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Discover the powerful message of the Baptism of the Lord: how Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Spirit and fire, claims us as beloved children of God and ignites a passion for his mission in our lives Jesus Baptizes Us with the Holy Spirit and Fire Introduction Today, we reflect on a profound truth revealed by John the Baptist in Luke 3:16: Jesus is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire. This isn’t just a theological concept—it’s a life-transforming reality for every Christian. When we were baptized , it wasn’t simply a human act performed by a priest. It was Jesus Himself who baptized us, filling us with the Holy Spirit and igniting a fire within us to live as children of God. Let us understand what it means to be baptized by Jesus. 1. Jesus as the Source of Our Baptism When John said, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming... He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire,” he acknowledged the limits of his ministry. John's baptism was symbolic, calling people to repentance. But Jesus' baptism is transformative, filling us with divine grace. When we say, "Jesus baptized me," we affirm that He is the one who gives life to our baptism. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for us to be cleansed of sin and made new in the Spirit. The priest acts as an instrument, but Jesus is the one who truly baptizes. Question for reflection: Do we see our baptism (even though some of us were baptised as infant ) as a personal encounter with Jesus, who lovingly claimed us as His own? 2. Baptized with the Holy Spirit When Jesus baptizes us, He fills us with the Holy Spirit. This isn’t just a one-time event. It’s the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the Spirit who empowers, guides, and sanctifies us. The Holy Spirit equips us with gifts to live as disciples: wisdom, courage, faith, and love. The Spirit reminds us that we are never alone. Jesus is always present with us through the Spirit, walking with us in every trial and decision. Challenge: Are we open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, or do we resist His promptings? 3. Baptized with Fire The "fire" John speaks of symbolizes purification and passion. When Jesus baptizes us, He refines us like gold in a furnace. He burns away what is sinful, selfish, or impure, so we can truly reflect His image. This fire is also the passion that fuels our love for God and neighbor. It drives us to live boldly for Christ, to serve the poor, forgive others, and proclaim the Gospel. Being baptized with fire means embracing a life that isn’t always comfortable but is deeply fulfilling and aligned with God’s purpose. Reflection : Are we allowing Jesus to refine us and reignite our passion for Him? 4. Affirmed as Beloved by the Father At His baptism, Jesus hears the voice of the Father saying, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you, I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22). This moment isn’t just about Jesus—it reflects the reality of our own baptism. When Jesus baptizes us, we are also claimed as beloved children of God. The Father’s words remind us that our identity doesn’t come from what we achieve, but from who we are: beloved sons and daughters of God. God looks at us with the same love He has for Jesus. We are His, and He is pleased with us—not because we are perfect, but because we are His children. Reflection: Do we live with the confidence of being God’s beloved, or do we seek affirmation in the world’s fleeting opinions? 5. Living Out Our Baptism Baptism isn’t just a ceremony or a memory; it’s a lifelong call. Parents and Godparents have great responsibility in helping the baptized person to live out the baptism. Jesus baptized us so we can share in His mission. We are called to: Live as children of God, knowing we are deeply loved. Be witnesses of Christ’s light in the world. Rely on the Holy Spirit daily for strength and guidance. When we embrace this call, we live as people who know they have been personally touched by Jesus. Conclusion As we reflect on the Baptism of the Lord, let us remember that Jesus didn’t just undergo baptism; He made it the foundation of our new life. He baptized us with the Holy Spirit and fire, transforming us into His beloved disciples. Let us remind us today with hearts rekindled by this truth: "Jesus baptized me." He claimed us, filled us with His Spirit, and ignited a fire within us to live for His glory. May we embrace this gift and live as His faithful followers every day. "Was Jesus baptized by immersion or pouring?" Read additional article on "Is Baptism by Immersion or Pouring?"

