Pastor: Rev. Barrett Clare-Johnson
Secretary: Patricia Samson (patriciasamson_25@hotmail.com)
Parish Pastoral Council Chairperson: Paula Sampson
Religious Education Co-ordinator: Maureen Sampson

Mass Intentions...

Ministries...

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Before weekday Masses & Saturday 6:15 - 6:45

The L' Ardoise Jollv Club are in the process of putting together a "Cookbook". Recipes in all categories will
be needed. If you are interested in submitting some of your favorite recipes, please contact Huguette Martell
(587-2956), Pat Samson (587-2426), Mary Anne Mombourquette (587-2970), Elaine Sampson (587-2458),
Lorraine Pottie (587-2472). We greatly appreciate your contribution to our project.

CAPSITE HOURS: Monday to Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Eastern Counties Ree:ional Library will be visiting L' Ardoise (Community Center) on Tuesday, August 23-
4:00 - 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 -7:00 p.m. This library service is free to the public. Everyone is welcome!

Thank You: I would like to thank all the workers who worked for me in the Booths & Games. We had a good
year, great weather and I'm looking forward to having you back next year. Kathleen Bona

Youth Track: As part of the Eucharistic Conference being sponsored by the Atlantic Catholic from October
21-23, 2005 and occurring simultaneously to other workshops/presentations. .. A Youth Track is being offered
on Saturday, October 22nd. Registration is limited so register soon by getting a brochure from your parish priest
or the Diocesan Pastoral Center (902-539-6188) located 75 Prince St. Sydney.
Facilitator: NET Canada (National Evangelization Team)
When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: St Ninian Place, St. Ninian Cathedral
Who: Youth ages 12- 18
Cost: $15.00 each (includes lunch provided by St Ninian CWL)
(Call 902-863-4370 for group rates)

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: In the pre-Vatican II period many explanations of the sacraments began
with the baptism of infants, as if to stress that the sacraments really do give us grace by the power of Christ
alone and not by the faith of the person receiving the sacrament. Adult baptisms were basically changes to the
rite of infant baptism. Adult religious education was regarded as the exception, and religious education of youth
the norm. In the post-Vatican II period, sacraments give us grace by the power of Christ and by the faith of the
person receiving the sacrament Adult religious education is no longer the exception. The reason for this is that
parents are the first and main teachers of their children in the ways of faith. As a result, Vatican II reinstated the
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. R.C.I.A. has its roots in the Early Christian Church.
A rite is the order of service for celebrating a series of sacraments. Tbe norm, as set down in the Rite of
Christian Initiation of Adults, is that a person ought to receive baptism, confirmation, and eucharist during the
annual celebration of the Easter Vigil following a suitable period of formation known as the catechumenate.
Outline for Christian Initiation of Adults:

1. Period of Evangelization: This is a time, of no fixed length or structure, for asking questions and being
introduced to Christian values; an opportunity for the beginnings of faith. This being introduced to Christian
values and beliefs is called catechesis.
2. Period of Catechumenate: An unbaptized person who is undergoing catechesis in preparation for entrance
into the Church is called a catechumen. A baptized person who is undergoing catechesis in preparation for
confinnation and eucharist is called a candidate. This period begins with a liturgical rite (Acceptance into
the-Order of Catechumens). This is the time, its length depending on the progress of the person, for the
nurturing and growth of faith and conversion. It is marked by helpful celebrations of the word and prayers
of exorcism (rooting evil out ofthe heart) and blessings.
3. Period of Purification and Enlightenment: This period begins with a liturgical rite (Election or Enrollment
of Names). It is usually celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent. This period is a time of reflection and
conversion. It is marked by the celebration of the scrutinies (rites of self-searching and repentance),
presentations of the Creed and Lord's Prayer, and preparation rites on Holy Saturday.
4. Period of Mystagogy: This is the time, usually the Easter Season, during which the newly initiated
experience being fully a part of the Christian community by means of both penitential catechesis and
participation with all the faithful in the Sunday eucharistic celebration.

What is the Role of Godparents?
In the Rite of Baptism for Children, it is said to the parents, "It will be your duty to bring him (her) up to keep
God's commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbour." The godparents are then asked,
"Are you ready to help the parents of this child in their duty as Christian parents?" Simply put, the role of
godparents is to help parents in their duty as Christian parents. The duty of Christian parents is to bring their
children up to love God and neighbour - the greatest commandment. To love God means to worship God on
Sundays and other holy days of obligation - Mary, Mother of God (Jan. 1) & Christmas. To love God means to
have a personal prayer relationship with God, also.
We leave Mass - strengthened by the grace of the eucharist - to live the Word of God in the world. In other
words, to love our neighbour. Our neighbour is not only the people who live close to us, but our families,
friends, co-workers, those we dislike, and those who need our support. To love is a challenge we meet with the
humble acceptance of God's help.
Godparents are examples of practiced and Iived Christian faith for their godchildren. The Rite of Christian
Initiation of Adults tells us that those designated as godparents must have received the three sacraments of
initiation: baptism, confinnation, and eucharist; be Hvinga life consistent with faith and with the r.esponsibil.ity
...;~ of a godparen4-~md be members-ofthc-eathutic-Churcfi. At Hierequesf ofParents, a baptized and believing
Christian not belonging to the Catholic Church may act as a Christian witness along with a Catholic godparent.
Godparents are entrusted with the responsibility to participate in their godchild's Christian life and
education. This privilege of participating in their godchild's Christian life and education offers godparents the
opportunity to develop a mutually enriching spiritual relationship. There are many ways a godparent can nurture
this spiritual relationship and become a special friend to his or her godchild. Among them are:
1. Encourage a consistent life of faith through special cards, letters, or gifts which celebrate holy events., .
Christmas, Easter... and personal growth events...graduation, first job, engagement (gift suggestions: a
bible, spiritual book, rosary, religious jewelry, gift certificate tor religious goods/books, retreat
opportunity).
2. Celebrate the anniversary of the holy day of Baptism each year with a visit, a call, or a card.
3. As his or her godchild grows, a godparent can listen to and share in his or her godchild's struggles and
triumphs of living a Christian life. Godparents can keep themselves informed on Christian doctrine and
values to be able to answer questions as they arise.
4. Godparents can participate in, or send assurance of prayer as their godchildren receive the other
sacraments, particularly First Communion and Confi'mation which complete initiation into the Church
community. and point in the direction of a continuati'm in the lite of Illith.
5, A godparent can be supportive of his or her godchild's parents in their role as the main religious
educators of their child.
6. Most importantly, a godparent can become a model of Christian living for his or her godchild through
daily prayer, virtue and active participation in parish life and liturgy.

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