I would like to congratulate our Confirmation Candidates who will be receiving their final sacrament of initiation into the Catholic Church from Bishop John Noonan this weekend at the 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass. As they are annointed with Holy Chrism, may they join us and Catholics throughout the centuries who have petitioned the Holy Spirit for the spiritual gifts needed to thrive as sons and daughters of God. Let us pray with them as St. Bonaventure did:
“Send upon us, O God, from your treasure-house the Spirit of sevenfold grace: the spirit of wisdom, enabling us to relish the fruit of the tree of life, which is indeed yourself; the gift of understanding, to enlighten our perceptions; the gift of prudence, enabling us to follow in your footsteps; the gift of strength, to withstand our adversary’s onslaught; the gift of knowledge, to distinguish good from evil by the light of your holy teaching; the gift of piety, to clothe ourselves with charity and mercy; the gift of fear, to withdraw from all ill-doing and live in awe of your eternal majesty. These are the things for which we ask. Grant them for the honor of your holy name. Amen.”
-- Jo Ann Elder
 
All women of the parish are invited to our next Women of Faith evening this Thursday from 7-9 p.m. in the Parish Center for wine, dessert, and a lively discussion on Chapter 7, The Gift of a Sacramental Life. Please feel free to bring a friend – you do not have to have read the chapter to participate! Discussion questions will be provided. Women of Faith meets on the 4 ^th Thursday of every month here at Nativity Catholic Church. Please mark your calendars for next month’s meeting to be held on June 22 ^nd. 
 
Where are you on your journey of faith? Would you like to know more about the beliefs of the one, holy, and apostolic church? Here at Nativity Catholic Church we have an ongoing process of inquiry and formation for those individuals who would like to better understand the teachings of the Catholic Church and how they help us become the men and women God created us to be. It is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). If you or someone you know is interested in exploring Catholicism, please contact Jo Ann Elder, the Director of the Faith Formation Office at 407-322-3961 or by email at [email protected].