Jesus reveals to us our identity in the world. He says "you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world". We have a good example in St. Teresa of Calcutta who became the salt and light to the poorest of the poor in Calcutta. St. Teresa of Calcutta - the salt and light of India and the world Jesus, in today’s gospel, is revealing to us our identity in the world. He says "you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world." If you read this carefully, he is not saying try to become like salt and light; he is saying you are the salt and light. He considers us as worthy of being salt and light after his example, who lived in this world as the Salt of the earth and the Light of the world. Be the salt and light of the world When Jesus says, “you are the salt of the earth,” he is telling us that we have the task on this earth to bring flavour to the people, to spice the lives of people around us. And when he says "you are the light of the world" , he is telling us to enlighten the lives of the people around us and help them to come out of darkness. Our lives have been flavoured and enlightened by Jesus Jesus has been gracious to us. He has blessed us and made our lives full of flavor with his saltiness. If he has blessed us so generously why not become his channel to spice the lives of people around us with his loving-kindness, mercy, forgiveness, kindness, compassion, and love. Similarly, if he has brought us out of darkness into his marvelous light, we should also reflect his light to others. May Jesus, the Light of the world dispel the darkness of hatred, jealousy, untruth, unbelief, pride, discrimination and violence in our world through us. St. Teresa of Calcutta – truly th e salt of the earth and light of the world St. Teresa of Calcutta is the one who made an impact on the world by being the salt and light of the world. Through her works of charity among the poorest of the poor in Calcutta she truly lived up to the calling of Jesus as the salt and light of the world. She brought joy and happiness to neglected people all over the world. And because of her work, she was honoured and respected by state, national, and international civil authorities. She went from being an ordinary person to becoming extraordinary by being the salt and light to others. Though she was not born in India, she came to India to serve the poorest of the poor in Calcutta. And this is what she said about herself: “By blood, I am an Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart of Jesus.” Though small in stature yet with a rocklike faith, St. Teresa of Calcutta brought smile on the faces of so many people all over the world. She was truly the salt and light to the people of India and the world. We too are called to be like her in a smaller way in bringing flavour and meaning to the lives of people. If not, then our Lord will say the hard-hitting words “if the salt loses its saltiness, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men” (Mt. 5:13). God bless you Fr. Vincent Barboza

Pope Francis’ Voice Heard in St. Peter’s Square: A Message of Gratitude On the evening of Thursday, March 6, at the start of the Rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square around 9 p.m., the voice of Pope Francis was broadcast to those gathered. Speaking with a noticeably weakened voice, the Holy Father expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the prayers offered for his health. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health. From the Square, I accompany you from here. May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you,” the Pope said. His words, despite his ongoing health struggles, served as a touching moment of connection with the faithful, reaffirming his spiritual presence even from the hospital. In an update on March 5, the Vatican confirmed that the Pope has not experienced any new episodes of respiratory distress and continues to follow his prescribed treatment plan. Throughout the day, he received high-flow oxygen therapy, with doctors set to resume non-invasive mechanical ventilation overnight. His respiratory and motor physiotherapy sessions have also been increased, indicating continued efforts to aid his recovery. Despite these improvements, Vatican officials remain cautious, emphasizing that his prognosis is still uncertain due to the complexity of his condition. With the beginning of Lent marked by Ash Wednesday, Pope Francis was unable to preside over the ceremony in Rome as planned. However, he participated in a private blessing of the ashes from his apartment on the 10th floor of the hospital. A celebrant imposed the ashes on him, after which he received the Eucharist. Despite ongoing medical treatment, the Pope has remained engaged with his duties, dedicating time to work following the blessing. According to the Vatican, his pneumonia is progressing as expected under treatment, and he has not experienced any seizures in the past two days—an encouraging sign. However, doctors stress that a full evaluation of his recovery will take more time. While the Pope’s condition is improving, the Vatican continues to monitor him closely as he undergoes treatment.

