Every fall, our parish family confirms our 11th graders. This very important sacrament has seen many changes down through the years centered around when to administer it. Our diocese has settled on the junior year of high school.
As part of the process, interviews are conducted with each of the young adults who will be confirmed. Tonight, I had the opportunity to conduct about 7 such interviews. I must admit, it was a blessing to listen to these young people and share their thoughts about being confirmed. For the most part, they demonstrated a solid concept of the sacrament and fully understood that they indeed are making the decision to go forward as a confirmed Catholic. More importantly, in the discussions tonight, I found a stronger desire of these students to grow closer to God. There were several discussions tonight about developing a strong personal relationship with God, of praying to God by having a meaningful conversation with Him while affirming their faith. We discussed some of the peer pressure they face as most of the group attend public school every day. They all were able to demonstrate a solid understanding of the Eucharist and how they would explain this to their non-Catholic friends. And most of the group was all about understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of confirmation.
I had many interesting Saint names selected by the students; some of which I have had little familiarity. There was St. Mary Frances of the Five Wounds, St. Catherine of Bologna and St. Hermione, who was the daughter of St. Philip the Deacon, among the more known St. Michael, St. Teresa of Avila and St. Therese.
I fully realize, both as a parent and a Catholic Deacon, that our soon to be confirmed Catholics will face mounting peer pressure and bouts of doubt and disbelief. But I take great solace tonight in the depth of their understanding and the enthusiasm they displayed for Christ and His Church by sincerely asking for the grace of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
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