The Archbishop has urged new members of the Church to make their Catholic faith part of their everyday life and, in so doing, become witnesses to others.

“Many go from peak experience to peak experience. Life is not a series of peak experiences, but it is in day-to-day life that your faith is tested and lived,” advised Archbishop Edward Gilbert at last Sunday’s annual Neophyte Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Cathedral Administrator Msgr Cuthbert Alexander concelebrated.

Archbishop Gilbert said after any peak experience, the tendency was to return to the way things were before the peak experience occurred. He added: “The key is to remember that life is everyday. The rhythm of your life must be intertwined with the rhythm of your faith.”

In his opening remarks he described the Neophyte Mass as one of the “nicest celebrations” at the Cathedral because it “stands for new life.” He reiterated his statement as he began the homily, saying the Mass was a celebration of “new life in the community of the archdiocese.”

Addressing the new members, he said “each one of you” has been given a mandate to be a witness for Christ. “It is a privilege, a challenge, to receive this mandate,” Archbishop Gilbert added.

He urged them to remember “what you have committed yourself to, at your baptism, your confirmation”, adding that sometimes one had to “be strong enough to stand alone” in one’s commitment.

The Archbishop, preaching on the Ascension Sunday readings and Gospel, said the history of the Church was one of peaks and valleys. He remarked that peaks were easy times, but valleys required members to “roll up your sleeves” and work.

He said the local Church needed to work now on inviting back those who have fallen away, and told the neophytes that as new members they too must accept the ministry of being present to people in their times of need.

“In many cases, people moved onto another tradition because they (those traditions) were present to them. We have to work on our presence – theologically and pragmatically,” Archbishop Gilbert told the congregation.

In closing, he challenged all to “re-choose” the Lord each day, to remember the call to witness and service. To the neophytes, he said it would take time for them to feel at home in the Catholic Church but advised them not to stay on the side of the pool testing the water, but to “dive in” and get involved in the various ministries available. He added: “When you get wet, the faster you will feel at home. The Church is your home. Welcome.”

More than 400 neophytes attended the Mass and were involved throughout the liturgy, starting with their participation in the entrance procession.

Ramdeo Bachan and Tara Rambarran, from the Pointe-a-Pierre parish, did the first and second readings, respectively; six new members belonging to the Santa Rosa parish in Arima were responsible for the Prayers of the Faithful; while Assumption parish of Maraval handled the Presentation of Gifts.

At the end of the liturgy, Msgr Alexander and Archdiocesan Catechetical Director, Sr Columba Byrne, HF, addressed the gathering.

Msgr Alexander welcomed everyone to the Cathedral and invited all to return for other services and celebrations. Sr Columba urged the neophytes to continue the learning process by getting involved in upcoming programmes and by becoming “catechists and teachers of the faith.”

The usual after-Mass sharing and entertainment followed at the nearby Catholic Centre car park. - RS