The question of whether God always heals is one that many believers wrestle with. While Scripture affirms that God is our healer, we also see instances where healing does not come in the way we expect. Sometimes, God heals instantly, other times through medicine, and in some cases, He allows suffering for a greater purpose. Does God always heal? We know that God has the power to heal, and throughout Scripture, we see many instances of miraculous healing. Jesus cured the blind, made the lame walk, and even raised the dead. Yet, we also see times when healing does not take place. Why does God heal some but not others? The truth is, God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). While He sometimes chooses to heal instantly, other times He allows suffering to remain for a greater purpose. St. Paul himself suffered from a “bodily ailment” while preaching (Galatians 4:13-14), and he even mentions leaving his companion Trophimus behind because he was too sick to travel (2 Timothy 4:20). Instead of promising a miraculous cure, Paul advised Timothy to take medicinal measures for his frequent stomach problems (1 Timothy 5:23). This reminds us that God’s plan for healing does not always involve immediate miracles. Healing happens according to His will (James 4:14-15). Sometimes it is instantaneous, and sometimes it unfolds gradually, as seen in the blind man of Bethsaida , who regained his sight in stages (Mark 8:22-26). When healing does not come, it does not mean that God is absent. Rather, He gives us the grace to endure suffering, unite it with Christ’s passion, and trust that His plan is ultimately for our good. Whether through a miracle, medical treatment, or inner strength, God always brings healing—just not always in the way we expect.

Individual Christian may face difficulties in doing their offical work as some of the authorities refused to accept the church issued marriage certificate if it not attested by the Marriage Registrar. Why Church-Issued Marriage Certificates Need Registrar Attestation? A marriage is a sacred and joyous occasion, and for many couples, the Church-issued marriage certificate is a cherished symbol of their union. However, in practical terms, this certificate often falls short when it comes to legal recognition. Many individuals face challenges and delays in completing official tasks because certain authorities and institutions do not accept Church-issued marriage certificates as valid legal documents. This can lead to complications in areas such as visa applications, legal disputes, and financial transactions. To avoid such issues, it is essential to have your Church-issued marriage certificate attested by the Registrar, ensuring it is recognized under civil law. What is Registrar Attestation? Registrar attestation is the process of legally validating a Church-issued marriage certificate by having it recognized and endorsed by a civil authority. This ensures that the certificate complies with the legal requirements of the government and is accepted as a legal document for official purposes. Why is Registrar Attestation Necessary? While a Church-issued marriage certificate is an important document within the religious context, it is not considered a legal document by itself in many situations. Here are the main reasons why attestation is required: Legal Recognition of Marriage: Registrar attestation serves as proof that your marriage is legally recognized under civil law. Without this validation, the marriage might not be acknowledged by government authorities. Visa and Immigration Applications: Many countries require a government-validated marriage certificate when applying for spousal visas, permanent residency, or immigration. A Church-issued certificate alone may not suffice for these applications. Official Documentation: For updating marital status on official records such as passports, Aadhaar cards, or driving licenses, an attested marriage certificate is mandatory. Financial and Legal Transactions: Banks and financial institutions often demand a legally recognized marriage certificate for processes such as opening joint accounts, applying for loans, or claiming spousal benefits. Legal Disputes and Claims: In cases of inheritance, property disputes, or alimony claims, courts require an attested marriage certificate as a valid legal document. Conclusion While the Church-issued marriage certificate holds profound spiritual value, obtaining Registrar attestation is crucial for ensuring its acceptance in legal and official matters. Whether you are planning to travel abroad, update personal records, or handle financial and legal transactions, an attested marriage certificate is a vital document. Taking the time to complete this process will save you from potential complications and ensure that your marriage is recognized both spiritually and legally.

