Fr. Nate's Letter - January 14, 2024

The Christmas season always comes to a close with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Most often we have the opportunity to celebrate the feast on the Sunday following the feast of the Epiphany. However, because this past Christmas fell on the calendar as it did, this particular feast was tucked away on a Monday. 

Some years ago I was at a confirmation, and the bishop administering the sacrament asked the young people (who were about to be confirmed and renew their baptismal promises), what was so significant about their baptism? And in so many words they answered correctly, that it was the day they became a child of God and an heir of heaven. The day the life of sanctifying grace was unleashed on their souls. The greatest day of their life! He went on to ask how many knew the date that they were baptized. There might have been only five hands that went up. He added that as an outsider, he would be skeptical if they told him it was such a significant day and they didn’t even know the date. The bishop reiterated the fact that as a Christian, not a day should go by without thanking the Lord for that gift, but also how important it is to celebrate their faith and the grace that God has given them. 

I have to admit not long after that, I was in the area of the church where I was baptized, so I stopped in. The church was locked but one of the secretaries in the school was kind enough to let me in. I found it to be a very moving experience to approach the same font where the life of faith began. It was something in the past that the Holy Father had encouraged us to do. I was glad I stopped on that particular day not only because of the significance, but because that church has since been closed. 

One aspect of the rite of baptism that, as a priest, I always find striking is handing the lighted candle back to the parents and godparents. We hear the words, “This light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly.” Hopefully, this nudges the priest and people present to consider how is that done. How will that light of faith be kept burning brightly? Because as you and I know, if it’s not tended, the flame will go out. So we thank God for the gift of our Baptism by renewing our commitment to live out our baptismal promises. 

As an aside, I’d like to take the opportunity here to say thank you. Many of you have asked how things are coming along and whether or not I am settling in and enjoying the parish. I am very blest to be here. There are a lot of wonderful and holy people who call this place home, and you have been so very kind to me. I am still trying hard to remember names and I appreciate your patience when I’ve blurted out the wrong one or when you’re kind enough to remind me. It’s hard to believe that seven months have already gone by, but they say that’s a good sign. I look forward to all the days ahead. 

With the Christmas season coming to a close, many, many thanks on behalf of Fr. Simon (who I am sure would thank you himself, but is currently enjoying a few days away), myself, and all the priests here at QAS for all the kindness you showed towards us and your generosity to the parish this Christmas! God reward you abundantly!

Keeping you in prayer! And say one for me! 

Wishing you all God’s blessings this week! 

- Fr. Nate