
chose one for you. Your angel will be waiting for you and will take
care of you." The child further inquired, "But tell me,
here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be
happy." God said, "Your angel will sing for you and
will also smile for you every day. And you will feel your angel's love
and be happy." Again the child asked, "And how
am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't
know the language?" God said, "Your angel will
tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and
with much patience and care, your angel will teach
you how to speak." "And what am I going to do when I want to talk to
you?" God said, "Your angel will place your
hands together and will teach you how to pray." "I've heard that on
Earth there are bad men. who will protect me." God
said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."
"
But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore." God said
"Your angel will always talk to you about me and will
teach you the way to come back to me, even though I will always be
next to you." At that moment there was much
peace in heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child
hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please
tell me my angel's name." "Her name is not important. You will simply
call her Mom."
SUBJECT: Anger Leaves Scars Love to You All!!
There was once a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him
a bag of nails and told him that every time he
lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.
The first day the boy drove (37) nails into the fence.
Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number
of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled.
He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those
nails into the fence.....
Finally the day came when the boy didn 't lose his temper at all. He
told his father about it and the father suggested
that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to
hold his temper. The day passed,and theyoung boy
was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.
The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said,
“you have done well, my son, but look at the
holes in the fence.
The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they
leave a scar just like this one. You can put a
knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you
say I'm sorry, the wound is still there. " “A verbal
wound is as bad as a physical one. Friends are a very rare jewel indeed.They
make you smile and encourage you to
succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always
want to open their hearts to us.”
PLEASE FORGIVE ME IF I HAVE EVER LEFT A HOLE IN YOUR FENCE!
El Papel del Patrocinador para Bautismo & Confirmación
Hace tres semanas confirmamos 47
personas en nuestra parroquia. En un promedio tendremos una celebración
bautismal en nuestra parroquial de cada dos Domingo. Pronto tendremos
adultos, niños y adolecentes quienes quieren entrar a nuestra iglesia
a través del programa catecuminado. En cada uno de estos casos
un patrocinador o padrinos se necesitaran. Los
bebes que se bautizan generalmente tienen un padrino y madrina.Candidatos,
catecumenos, y estudiantes de Confirmación generalmente tienen un
patrocinador que los ayuda a través de su caminar.
El papel del padrinos para el
bautismo del bebe a cambiado a través de los últimos 30
o 40 años. Yo sé que cuando fuí bautizado se
asumia que los padre escogieran los padrinos de entre la familia.
Asi, Dios no lo quiera, si algo le sucedia a ellos yo tendria los padrinos
que me acogerian hasta llegar a ser mayor. A veces se puede oir a
parejas jovenes decir que
ese és el papel principal de los padrinos. No lo es.
El papel de los padrinos es de asistir a los padre en la crianza del
niño en la fe Católica. Ellos deben de ser ejemplos
de fe para los niños y los padres. Si el padre no hace su trabajo
y practica la fe, es el deber de los padrinos de animar o corregir esos
padres a que hagan su papel. De la misma forma, toda persona en la
comunidad se compromete apoyar los padres y padrinos en su papel.
Entonces, pesa en cada uno de nosotros tomar la
responsabilidad por cada uno seriamente.
Candidatos y catecumenos necesitan
a alguien que caminen con ellos. Ellos necesitan alguien que haya ido por
el mismo camino antes que ellos. Esa persona és un patrocinador.
El patrocinador en el proceso de iniciación se le llama a dar testimonio
de su fe con otra persona. Ellos hacen ésto pasando tiempo
con el catecumeno/candidato. Ellos hacen ésto hablando con
ellos y estando con ellos en los momentos mas importantes (los rituales).
Ellos estan con ellos cuando llega la (Pascua) para compartir la
alegria. Es generalmente mas intenso que el papel de padrinos en el bautismo
o confirmación.
La Iglesia tiene unas directivas para patrocinadores. [ver
Canon 873-874]
1) Solo un patrocinador masculino o femenino o uno de cada sexo
puede ser empleado.
2) Deben de tener por lo menos 16 años.
3) Ser Católicos que han sido confirmados y han recibido
el sacramento de la Sagrada Eucaristia y vivir una vida en armonia
con fe y el papel que van asumir.
4) Que no tengan nada que les evite practicar su fe (tal como
matrimonio irregular).
5) No ser el padre o la madre del que se va a bautizar.
6) Un Cristiano de otra denominación se le puede permitir
ser testigo cristiano junto a un patrocinador Católico.
Como cualquier otra directivas,
estas son solo un minimo. Patrocinadores deben ser personas de oración.
Deben de buscar las oportunidades de celebrar la fe con sus candidatos
pública y privadamente. Yo creo que los patrocinadores no tienen
que ser personas perfectas, pero si persona que cada dia vivan su fe.