Called by God: My Journey to the Priesthood Experiencing God’s Love and Saying Yes to His Call Introduction: Family background and upbringing I am Fr. Vincent Barboza, a diocesan priest for the Archdiocese of Bombay. Born and raised in a traditional Catholic family in Mumbai, faith was the cornerstone of our household. The family rosary was a daily ritual, and Sunday Mass was non-negotiable, except in cases of illness. Despite being a devout Catholic, the thought of priesthood never crossed my mind. The Turning Point: God's Experience at the retreat Looking back, I can clearly see how God’s hand guided me, step by step, toward the priesthood. The journey began with a transformative experience at a Charismatic Retreat in Khandala, a serene hill station on the outskirts of Mumbai. The retreat was led by Frs. Rufus Pereira and James D’Souza. During one of my personal prayer moments, I stepped outside to connect with nature—breathing in the fresh air and listening to the melodious chirping of birds. With my Bible in hand, I prayed using Psalm 104, where the psalmist praises God for the splendor of His creation: "How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures." (Psalm 104:24) As I read, the psalmist’s words became my own. I felt an overwhelming sense of God’s love and presence. It was as if the words of Scripture came alive, speaking directly to my heart. This profound encounter with God in the midst of His creation has stayed with me ever since. Alongside this, I developed a deep love for the Eucharist. During Mass, I felt a tangible connection with God. By the end of the retreat, my relationship with the Lord had transformed—it was now real, personal, and alive.After this experience, I became more intentional about my spiritual life. Attending Mass and fulfilling my spiritual duties were no longer obligations but desires. I joined the parish Charismatic Prayer Group and became an active member of the church. Yet, even with this deepened faith, the idea of joining the seminary did not occur to me. Khandala Retreat Centre Sacred Heart Church, Bahrain Hearing God’s Call in Bahrain In 1991, an unexpected opportunity came my way: a job with a food supply company in Manama, Bahrain. My main concern was whether I could attend Mass, at least on Sundays, in a predominantly Muslim country. To my delight, Bahrain allowed Christians to practice their faith, and I soon became a regular at Sacred Heart Church in Manama—not just on Sundays but daily. Immersing myself in church activities, I joined the Charismatic Prayer Group, the Legion of Mary, and served as an usher at Masses.It was in this multicultural parish that I truly experienced the universality of the Church, where people from diverse nationalities and cultures came together to worship the same God. One day, during Mass, I felt a profound call to the priesthood. Immediately after Mass, I approached an elderly religious priest to share my experience. Much to my surprise, he gently curbed my enthusiasm and encouraged me to take my time for thoughtful discernment. Challenges: Struggles in discerning the call Returning to India in 1994, I became absorbed in work and set aside thoughts of a vocation. Then one day, an elderly couple visited me, and during our conversation, the topic of vocations arose. The woman recounted two cautionary stories: one of a man destined for priesthood who chose marriage and was unhappy, and another of a man called to married life who entered the seminary but found no peace. Her words struck a chord. I humbly shared my experience of God’s call in Bahrain, and she encouraged me to meet the seminary rector. Overcoming Family Challenges The rector Fr. Caesar D'Mello and seminary professors guided me through a process of discernment, ultimately confirming the authenticity of my call. When I informed my family, my father initially struggled with the idea. Being the youngest of four brothers and one sister, he had hoped I would stay close to him. However, after several heartfelt discussions, he gave me his blessing, and my family rallied around my decision. St. Pius X Seminary, Goregaon, Mumbai The Decision: Steps to join the seminary In 1996, at the age of 30, I entered St. Pius X Major Seminary. After eight years of formation, I was ordained a priest on April 17, 2004, by the late Ivan Cardinal Dias. Looking back, I can see how God orchestrated every step. He gave me a personal experience of His love, nurtured my devotion to the Eucharist, and prepared my heart to embrace the priesthood. Life as a priest and gratitude to God Now, after 20 years as a priest, I can confidently say that I made the right decision. Serving God and His people has given my life meaning and fulfillment. I am deeply grateful for the grace to respond to His call, despite the challenges along the way. My prayer is that other young men may also find the The Ordination of Fr. Vincent Barboza to say "yes" to God’s call and discover the joy it brings. To God be the glory! Fr. Vincent Barboza A Blessed Day: My Ordination to Priesthood Share Your Story If you are inspired by Fr. Vincent's vocation story, feel free to share your own story with us In this Jubilee Year let us share God's love and mercy by sharing our faith and vocation stories Email to us your story at: jy2025withvincent@gmail.com If you’re discerning your vocation, please contact us or to your parish priest for guidance or prayer. comments debug टिप्पणियां एक टिप्पणी लिखें एक टिप्पणी लिखें Deine Meinung teilen Jetzt den ersten Kommentar verfassen.

