Welcomed into the Church
These pictures are reproduced, with others, in the book ‘The Mass Through the Eyes of Christ’. To see larger versions of each picture, click on the thumbnail picture within an exhibition.
 | THE FATHER’S LOVE God the Father’s love for us all is infinitely-great, and unchanging. It is as fervent as the love which a bridegroom has for his bride, and a King for his subjects, and a mother for the infant on her lap. “As tenderly as a father treats his children, so Yahweh treats those who fear him.” Ps 103:13. OIL-S:2550 |
 | AT A BAPTISM The newly-baptised person is a ‘new creature’ who has been delivered from sin and made a member of the Church. He is an adopted child of God who can learn to call God “Father”. He can be certain that every sincere prayer is heard and answered. “ … proclaim the Good News to all creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned.” Mk 16:15-16. OIL-M:876 |
 | THROUGH THE TOUCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT The Divine fire of the Holy Spirit, which transformed the soul at Baptism, gives special strength to the soul in Confirmation. The confirmed person has been clothed in Heavenly gifts, so that he can defend and spread the faith and speak boldly about Christ. “But when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth.” Jn 16:13. OIL-S:1941 |
 | SHELTERED BY HIS GLORY We are made full members of the Church through Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist. And as we gather to offer worthy praise to the Father through Christ, in the Spirit, it’s as if our weaknesses are blotted out by the glory of Christ, our Priest and sacrifice. “These remained faithful to the teaching of the apostles, to the brotherhood, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.” Ac 2:42. OIL-M:1269 |
 | IN THE FIRE OF DIVINE LOVE The Fire of Divine love surrounds and inspires us as we praise and thank the Father in and through Jesus Christ, in the Spirit, at every Mass. It is almighty God, our Creator, Who has called us, made us His own children, and gathered us together to join in the Liturgy of Heaven. “You are our Lord and our God, you are worthy of glory and honour and power, because you made all the universe.” Rev 4:11. OIL-M:1534 |
 | A TORRENT OF GRACES During the Sacred Liturgy, it’s as though we are on the brink of Heaven’s worship. The whole Church of earth, Heaven and Purgatory is united with the Holy Angels in praise of the Holy Trinity. At every Mass, we await a marvellous out-pouring of graces from the heart of God.“Before the world was made, he chose us, chose us in Christ, to be holy and spotless, and to live through love in his presence.” Ep 1:4. OIL-L:442A |