Diocese of BuffaloJanuary 20, 2010

Jerry Galipeau, D. Min.

PrinciplesThe Catholic “difference” is rooted in the

sacramental lifeBaptism provides the foundation for Christian lifeConfirmation strengthens the baptismal vocation

through the outpouring of seven giftsThe Eucharist is celebrated around a table of

sacrifice, nourishment, reconciliation, and missionThe Catholic way of life is a mystagogical way of

life; we must be “tingling”

ChallengesFor the most part, sacramental moments remain

just that: momentsBy and large, we do little to cultivate an authentic

baptismal spirituality with young adultsConfirmation becomes a compartmentalized

moment; little development and deepening occurs, especially in young adulthood

The Eucharist, in all its dimensions, can open the hearts of young adults to new worlds of meaning

We must cultivate a mystagogical way of life; a life that expects transformation every step of the way

By and large, we do little to cultivate an authentic baptismal

spirituality with young adultsLent“In the liturgy and liturgical catechesis of

Lent, the reminder of baptism already received or the preparation for its reception, as well as the theme of repentance, renew the entire community along with those preparing to celebrate (RCIA 138).”

Cultivating a Baptismal SpiritualityA story

St. Anthony ChurchNew Bedford, Massachusetts

May 25, 1958

Confirmation becomes a compartmentalized moment; little

development and deepening occurs, especially in young

adulthood

ConfirmationA story – May 13, 1972

Seven Extraordinary GiftsWisdom

UnderstandingRight Judgment

CourageKnowledgeReverence

Wonder and Awe in God’s Presence

My Office Reminder

My Office Reminder(A little closer)

The Eucharist, in all its dimensions, can open the hearts of young

adults to new worlds of meaning

The Eucharist: Table of SacrificeMane Nobiscum Domine, Apostolic Letter on the Year of the Eucharist, John Paul II

 It must not be forgotten that the Eucharistic meal also has a profoundly and primarily sacrificial meaning. In the Eucharist, Christ makes present to us anew the sacrifice offered once for all on Golgotha. Present in the Eucharist as the Risen Lord, he nonetheless bears the marks of his passion, of which every Mass is a “memorial”, as the Liturgy reminds us in the acclamation following the consecration: “We announce your death, Lord, we proclaim your resurrection . . .” At the same time, while the Eucharist makes present what occurred in the past, it also impels us towards the future, when Christ will come again at the end of history. This aspect makes the Sacrament of the Eucharist an event which draws us into itself and fills our Christian journey with hope.

Good Friday 1985St. Mary Magdalen, Altamonte Springs,

Florida

Eucharist: Table of Nourishment

Mane Nobiscum Domine, Apostolic Letter on the Year of the Eucharist, John Paul II

There is no doubt that the most evident dimension of the Eucharist is that it is a meal. As such, it expresses the fellowship which God wishes to establish with us and which we ourselves must build with one another.

Spiritual Obesity

Eucharist: Table of ReconciliationTwo Gospel Stories:

John 18John 21

Eucharist: Table of MissionMane Nobiscum Domine, Apostolic Letter on the Year of the Eucharist, John Paul II “Can we not make this Year of the Eucharist an occasion for diocesan and parish communities to commit themselves in a particular way to responding with fraternal solicitude to one of the many forms of poverty present in our world? I think for example of the tragedy of hunger which plagues hundreds of millions of human beings, the diseases which afflict developing countries, the loneliness of the elderly, the hardships faced by the unemployed, the struggles of immigrants. These are evils which are present—albeit to a different degree—even in areas of immense wealth. We cannot delude ourselves: by our mutual love and, in particular, by our concern for those in need we will be recognized as true followers of Christ. This will be the criterion by which the authenticity of our Eucharistic celebrations is judged.” (28)

We must cultivate a mystagogical way of life; a life that expects

transformation every step of the way

Ways to Cultivate a Sacramental and Mystagogical Way of Life

Robust Celebration of the SacramentsStrong and Visible Parish RCIA ProcessesStrong and Visible Celebrations of Infant BaptismSunday Eucharist as the “Source and Summit” of

Parish LifePreaching, Teaching, and Retreat Work that

Focuses on the Power and Potential of the Sacraments

Faith Formation that Takes the Sacraments as the Starting Point; post-sacramental catechesis

Most Importantly, We Must Cultivate a Sacramental Spirituality Within Us