Welcome to our Website! Explore inspiring Christian contents, faith-filled resources and engaging videos to uplift your spirit and guide you on your journey of faith. Discover hope, courage and joy of living a purpose driven life. Welcome to Fr. Vincent Barboza's Official Website Your journey of faith, enlightenment, and spiritual growth begins here. At frvincentbarboza.com, our mission is to inspire, educate, and guide you to live a Christ-centered life. Rooted in the call to be "the salt of the earth and light of the world" (Mt 5:13-16), this platform offers resources to deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith and enrich your spiritual journey. Explore Our Offerings: Weekly Sunday Reflections to inspire your faith journey. Stories of transformation and grace shared in the Testimonies section. Thought-provoking Articles and Blog posts on contemporary issues and timeless truths. Multimedia Content featuring videos and reflections to connect with messages of hope and faith. Engaging Q&A to address your questions about faith, theology, and Church teachings. Whether you are seeking answers, spiritual renewal, or a deeper connection with God, you’ll find valuable insights and resources here. Let’s journey together to bring meaning, purpose, and God’s light into your life. Join the Mission Stay connected through our reflections and resources. Explore, engage, and grow in faith today.

At Cana, Jesus turned water into wine, revealing his divine glory and God's abundant grace. And Mary our spiritual mother tells us "Do whatever he tells you" The Wedding at Cana: A Revelation of Glory, Grace and Transformation My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Last Sunday, we stood at the banks of the Jordan River, witnessing the profound moment when Jesus' mission was set in motion through His Baptism, marked by the Father’s declaration of love and identity. Today, we are invited to a joyful celebration—a wedding at Cana—where Jesus takes another significant step in revealing who He is. Through this first public miracle, He not only demonstrates His divine power but also offers a glimpse of the abundant grace that flows from Him. This event builds upon the theme of Epiphany, as Jesus progressively unveils His mission and glory to the world, moving from obedience to action, from promise to fulfillment. Let us reflect on the key moments of this passage and what they teach us about Jesus, His mission, and our response as His followers. 1. The Significance of Jesus’ Presence at the Wedding Jesus’ presence at the wedding in Cana is deeply significant. By attending this celebration, Jesus affirms the goodness of marriage as part of God’s design for humanity. More than that, His miraculous intervention at the wedding announces that marriage will now become an effective sign of His presence and His covenant with the Church. The Church sees Christian marriage as a sacrament, a living symbol of Christ’s love for His people. By being present at this wedding and performing His first miracle there, Jesus elevates marriage to a sacred union, filled with His grace and blessing. Practical Application: For married couples, see your marriage as a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church. Make your relationship a testimony of faith, love, and commitment. For all of us, honor and support the vocation of marriage, recognizing its significance in God’s plan for humanity. 2. The Role of Mary: Faith and Intercession Mary notices the need of the newlyweds—they have run out of wine. With simple confidence, she brings this need to Jesus. Her words to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you,” show her profound trust in Jesus’ ability to act, even though He initially says, “My hour has not come yet.” Mary’s role here is a powerful reminder of her place as our intercessor. She notices our needs and brings them to Jesus on our behalf. Like Mary, we are called to have faith that Jesus will act, even when the timing or the way He works is not immediately clear to us. Practical Application: Bring your worries and needs to Jesus through Mary’s intercession . Develop the habit of praying the Rosary, especially in moments of doubt or need. Trust in God’s timing. Like Mary, be patient and confident, knowing that Jesus will work for our good, even if we don’t see immediate results. 3. Jesus’ Address to Mary: “Woman” When Jesus calls Mary “Woman,” it may seem unusual, but it is actually a title of respect. John uses this title here at Cana and later at Calvary, linking the beginning and the end of Jesus’ ministry. This connection highlights Mary’s unique role in salvation history. John’s use of the term “Woman” also recalls the creation story, where Eve is referred to as “woman” and mother of all living but brought sin into the world through disobedience. Mary, as the new Eve, becomes the spiritual mother of all believers, fully cooperating in the mission of Christ. Through her “yes” to God, Mary becomes a vital part of God’s plan to bring salvation to the world. Practical Application: Reflect on Mary’s role as the new Eve and our spiritual mother. Turn to her for guidance and inspiration as you follow Christ. Recognize the significance of Jesus’ words, linking Mary’s role from the wedding at Cana to Calvary, and allow this connection to deepen your devotion to her. 4. The Transformative Power of Jesus The miracle of turning water into wine is not just an impressive act—it is a sign of transformation. Ordinary water becomes the finest wine. This miracle prefigures the new covenant in Jesus, where He transforms not only elements like water into wine but also our lives, filling them with His grace. The steward’s words, “You have kept the best wine until now,” remind us of the abundance and goodness of God’s gifts. Jesus doesn’t just meet our needs—He exceeds them, pouring out His grace in ways that surpass our expectations. Practical Application: Reflect on areas of your life where you feel like “the wine has run out”—your relationships, work, faith, or health. Invite Jesus into these areas, asking Him to transform them with His grace. Recognize the blessings in your life. Sometimes, we fail to notice the “best wine” God has given us because we are focused on what we lack. Cultivate gratitude. 