Putting our Prophetic Character on Display

I was baptized as a newborn and received the sacrament of Confirmation just one month before my First Holy Communion when I was just seven. Not surprisingly, memories of any of these are limited and manifested from the mind of a child or as told to me by parents and godparents. It was only through the ensuing years that I fully realized the impact each of these would have.

Many people share similar stories, but not all. I remember well the joy displayed by a young girl at an Easter Vigil many years ago. Upon exiting our large baptismal pool, the pre-teen with tears in her eyes had the most infectious smile I had ever seen. It was obvious to all of us present that she genuinely understood the meaning of rebirth into God’s family as one of His children. That joy never left her nor did her zeal to live out her mission. Her witness at such a youthful age continues to lift me and I’m confident many others to this day.

Whether we recall our own baptism or only saw it in pictures, our invitation to live out Jesus Christ’s and the Church threefold mission as priest, prophet, and king is the same. Much like the Holy Spirit descended upon seventy elders, including Eldad and Medad (Numbers 11:25-26), we too have received the same prophetic character through Baptism and Confirmation regardless of our position in life. Our role as prophets calls us to evangelize all people (and ourselves) by word and example so to prepare a way for the Lord making Him fully visible in all of us. We can achieve this through outreach, works of love, and spiritual works of mercy. Prospects are all around waiting for us to share our God given gifts for the growth of the kingdom.

Padre Serra provides many opportunities to participate in the Church’s mission. You can choose to immerse yourself in the Saint Vincent de Paul Society helping the poor and oppressed. You may want to share your gift of words through the Writers’ Group. Perhaps, you feel called to bring Holy Communion to the Sick and Homebound or to contribute otherwise. Whether you select one or many of the ministries available, know that your impact will be felt.

This weekend and next, Padre Serra is hosting ‘Many Hands, Many Hearts.’ This Ministry Fair is certain to assist each of us as we discern how to best utilize our individual charisms thereby living out our own prophetic character. The multitude of ministerial opportunities range from prayer and Bible study to selfimprovement, outreach, liturgy, accompaniment as well as many others. What a perfect way to celebrate the love of God shared with us unconditionally and daily. 

What a perfect way to be the face of Christ to others and see Him in others. What a wonderful opportunity to live out our parish mission statement,


​“Encounter Jesus, Be Disciples.”



Endless Blessings,
Deacon Luc and Diana Papillon

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