 Fr.
Tom's Tomes May 31, 2009
This weekend we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost. Fifty Days ago we celebrated the Feast of Easter. This weekend we remember that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to strengthen the Apostles after Jesus returned to the Father. The Holy Spirit empowered the Apostles to have the courage to go forth to proclaim Jesus message to others. As Catholics we are called to be fully initiated members of the Church. Being a fully initiated member means we are desiring to follow God whole heartedly. To be fully initiated means we have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. In the “normal” progression of sacraments a person usually receives Baptism as an infant. In the second grade or the age of reason a person receives First Eucharist. At this time in the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph a person receives the sacrament of Confirmation normally during the second semester of Sophomore year in high school. This is a time for the individual to truly examine their intention of following Christ through the Catholic Church. “Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace: -it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, ‘Abba, Father!’, -it unites us more firmly to Christ; -it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us; -it renders our bond with the Church more perfect; -it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Chris boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1303) New guidelines have been developed by the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph for the preparation of high school students for Confirmation. The Sacrament of Confirmation is seen as a part of a comprehensive high school religious education program. Beginning now we are going to have a different time frame for Confirmation preparation. Beginning in August students who are in 9th grade or a freshman in high school will be meeting together. The meetings with 9th grade individuals will include time for formation, community service, prayer and social activities. 9th grade students will be required to attend these session if they will be interested in being Confirmed. If a students chooses not to participate in the 9th grade activities they will be required to take part in these activities before taking part in the immediate preparation for Confirmation. Beginning in August students who are in the 10th grade will begin immediate preparation for Confirmation. This year those students in 10th grade will receive a waiver from having to attend the 9th grade program before receiving immediate preparation for Confirmation. Students in Confirmation preparation will have retreats, community service, formation, and social activities. With the new preparation for Confirmation students will be coming for religion more often and will be making a larger commitment to understand their faith. Being Catholic requires dedication and commitment. Following Christ is a life long response. Following Christ means putting Christ before all else and turning our lives over to God. I would invite all parishioners to pray for the success of this new program in forming the youth of our parish. |