The Crucible

We all have had our cross to bear. It could be a divorce, a death in the family, sickness, loss of job. It's like a gauntlet full of obstacles. A crucible in fact. In the begining your path seems impossible, desperate, and you feel like your trapped. But there is still an option. To humbly get on your hands and knees and pray to Jesus.

Mathew 11:28-30
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

It's not the crucible that matters, it's how we overcame adversity. It's What we learned from the experience. I've learned to forgive and love, I've learned that being a Father is about sacrifice, it's about being their always for your kids. St. Joseph serves as one of my greatest examples. and I have learned to depend on God. Not just say it, but give it all to him.

Initiation

Baptism is one of seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church. I recently went through my daughter's baptism and I wanted to share some advice that made this baptism so memorable.

1. Get yourself registered to a parish. Get involved. Go to a retreat. Make sure you have a special connection to the parish. Prior to my daughter's baptism, I got involved in a Retreat called Christ Renews His Parish, a few seminars and PREP. The baptism felt like a great celebration, with my Christian community, who were now my family.

2. Discern on the God Parents. Pray about it. Make sure you choose Catholic God parents, who are in good standing with the Roman Catholic Church. Remember this event is a celebration of your child entering the church, God Parents are there to assist in the formation of your child into the church. God parents will play a major roll on your child's life in Christ.

3. Make sure you let the God Parents know how serious this sacrament is to you. And let them know how and why you discerned on them to be the God Parent.

4. Finish Baptismal Classes early. Remember there is no re-certification when it comes to baptism, also there is no test, so don't be afraid to do it early.

5. Paperwork: Once you have identified the God Parents, make sure you get there letters faxed to the parish office. Get several copies of your babies Birth Certificate and give a copy of them to the parish. Make sure all letters and paperwork have been submitted.

6. Get to Church early and make sure your God Parents arrive on time and that your Baby is ready for Baptism. Needless to say, change diapers before mass.

Lastly, make sure you have a baptismal reception. Invite the people of your parish that have made an impact in your life and your child's life. Enjoy this day, the day your child is initiated in our Church.

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