Last Friday we had
confirmation celebrated at our parish thanks to Bishop Robert McElroy who
presided the liturgy and celebrated the sacrament. 69 people were confirmed,
mostly teenagers and one adult. Congratulations to them! They have received
their last sacrament of initiation, which perfects Baptismal grace and seals
them in the Holy Spirit.
During their preparation,
the confirmandi were required to provide service to the parish or other
organizations of their choice. We’re grateful for all the various jobs they did
in the office, as well as painting some safety stripes for the school, and for
helping out in the kitchen at various parish events.
The confirmandi also
attended a day retreat. They were led to open their heart to God through
various activities. They got to hear a powerful testimony from Patty Boland,
who is one of their catechists.
Finally after all of their
weekly classes, their service hours, and their retreat culminated in their
confirmation Mass last Friday. I got to assist the bishop holding the vial of
chrism oil as he anointed each candidate. Yet as I shared with them, having
been confirmed is a new beginning.
Bishop McElroy’s homily on
Friday talked about Facebook and its origins. He talked about how we can filter
what we don’t like, and post what we like, and so create a mask for ourselves.
By the serendipity of the
Holy Spirit, his homily matched really well the theme of the confirmation
retreat we had earlier this year. During the retreat, several activities were
about discovering their true self as created and loved by God, and becoming
aware of the “masks” that they wear to impress others, or fit in to a group.
The sacrament of
confirmation just celebrated reminds us that this Easter we are on the way to
the feast of Pentecost, when we’ll celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. So
I would like to share this traditional prayer to the Holy Spirit:
“Come Holy Spirit, fill
the hearts of your faith-ful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send
forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of
the earth.”
God bless,Fr. Carlos, OSA
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