Ninety-three Young People Receive Confirmation

By Evan Culbreth, Youth Ministries Director

“Be sealed with the Holy Spirit” These words said by the bishop as he anoints each person being confirmed during the Rite of Confirmation reflect the culmination of a commitment worked toward and discerned. For a year and a half, St. Mary’s 93 candidates studied the Gospel message, the Good News, of Jesus Christ and how our Catholic faith tradition celebrates this Good News.

In January these young man and woman formally presented themselves as candidates for Confirmation. Since then they met regularly reflecting on the Holy Spirit’s action in their lives and in the life of the Church. They have examined: how the early church received and was guided by the Spirit; how we can recognize the action of the Spirit through the gifts of the Spirit, in our faith community and in the sacramental life of the church; and how through the Spirit God calls each one of us to be co-creators of God’s kingdom.

In being confirmed each of these young men and women expressed their sincere desire to open themselves to the on-going guidance of the Spirit in their lives and received the power of the Spirit so that they can remain true to this desire. They make a commitment to take responsibility for and be responsive to the faith community that has nurtured their spiritual journeys to this point in their lives.

Yet, even before Confirmation many have already taken these steps toward adulthood. They have served as lectors and catechists, supported acts of charity and justice both in the parish and wider community, and they have offered their friendship and support to those in need of consolation and encouragement. In this way Confirmation also marks the continuation of a spiritual journey that is still unfolding.

Being confirmed is a decision to say “Yes” to the mystery of God and the mystery of our lives as we journey always seeking a deeper truth, a deeper justice, our deepest selves, and a deeper love. We welcome our newly confirmed; in being confirmed you call the entire People of God to enter more deeply into the mystery of God.