5. The Revelation of Jesus’ Glory This miracle is described as the first of Jesus’ signs, where He “let His glory be seen, and His disciples believed in Him.” The disciples’ faith deepened as they witnessed this act of divine power. In the same way, Jesus continues to reveal His glory to us today—through the sacraments, Scripture, the Church, and even the ordinary moments of our lives. Like the disciples, we are invited to believe more strongly in Him and to share this faith with others. Practical Application: Pay attention to the ways Jesus reveals His glory in your life. It could be through answered prayers, moments of peace, or the love of those around you. Deepen your faith by spending time with the Word of God. The more we know Jesus, the more we recognize His presence and glory in our lives. Conclusion The wedding at Cana is not just a story from long ago. It is a living reminder of Jesus’ abundant grace, His power to transform, and His deep love for us. Let us take Mary’s advice to heart: “Do whatever He tells you.”May Jesus reveal His glory in your life, transform your water into wine, and strengthen your faith. Like the disciples, may we believe in Him more strongly and share His love with the world. Amen What is the Catholic understanding of marriage? How to Prepare for Marriage? What are the Documents needed before Marriage? Why Church-Issued Marriage Certificates Need Registrar Attestation? How to get attestation of a Church issued Marriage Certificate by a Christian Civil Registrar of marriages (Government of Maharashtra, India)

Experience the power of the Healing Prayer of Surrender—letting go of fear, stress, and pain while trusting in God’s divine plan. Find peace, strength, and restoration through faith and surrender. 🙏✨ #HealingPrayer #Faith #Surrender Healing Prayer of Surrender Dear Lord Jesus, It is my will to surrender to you everything that I am and everything that I’m striving to be. I open the deepest recesses of my heart to you and invite your Holy Spirit to dwell inside of me. I offer you my life, heart, mind, body, soul, spirit, all my hopes, plans and dreams. I surrender to you my past, present and future problems, habits, character defects, attitudes, livelihood, resources, finances, medical coverage, occupation and all my relationships. I give you my health, disabilities, physical appearance, home, family, marriage, children, sexuality and friendships. I ask you to take Lordship over every aspect of my life. I surrender to you all my hurt, pain, worry, anxiety and fear, and I ask you to wash me clean. I release everything into your compassionate care. Help me, Lord. In your holy name I pray. Amen

Learn about the significance of baptism and its role in the Christian faith. Explore its meaning, purpose, and spiritual importance as a sacrament of initiation and a step toward a life of faith. What is Baptism? Baptism is the first Sacrament of Initiation and it is the sacrament of admission to the faith, bringing sanctifying grace to the person being baptized. In Catholicism the baptism of infants is the most common form, but unbaptized children or adults who wish to join the faith must also receive the sacrament. A person is to be baptized only once in their life, and the Catholic Church recognizes baptisms done by other mainline Christian Churches as valid. In the rite of baptism holy water is usually sprinkled or poured on the head by a priest who simultaneously invokes the Trinity with the words, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." The old self is said to die in the waters, and a new self emerges, mirroring the death and resurrection of Christ. Given that the sacrament is understood as a requirement for salvation , anyone, even non-baptized persons, can baptize someone as the situation requires. Infant Baptism To get your child baptised the couple have to undergo Pre-Baptism Catechesis if it is the first child. They have to register in the Parish Office, preferably in the early months of pregnancy. It is an ancient custom and also a requirement of Church law that each new Christian have at least one sponsor, traditionally called a godparent, who together with the parents presents an infant for baptism. A sponsor have to be practising Catholic who alongwith parents also helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations” of this new life. (Code of Canon Law, 872). The Catechesis is also for the God-parents. Adult Baptism Following the spread of Christianity in the first few generations after the resurrection of Jesus, the Catholic Church developed a process to prepare adults for entry into the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion (Eucharist). Today, the Church calls this process the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA. Through this process, those who express interest in becoming Catholic are welcomed into a special community within the parish to learn about the teachings of Jesus and his Church. To get more information about Adult Baptism meet the priest of the parish. Catholic Church has two ways of administering the Baptism: Infant and Adult Baptism and both are valid. There are also in the Catholic Church Baptism by immersion and Baptism by pouring.

