During the last year, our faith formation team has had the opportunity to work with, and guide an amazing group of young people, as they work towards an important moment, that is, the day when they become fully initiated in the Catholic Church. This Spring, they will be Confirmed in our Church, and begin a new phase of their life as Christians.
They will be empowered by the Holy Spirit as they receive the gifts of Knowledge, Understanding, Wisdom,Counsel, Fortitude,Piety, and Fear of the Lord otherwise called Awe. These gifts aren’t a diploma, they aren’t a terminus, they are strength for a much greater journey to come. When you are empowered by these gifts, you don’t just leave them wrapped in a box, you take them out, exercise them, and make the world a better place.
Here is where the whole parish community needs to come into action. Upon being Confirmed, the 9th grade will have concluded their formal faith formation. They will be called to seek and learn as members of the larger community. We all have to surround them with our prayers as they prepare, and then welcome them into the adult ministries of the parish on the other side. This week, let’s pray in a special way for the 8th and 9th graders who continue their journey of faith towards Confirmation, so that when the day comes that they are fully initiated that they will be fully equipped as disciples, and welcomed to greater life in Christ. God Bless and have a safe week.