Dear People of God,
On the first Sunday of Lent, catechumens and candidates from your community were presented from different Deaneries assembly as Archdiocese of Johannesburg for the celebration of the Rite of Election and calling of candidates into full Communion.
Accompanying them were their individual sponsors and your RCIA parish representatives who gave testimony as to their readiness and worthiness to receive the Sacrament of Initiation. On the strength of this, I have approved their election for the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist to be administered at Easter after celebration of the scrutinies in your parish community.
Evangelization, we should all know, is not just the work of priests and religious, but the responsibility of all baptized Christians who wish to congratulate you on your willingness to share your faith with others and encourage you to be a living example of Jesus Christ within the society you live.
As you reflect upon the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, continue to support these new members through your prayers and Christian charity, especially, now as they enter the most important stage of their formation during the final weeks of Lent.
It is indeed a privilege for any parish to receive the gift of new members, as it is equally a blessing for the Archdiocese of Johannesburg. May their conversion be a reminder to us all of the grace that God pours out upon each of us during this special time.
But, let us also remember that conversion is an ongoing process of faith. None of us should consider the reception of the sacraments of initiation as the final goal in our Christian journey. As St. Paul reminds us: “Not that I have become perfect yet: I have not yet won, but am still running trying to capture the prize for which Christ Jesus captured me”. (Phil3: 12).
We, too, must continue to strive to complete our spiritual journey in the grace of Jesus Christ at all times. Only constant prayer, scripture reflection and a faithful sacrament life will help us achieve this. As faithful members of the body of Christ. I entreat you to continue lending support through your active participation in the work of building up the local Church.
May God the Father grant you continued strength and bless you for all that you have done in this important work of Evangelization.
Yours in Jesus Christ,
Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, OMI.
Archbishop of Johannesburg
