Hello Catechumens & Candidates,

As we prepare for tonight's meeting, I would like to leave you with the word of the day: persistence. In our Gospel reading tonight, we hear of the Persistent Widow.

At first read, it can be difficult to see the truth. Are we simply to persist in prayer, hoping that God changes His mind? It might seem like prayer is about wearing God down — like a child in the back seat begging again and again to stop for an ice cream cone until a parent finally gives in. But any loving parent knows there are times they were always planning to stop, and others when they simply cannot. It may be too close to supper, or the sugar might keep the child awake.

The parent’s decision doesn’t come from indifference — it comes from love that sees farther than the child can.

In the same way, God’s silence or refusal does not mean He is absent or unloving. It often means our understanding is too small to grasp the fullness of His will. Prayer forms us to trust that even when the answer is “not now” or “not this,” the Father is still leading us toward what is truly good.

What we come to realize is that the fruit of prayer is not to change God’s mind, but for our hearts to be changed — trusting that if an impartial judge can render justice, how much more will a loving Father be merciful to us?

Speaking of a merciful and loving Father, that must mean He has a Son! Tonight we enter into the Incarnation, the birth of Christ. No matter where you are along this faith journey, it is hard to deny that Jesus was a real and historical figure. Sr. Jacinta will lead us in looking at the Infancy Narratives as we spend the next few weeks exploring the life of Christ during His time here with us.

What does it mean for God to be born into a human family, at a certain time and in a certain place? What are we to make of history and mystery colliding in such a monumental moment — one that, 2,000 years later, we still debate?

Following Sister’s presentation, we will have a special guest and dear friend of mine, Paul Ramsden, who specializes in bringing sacred art into homes.

While art and beauty can often seem subjective, sacred art has a way of transcending opinion and drawing one's spirit to God. We have talked about the importance of crucifixes, rosaries, and learning to “breathe Catholic air.” Sacred art is an extension of the beauty we see in our churches, in the community, and in the life of a Catholic.

What drew you into the Church? What role has art and architecture played so far?

We are meeting with four more people who wish to start the journey you are on tonight, so please pray for them and for our community as more are drawn to the truth you are seeking.

Have a blessed week,
Tyler