Fr. Scott Welcomes Mercy Home Youth into Catholic Church
Dressed in a white suit, Anthony was baptized into the Catholic Church and received his First Holy Communion at Mass in Mercy Home's chapel. The eighth grader, who lives at the Home, explained how this experience was richly rewarding. "If I was a baby," he noted, "I would never have remembered getting baptized. Now I can remember forever."
Anthony will remember being surrounded by the most important people in his life on the day he made the conscious decision to devote his life to Christ and to be baptized a Catholic.
Living at Mercy Home and attending Children of Peace Catholic School were influences in Anthony's decision. Inspired by regular spiritual celebrations held here at Mercy Home, Anthony volunteered to become an altar server for our televised Sunday Mass at Mercy Home for the home bound. After two years of serving Mass, Anthony spoke to Fr. Scott about being baptized and receiving his First Holy Communion.
Although raised a Christian, he was never baptized. However, Anthony wanted to formalize his faith with those most important to him. "I wanted to feel a part of something bigger," he said, "getting baptized in the church was the first step."
Anthony prepared to be baptized and receive his First Holy Communion through religious instruction at his school. In addition, his Mercy Home tutor, a practicing Catholic, supported his decision and helped Anthony prepare for his big day.
During his homily at the Mass, Fr. Scott discussed Anthony's namesake, St. Anthony of Padua, the 13th Century Franciscan friar known for his remarkable memory and learning, and his passion in preaching the Gospel.
In addition to Anthony's godparents, his mother, grandfather and Mercy Home staff were all present. Anthony plans to receive the sacrament of confirmation with his class in May of this year.
Mercy Home youth come from a variety of religious traditions and backgrounds. No matter the religious tradition of our youth, they come to Mercy Home for life-saving guidance and are invited in as part of our family. We are always happy when God's grace and love reaches the hearts of our children, and today, we feel especially blessed to have Anthony a part of our Home.