KCP - Catholic Diocese of Broome

Most people agree that the Kimberley winter weather at its best is as good as anywhere in the world. It is a season not only for physical activities such as football but it is also a time to catch the delectable salmon or attend concerts, art shows and horse races. It is the time when you can safely soak up a bit of sun or surf away from stingers and go camping or dine outside without being consumed by mosquitos. For me it is a season to go visiting remote areas and the season for Confirmations and First Holy Communions. So as to be a help many parishes have generously responded positively to my request to arrange their Confirmations in Term 2 or 3 rather than Term 4. This arrangement takes the guess work out of the weather issue somewhat and reduces the discomfort that arrives with the humidity in the latter part of the year.
Such sacramental experiences and festivities are a cause to be joyfully celebrated in a faith community. When baptized members of the faithful are gifted by the Holy Spirit or when they can commune with those who receive the Eucharist there is a moment of grace achieved not only for the person receiving the Sacrament but for the rest of the family of faith too.

Confirmation for the first time in ten years. Thanks to the efforts of the Parish Priest, the local Catholic school and community members there was a fitting celebration involving the Sacrament of Reconciliation and cultural festivities including dancing. More recently I attended a First Holy Communion Day in a remote Parish. The children presented well and there was a good sense of pride beaming on their faces and those of their parents or guardians. I was as happy for the parish team and the school staff who had prepared the children for the sacred moment as I was for the children and their families themselves. Seen through the eyes of faith it was truly a celebration of deep joy and a mature response to an invitation from God to come closer to Him and to His family of faith.
The point is that any celebration of the sacraments will become significant if we prepare well for them. The catechesis that is used to form the candidates for Holy Communion and Confirmation must be informative, nourishing and spiritually lifegiving. Quality time put into the liturgy and the festivities will be time well spent and will show itself in the joy of the moment and in the lasting goodness to the community of the faithful.
I offer my thanks to those of you who are preparing candidates for the Sacraments. It is a season of profound love and Grace.