Neophytes in MCO era
By JJ/SOCCOM Penampang
Aug 15 2020
PENAMPANG – Fifty-one newly baptised individuals, or neophytes, as they are called, were told that their catechumenal journey has not ended, but just beginning.
The catechumens were accepted into the Catholic Church after receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion) at the Sunset Mass at St Michael’s Church on Aug 15.
The rites were administered by Archbishop John Wong, with parish priest Fr Wilfred Atin and Fr Gilbert Marcus concelebrating at Mass.
After being made a ‘new creation in Christ’ through sacramental initiation, the neophytes looked forward to live out their new life of faith in Jesus Christ through their participation in the full life and unity of the Christian community
Archbishop Wong advised the latest members of the Church to continue their journey and strengthen their faith by participating in the various ministries of the church or communities at their respective parishes
‘Your journey is not ended yet; it is just beginning. That is why I am advising you to get involved with church ministries or communities at your respective parishes’, said the Archbishop.
He assured that their participation in the life of the Christian community would enable their spiritual growth and a deepening of their Easter faith,
The church followed the SOP restrictions required during RMCO, which included social distancing, wearing face masks, hand sanitizing, temperature scanning and contact tracing.
Under normal circumstances, the joy of celebrating the neophytes would include a meal and an entertaining program at the parish hall. However, to discourage crowd gathering during the COVID age, all were encouraged to disperse after Mass and to go home for their individual celebration.
