MORE than 200 people preparing for Easter sacraments were at St Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane, last Sunday to receive the Nicene Creed as part of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) journey.
Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane welcomed those taking the significant step into the Church at Easter, as well as their family members and other supporters including clergy from almost 50 Brisbane parishes.
“Easter is the climax of our faith,” Archbishop Bathersby said in his homily, in which he added faith reflections from his childhood in Stanthorpe.
“I was longing for the day I could receive Holy Communion with the adults.
“A seed of faith has to be planted in our hearts by the Holy Spirit … and strengthened through the years by that same Holy Spirit.”
Archbishop Bathersby said his parents and various “religious” helped to sew the seed of faith in his life.
“Today we rejoice in our faith as we move towards Easter,” he said.
Archbishop Bathersby described the Nicene Creed, which dates back to the Council of Nicea in 325, as “the wisdom and faith of the Church”.
He also relayed the importance of the (Ten) Commandments saying “they are certainly not out of fashion”.
“The Commandments are the wisdom of God … they help us lead a life of love … (they are) not superseded by any man-made rules.”
Archbishop Bathersby also encouraged the preparing Catholics to continue their commitment to Mass attendance, to participate in Scripture study and be active in the Church.
“We need you in the Church,” he said.
“Open your hearts today to the power of the Holy Spirit.
After prayerfully presenting the group with the Creed, Archbishop Bathersby and Auxiliary Bishops Brian Finnigan and Joseph Oudeman distributed it in certificate form, around the sanctuary.
