Usually, right after celebrating Easter, parishes of the Diocese of Jerusalem grant the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation to the children who underwent the necessary preparation. This is a beautiful moment in the life of the Church as she “graduates” new disciples for Christ, who are ready to witness to the Lord Jesus Christ, through their lives, words, and actions.
During Jesus' time on earth, he instituted the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and the Gift of the Holy Spirit through the anointing of the Holy Chrism oil. These are two eternal heavenly gifts to the Church. A reference to the Sacraments can be found in many readings of the New Testament; and in each Gospel: Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; and John 6. And regarding the Gift of the Holy Spirit, we can read the following texts: Matthew 28; Mark 3; Luke 4; and John 14, in addition to numerous mentions or related events throughout the Bible in both Testaments.
From May 24th, 2024, Cardinal Pierbattista administered the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation to the Latin parish of Madaba
Sacraments of Initiation
The Church, in its various rites, is committed to granting the sacraments of initiation to the faithful (Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation). However, the timing may differ. We generally know that Eastern churches grant these sacraments during the baptismal rite, while Catholic churches grant these sacraments separately. This is done to educate the faithful on the meanings of the sacraments and their importance in their lives. The moment one receives the sacraments of initiation, they too become responsible for the Word of God and bear witness to it in their lives and actions, as St. Paul said: “Yet I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24).
Parents and Sponsors, it is essential for parents to encourage their children to partake in the life of the church and its various activities, especially with the approach of summer and the end of the school term. Their participation is an integral part of God's salvific work because, by being in the embrace of their church, they learn how to love one another: “Love one another. As I have loved you, you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples if you have a love for one another” (John 13:34-35). Sponsors in Baptism or Confirmation (often the same person for both sacraments) play an important role, which goes beyond material matters and gifts. They should nurture the child spiritually by paying attention to their spiritual and psychological life so that the child receives the needed help in a healthy environment and community to which they belong. This is also a great responsibility of the parents to create a safe environment to nurture the growth of their children in the world.
From May 31st, 2024, Msgr. William Shomali, General Vicar, administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to the Latin parish of Nablus, Rafidia.
Small Numbers
The number of those receiving the Holy Sacraments varies from one parish to another, prompting us to reflect on these relatively small numbers. Indeed, our community is small, resulting from various reasons, including low birth rates, migration, and high living costs.
Yet we clearly remember what the Lord Jesus said: "You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? (...) You are the light of the world. (...) your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:13-16). Regardless of how small our numbers are, we must remain the light and salt of the world. Hence, we are obliged to be an integral part of our society, an active and participatory part rather than a passive observer. We can reflect our religious culture with all its values and customs in our daily lives.
In Conclusion
Let us pray together for the children who have received these Holy Sacraments, as they are the future of the Church and the world. May they strive with the help of the Holy Spirit to be a source of peace, justice, and brotherly love in their communities, and may they follow the advice of St. Paul: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:16-17).
Please visit our Facebook page, to view more pictures from the celebrations of the Sacraments at our various parishes.
