WORSHIP

'We are created to praise, reverence and serve God our Lord'
Ignatius of Loyola

Worship is at the heart of On Fire Mission. It is the place where we become most fully who we are created to be, and how we come to know the living God most deeply. At OFM events we draw on the riches of the Catholic and Charismatic traditions to shape our worship as we celebrate the sacramental life of the Church and open ourselves to God's renewing Holy Spirit.

What does it mean to be Sacramental?
The Eucharist is central to the worship we offer; as we give thanks to God who meets us in bread and wine, through the gift of his Word, and in our hearts as we lift our voices in praise. The Sacrament of Reconciliation (sometimes referred to as 'Confession') is available at most in-person events and provides a confidential opportunity to start afresh and be assured of God's forgiveness. Priestly anointing with holy oil is also offered (often during prayer ministry) for healing, vocation and other needs as an outward sign of the transforming presence of God at work within us.

What does it mean to be Spirit-filled?
In baptism we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit which 'lives in our hearts through faith' and 'intercedes with sighs too deep for words'. To be a Spirit-filled community is to intentionally seek to open ourselves to the work and gifts of the Spirit. People experience the Holy Spirit in different ways but may feel moved to express themselves more openly and spontaneously during worship, to sing and pray extempore or to speak in tongues. Sometimes people may also receive words or pictures which build up the church.

As we worship, we join our praises with the praises of the Saints and Angels in heaven. Worship is not about particular styles or actions, it is a posture of the heart and a natural response to the loving God who knows our deepest needs, hears our cries, inspires, refreshes and draws close to us through every joy and challenge of life.