THE
P RTAL
January 2019
Page 22
God has called me
by my Name
The question is asked by Fr Michael Halsall
O n New
Years Day we celebrated the relatively new Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. In previous
calendars it was known as the Circumcision of Our Lord, being the octave day of Christmas.
At a Jewish baby’s circumcision on the eighth day
he is also named, thus giving him a place within the
immediate family, and within the Covenant of God’s
people: “And at the end of eight days, when he was
circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by
the angel before he was conceived in the womb” (Luke
2:21). This custom was translated into the sacrament
of initiation of the New Covenant, by baptism. name”, then have the courage and humility to respond.
Remember that God also calls people to practical work
in his service (Exodus 31:2), as well as great judges and
prophets (Judges 13:24, 1 Samuel 1:20).
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer rite for the
Publick Baptism of Infants, the godparents are asked to
‘Name this Child’, whereupon the baby is immediately
baptised. In like manner, our completion of initiation
by Confirmation requires us to take upon ourselves a
Christian name – usually one of the saints – and we ask
for their prayers and protection in our own particular
lives. Fr Halsall is the Director of Vocations
and Formation for the Ordinariate
of Our Lady of Walsingham,
and is a member of the permanent
staff at Allen Hall Seminary.
He may be contacted as follows:
[email protected]
When God calls us to particular ministries in the
Church, into marriage, or the single life, then we
are called by the name we received at baptism. Our
identity as one who is ‘cloaked in Christ’ is how he
views us, despite our faults, flaws, and failures.
Many of the men with whom I come into contact
do not have what may be called impeccable ‘Catholic
form’: many have not been formed as Catholics, nor
have they any other Christian upbringing; many arrive
at the seminary with significant personal challenges
to overcome; some are considered by others to be
too young, too old … or too married. Nevertheless,
the process of discernment is to help these men see
through their imperfections and circumstances, and
to realise their true potential ‘in Christ’.
This is how St Paul views the human condition,
for God’s grace adds to our flawed nature. Through
careful formation and accompaniment, these men
have the opportunity to be the deacon and/or priest;
religious brother/sister; husband/wife whom God has
called by name.
It may be that, if you are reading this and have that
‘still small voice’ whispering, “I have called you by your
Jesus was given the ‘name above all names’ – God
saves – and how he choses to save us will be revealed,
if we are receptive to His call.
The Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham
THE ORDER OF MASS
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