What is Catholic Apologetics? Catholics Apologetics is a branch of Theology. The word Äpologetics comes from an ancient Greek word apologia , meaning to make a reasoned defence or justification of something. Apologetics means giving a reasoned explanation for the Faith. Apologetics is all about knowing why we believe what we believe. In the New Testament, the word apologia is found in many places such as Act 22:1, 1 Peter 3:15 etc. In Acts 22:1 St. Paul uses this term “apologia” to defend his new faith in Jesus Christ. In the early Church during persecution time Christians were challenged to explain their faith to pagans. This gave rise to the first group of Christian intellectuals who took on the task of explaining the faith to the pagans in a scholarly fashion and they were called the Greek Apologists. Among them was St. Justin the Martyr, the first Apologist. They were the first to explain the Christian doctrine rationally and in an intellectually satisfying guise. Yet they may be considered the founders of the science of Christian theology. The Apologetics in the Catholic Church down the centuries has taken a back seat. But this time more than any other time when we are bombarded by so much misinformation, this course in Apologetics is like God sent. In this course you learn why and what about the Catholic Faith using Scripture, the teaching of the Early Church Fathers, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and common sense.

Evangelization is at the heart of our mission! I and my team conduct courses to train and equip people to share the Gospel effectively. As Jesus said, 'Go into the world and proclaim the Good News.' Join us in spreading the message of faith, hope, and salvation Evangelizati on Fr. Vincent Barboza also conducts a training programme in Evangelisation. He and his team of Bishop, Priest and laypeople have trained Catholics in Evangelisation. He was trained at National Centre for Proclamation which is under Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), Commission for Proclamation, at Pachmarhi, Hosangabad District, Madhya Pradesh. FAITH RECEIVED ULTIMATELY TO BE SHARED In the process of being formed in our faith we have heard lot about a) Lord’s Great Commandments ("You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and the first commandment. And the second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” - Matthew 22:35-40) and b) His New commandment (“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another - John 13:34). We can say we have a fair good knowledge about these commandments and we are serious about obeying these commandments in our lives. But there is also another important Commandment of our Lord to be followed: the Great Commission “Go out to the whole world and preach the Good News to all creation”(Mk 16: 15-16). Are we familiar with this Great Commission of the Lord and are we serious about following it? What makes this Great Commission of our Lord important to us so that it should be part of faith-formation instructions? It is important because it was given by Jesus at the moment of his Farewell. They were his Last Words before ascending into heaven; and it was the last wish of the Master. And why it is a Great? It is great because it is given by a Great God, it is given for a Great Plan, it is given with a Great Authority and it is given with a Great Promise. If you and me because of our negligence for whatever reasons have not obeyed it then we have turned this 'Great Commission' into a Great Omission and in the word of St. Paul “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel”(1 Cor 9:16). The faith received and nourished should be shared with others. It is not to be kept with us. Unless one share the faith, others will not know it. The result of sharing is what Evangelii Nuntiandi states “The Church is born of the evangelizing activity of Jesus and the Twelve. She is the normal, desired, most immediate and most visible fruit of this activity: "Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations" (Mt 28:19). Now, "they accepted what he said and were baptized. That very day about three thousand were added to their number”(EN15). Since then the Church has grown because of her evangelizing activities and it continues to grow and it will not stop. It exists in order to evangelise (EN 14). What about you and me? We have received precious gift of faith from our God. We are commanded by our Lord to share it with others thus fulfilling the Great Commission of our Lord "Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations. “(Mt 28:16-20). Loving one’s faith implies bearing witness to it, that is bringing it to others and allowing others to participate in it. We cannot close on ourself. By sharing this faith we continue the plan of Jesus of one passing on the faith to others. The strategy of Jesus is that one disciple make other disciples. What is not believed and