Diocese of Buffalo January 20, 2010 Jerry Galipeau, D. Min.

Principles The Catholic “difference” is rooted in the sacramental life Baptism provides the foundation for Christian life Confirmation strengthens the baptismal vocation through the outpouring of seven gifts The Eucharist is celebrated around a table of sacrifice, nourishment, reconciliation, and mission The Catholic way of life is a mystagogical way of life; we must be “tingling”

Challenges For the most part, sacramental moments remain just that: moments By and large, we do little to cultivate an authentic baptismal spirituality with young adults Confirmation 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 adults Lent “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 Spirituality A story

St. Anthony Church New Bedford, Massachusetts May 25, 1958

Confirmation becomes a compartmentalized moment; little development and deepening occurs, especially in young adulthood

Confirmation A story – May 13, 1972

Seven Extraordinary Gifts Wisdom Understanding Right Judgment Courage Knowledge Reverence 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 Sacrifice Mane 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 1985 St. 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 Reconciliation Two Gospel Stories: John 18 John 21

Eucharist: Table of Mission Mane 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 Sacraments Strong and Visible Parish RCIA Processes Strong and Visible Celebrations of Infant Baptism Sunday Eucharist as the “Source and Summit” of Parish Life Preaching, 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