It’s
Resurrection season! It is the official season of new birth and growth in the
Church, when we welcome people into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments
of Initiation: Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation.
I remember my
Confirmation process well – it was about a year of prep work my sophomore year
of high school made up of lectures, discussions, research assignments, papers,
and service projects. At the time, I viewed some of these commitments as
tedious – but now I recognize the importance of truly delving into what I was
about to participate in during Confirmation: taking ownership of my faith as an
adult. Embracing full initiation into the Church. Receiving the gift of the
Holy Spirit.
I chose Elizabeth
Ann Seton as my Confirmation saint, since her work in education in New York and
dedication to women and the poor inspired me. My nerves were happily level during
my Confirmation Mass until I was back in my seat after receiving a cross of
Holy Chrism oil on my forehead. I realized I had just professed my faith once
and for all in front of a whole church of people and in front of God. I had
become fully Catholic, of my own accord. I had received the gift of the Holy
Spirit and had put on Christ. I was stunned by my sudden overflowing emotion; I
did not expect to “feel” so much, despite the fact that I knew this was an
important moment. I had zero desire to conceal the joyous tears streaking my
skin.
This Sunday, April 19, we have the privilege of welcoming almost fifty ND students into the Church who are completing their initiation into the Church at the 11:45 a.m. Basilica Mass, whether by receiving their first Holy Communion and Confirmation or Confirmation alone. I also look forward with hope and joy to my younger brother’s Confirmation in two weeks, and am excited to see where the spiritual journeys of all newly initiated Catholics take them! Sincere congratulations and welcome to all who have been and will be initiated into the Church this Easter season.
This Sunday, April 19, we have the privilege of welcoming almost fifty ND students into the Church who are completing their initiation into the Church at the 11:45 a.m. Basilica Mass, whether by receiving their first Holy Communion and Confirmation or Confirmation alone. I also look forward with hope and joy to my younger brother’s Confirmation in two weeks, and am excited to see where the spiritual journeys of all newly initiated Catholics take them! Sincere congratulations and welcome to all who have been and will be initiated into the Church this Easter season.
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| With dear friends after Confirmation - notice my "Elizabeth" name tag and the shiny Chrism on my forehead! |
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