Like we do every fall, our parish family celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation. Tonight we witnessed this beautiful event as 15 young people from St. Jane's in Abita Springs were confirmed by Bishop Fabre. Our celebration tonight recalled our Baptism as the Mass began with a sprinkling rite with holy water. The readings were proclaimed by two of the candidates and one of the candidates led the responsorial psalm in song.
As the newest Deacon at St. Jane's I was honored to proclaim the Gospel, receiving first a blessing from the Bishop. The Gospel reading was the beatitudes from St. Matthew. We are truly blessed at St. Jane's as our altar was filled with 6 servers, 4 Deacons, 2 Priests and the Bishop. The Bishop is always assisted by a Deacon who serves as the Master of Ceremonies. It was a wonderful sight with all the clergy, and the candidates adorned in red. Red is the liturgical color of the Holy Spirit.
The candidates, after they hear a homily from the Bishop, are anointed with oil as they are sealed with the Holy Spirit, called down on the celebration by the words and actions of the Bishop. This sacrament completes the sacraments of initiation which are Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
It is our prayer tonight that the grace that flows from this Sacrament and the power of the Holy Spirit will protect these young people to remain steadfast in faith. These young people are the future of the Church and they will face many challenges and obstacles to remaining faithful. They deserve to be fortified by our prayers and the help of the local Christian community. It is all our responsibility to lift each other in prayer and defend and protect the faith.
All we need to do is call upon the Holy Spirit, who was with us tonight, in the Sacrament of Confirmation.
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