Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
Our Savior Jesus Christ submitted to be baptized not to be made holy but to make the waters holy. The Sacrament of Baptism applies the forgiveness of sins wrought on the Cross. Original Sin is wiped away, the gates of Heaven are opened and we become adopted sons and daughters of God. Dying with Christ on the Cross and rising with Him, Baptism gives us new birth sharing God’s own nature.
Do you realize what God gave you at your Baptism? He opened Heaven for you and loaded you with the virtues of faith, hope and charity so that you could love God with your whole heart, mind, soul and strength. Also, He gave you the virtues of prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude so that you can love your neighbor as yourself. He infused your soul with the seven-fold Gifts of the Holy Spirit which make acquired habits fruitful for the good of souls. He anointed you a priest, prophet and king. As a baptized person you share in the common priesthood of all believers capable of offering acceptable sacrifice to the Father.
Baptized Catholic: Know your dignity, identity and authority! Jesus Christ has claimed you as one one of His own. God has set His seal on you forever. You have been born again of water and the Holy Spirit. Live your new life as one of God’s own children.
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 