Gratitude during this time for the Sacrament of Confirmation as we form the union that is the Church

Friday, Apr. 24, 2015

As I get into the full swing of the Confirmation season, I realize once again just how grateful I am to all those who do so much to make this sacrament so meaningful in the many celebrations throughout our diocese. I would like to express in a public way my gratitude this year.

First of all, I thank the young people and adults who are being confirmed throughout the diocese during this Easter season and into June. Your commitment to the faith, your sincerity and your obvious love of the Lord are very inspirational to me, and I am deeply grateful to be able to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with you all. I know that it takes a good deal of your time and energy to prepare properly for the reception of the sacrament and, on behalf of all of us in the Catholic community, I thank you for your commitment to be a vibrant and witnessing member of our church.

I also thank the confirmandi’s sponsors. You play an important role not only in the lives of those you sponsor but also in our Church community. You represent all of us as you speak on behalf of those to be confirmed, declaring that they are ready for the sacrament and whom you, as a representative of our community, welcome with open arms. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of all those being confirmed this year.

Of course, many family members participate in the lives of the young people and adults seeking confirmation. I thank all of you for the witness of your faith day in and day out. You may not be aware of it, but as evangelizers in the context of your own family you contribute greatly to our Church.

I also thank the pastors, the directors of religious education and the catechists, who work so hard to pass on the faith. You not only share the faith with those to be confirmed, you share a little bit of who you are, entering into a unique and important relationship with the confirmandi. Christ is working through you in beautiful ways, and you are making a tremendous difference in our Church. Thank you for your leadership and your commitment to passing on our sacred tradition and beliefs.

I think it’s important to offer gratitude as well to all the parishioners of the parishes where our brothers and sisters are being confirmed. Even though you may not realize it, the witness of your faith Sunday after Sunday makes a profound impact on those awaiting full reception in the Church. Your good example and commitment speak volumes to those who are following in your footsteps, wishing to be full disciples of the Lord. I thank you for the witness of the faith you give in a perhaps quiet but effective manner.

To all of you – candidates, sponsors, family members, priests, deacons, lay leaders and parishioners – I give great thanks for this tremendous display of faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ risen from the dead. I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide all of us with his seven-fold gifts as we seek to draw closer to the risen Lord and to one another, and form that union we call the Church, the mystical body of Christ.

By the way, I hope you don’t mind if I give a personal thanks to one more person: Deacon Lynn Johnson. As many of you know, Deacon Lynn drives me throughout the state to the various confirmations. After we arrive, he sets up for the Mass, serves as Master of Ceremonies, and then drives me home. Even though I always promise to keep him company on the way back, I typically fall asleep within a few minutes after we leave the parish parking lot! His patience, kindness and generosity are a wonderful gift to me and to all of us. I thank him for all that he does and for his friendship.

May God bless you all during this joyful and blessed Easter season. Let us all give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit in this local Church.