lived cannot be transmitted. Being with Christ (Mk 3:13-14) creates in one the feeling of being compelled to transmit and share what is lived as a good and something positive and beautiful (LM 12). The responsibility of transmitting is of everyone who has experienced Christ. If transmission does not take place, it means that one has not experienced Christ. Transmitting of the faith is “rendering an account and providing reasons “for the hope which is in you”(1 Pet 3:15). The basis of sharing the life of Christ with others is life in Christ. We are called to know Christ and to make Him known. One of the powerful way of proclaiming Christ is through one’s life witness. No doubt life witness to the person and message of Jesus Christ by the Christians is most powerful means of evangelization. The life style, behavior, priorities and action of Christians are very important for evangelizing witness. “Through this wordless witness these Christians stir up irresistible questions in the hearts of those who see how they live……Such a witness is already a silent proclamation of the Good News and a very powerful and effective one.” (EN 20). "Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses." (EN 41) The document tells us “The Good News proclaimed by the witness of life sooner or later has to be proclaimed by the word of life. There is no true evangelization if the name, the teaching, the life, the promises, the kingdom and the mystery of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God are not proclaimed” (EN 22). Beside, witnessing with one’s life one should not shy away from sharing one’s faith with others on one to one basis. It is one heart, filled with Christ experience, carrying and offering Jesus Christ to another heart. Evangelization is a “Heart Business”. Evangelization is giving Jesus to others. Our Lord did not missed out on any opportunity. He encountered Nicodemus, Zacchaeus, the Samaritan woman, Simon the Pharisee and challenged them and introduced them to faith. We too should not miss any opportunity of sharing one’s personal faith. (EN 46). In the past (and even presently), for most Catholics evangelization was perceived to be the work of a special group within the Church, e.g., those with a special vocation, missionaries, priests or catechists. After Vatican II however, it is clear that the call is to the entire people of God. All Christians are called to be evangelizers (EN 20). It is the responsibility of all members of the People of God. Those who have come into genuine contact with Christ cannot keep him for themselves, they must proclaim him( LM 25, CL 34). Earlier evangelization was for those who do not know Christ. After Vatican II evangelization has a broader concept. It is also for those who know Christ. It is presenting Jesus Christ to all men in all places in all ages. It is bringing Christ to those who are called Christians, but to whom Christ has no significance any more for whatever reason. It is to those who know him but did not accept him in faith. To those who profess Christ as God, but do not seek him and do not see a need for it. To those who know Christianity by tradition but have not encountered Jesus personally. And finally it is presenting or proclaiming Christ to those who were once Christians but have lapsed or deserted or forgotten gospel due to various reasons. It is no more we wait for the people to come to the Church to hear the Good News but rather we go out to them with the Good News as our present Pope Francis is been saying. This we learn from Jesus also who himself went to the people. He did not miss any single opportunity to proclaim the Good News whenever and wherever he was with the people. In the gospel according to Mark 1:21-38 we get a detailed description of full day in the life of Jesus. He begins his day in the Synagogue (ver 21-28) from there goes to the house (ver 29-31), to the city door (ver 32-34) and finally to the desert (ver 35-38). In the Synagogue he teaches and heals them. He visits his friend’s house to enjoy their companies and to relax from heavy schedule but he continues to n he teach and heal them. At the city door in the midst of common people Jesus meets probably those who do not visit holy places. He shares with them the Good News. And finally he makes his time to go to the desert to be with his heavenly Father in prayer. We learn from Jesus that he did not miss any opportunity whether inside the four walls of the Synagogue or outside it to share the Good News. The faith received ultimately should be passed on to others thus fulfilling the Great Commission of our Lord. The more I share my faith the more I will grow in my faith. Not forgetting that we learn from our Lord to immerse our activities of evangelization in prayer so that our evangelization activities may bear much fruits. Let us pray to the Father in the power of the Holy Spirit to preach Jesus in Season and out of Season.