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Father Maassen's Message - 06/09/24
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Some things in her life have changed. She is married with children. She no longer lives in Washington Missouri. She lives in that far faraway place called St. Louis County. (That was the only exaggeration).
When she was in high school, on occasion, her friends would bring her to the beautiful place of worship we call St. Francis Borgia. She said she did not feel very welcome. At that time she was not Catholic and apparently her friends did not really do much to help her feel welcome. She has come to embrace her Catholic faith after the process of RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.)
Recently, her daughter became friends with another child. Both she and her daughter have been evangelizing through their lives and answering questions when the friend asked. She told me that her child’s friend wanted to come to Mass with them. Of course, they obliged, but she wanted to make sure the child felt welcome, in light of her previous experience. The friend crossed her arms and came up for a blessing during communion.
A couple of things… All are always welcome, Non-Catholics and Catholics, who are not living in harmony with the teachings of Jesus Christ proclaimed through our Catholic Faith. All are welcome to worship with us.
Having said that, all are not yet ready to receive the Eucharist. For any non-Catholics, we welcome you. As Catholics we believe that the celebration of the Eucharist. (Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus) signifies the reality of the oneness of faith, life and worship. All people are not yet ready to receive communion. However, hope remains, we are happy to help you get ready. Just call one of the priests. During the Eucharist, you may remain in your pew or cross your arms and come forward for a Blessing.
For Catholics who are in grave sin, you are not yet ready to receive the Eucharist at this time. This is your home and you are always welcome. However, you need to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, (which is readily available), with the firm purpose of living in harmony with the teachings of Jesus Christ given through our Catholic Faith, before receiving the Eucharist.
If you are choosing not to live in harmony with Jesus’ path of love, i.e. teachings, I pray for a conversion of heart that you open up to the love of Jesus through repentance. You are most welcome to come and talk to the Priests.
Learn more about grave (mortal) sin at:
https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/how-do-i-know-if-its-a-mortal-sin
Father Maassen
