Dear Saints,

Think for a moment about movies like Lord of the Rings, Star Wars: A New Hope, or Moana: stories in which a character is called to embark upon a life-altering - and world-changing - commission. Generally ill-equipped and always lacking initial confidence, the protagonist is usually given a companion and some strange and wonderful gift to strengthen him or her for battle.

Tomorrow, many of our 8th graders will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Often the least understood and most under-appreciated of the Sacraments, Confirmation is every good commissioning/adventure tale rolled into one tremendous reality.

It is the moment when the grace first given at Baptism is strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Just as the apostles were emboldened at Pentecost, Confirmation seals a person’s identity as a beloved son or daughter of God. In that, it is also a sending. Our young men and women will be commissioned to witness to Jesus with their entire lives: to be faithful to the Truth, serve others sacrificially, and love with abandon, especially when it is difficult.

Just like in the movies, they’ll have a companion – an advocate, as it were: the Holy Spirit. And true to the narrative, they will receive from it every spiritual gift necessary to pursue their callings with courage and conviction.

Tomorrow, a great adventure begins. We pray our young people will embrace it, take joy in the journey, and eagerly say yes to every twist and turn their blessed roads may take.

Christ’s Peace,

Father Daniel

δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