Father Philip Kennedy
‘The [jailer] took [Paul and Silas] and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God’ (Acts 16:33-34)
It is not rare that a whole family would be baptized at once, as in the case of the jailer who had been dumbfounded by the miracle of Paul and Silas when they were unjustly imprisoned, but nowadays our Church is intent upon serious preparation and catechesis of all members, even children. Before a person is baptized, the meaning of the Sacrament and the commitment involved is carefully taught; and for children, they are led on in the faith to the extent that they are able to understand.
It is interesting, though, that the Bible shows us pictures of families accepting and growing in the faith together. A very important part of our mission assistance goes to help the missionaries who are dedicated to reaching out to families who need guidance and clear teaching in the ways of the faith. Almost every missionary priest, sister or lay worker meets regularly with family members to give help and to educate. Getting to know them and sharing in their joys and customs is part of what makes the life of the missionary enriched and blessed.
Father Bart Burke, on right, poses with a young family and godparents in Sandy Lake mission in Northern Ontario, Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas.
Anyone who visits one of the summer pilgrimage sites, like Lac Sainte Anne,
“Love the family of believers,” St. Peter says (1Pet 2:17). This is not an arduous command when there is a relationship of trust and friendship between the missionary and the mothers and fathers, children, and grandparents. In a mission, just the same as in a city parish, occasions like First Communion become a very special event, all the more so because they don’t happen so regularly and in such great numbers. The mission celebration lets the child understand how special he or she is, and how blessed the family is.
When we contemplate just what does a missionary do, it is obvious that they help build families of faith, the cornerstone of our Church and society. In the mission parishes and at the pilgrimages, the missionary stands with the family members through their trials and joys, through tragedy and happiness.
