Dear young people who are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
God always surprises us! It is God who calls; however it is important to have a daily relationship with him, to listen to him in the silence before the tabernacle and deep within ourselves, to speak with him, to draw near to the sacraments. Having this familiar relationship with the Lord is like keeping the window of our lives open so that he can make us hear his voice and hear what he wants us to do.
- Are you open to God’s surprises?
- When you receive the Lord’s grace and mercy in the sacraments, do you talk with him?
- Do you ask to hear his voice?
- Soften your heart to God’s call and be receptive to what he asks.
CONFIRMATION DIARY
Thank you for meeting with me on Sunday 18th of July at 12.30pm. I wish you a happy holiday and I look forward to meeting you soon.
Please scroll down to refresh your minds on what we discussed at the last meeting.
Remember to go through the questions for reflection.
CONFIRMATION
Twenty three years ago on the 30th of September 1998, Pope John Paul, (now Saint John Paul) spoke in preparation of the Jubilee of the Year 2000, of a renewed appreciation of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church.
In his document ‘Tertio millennio adveniente’, n.45 he focused our attention on the sacrament of Confirmation:
45. The primary tasks of the preparation for the Jubilee thus include a renewed appreciation of the presence and activity of the Spirit, who acts within the Church both in the Sacraments, especially in Confirmation, and in the variety of charisms, roles and ministries which he inspires for the good of the Church: “There is only one Spirit who, according to his own richness and the needs of the ministries, distributes his different gift for the welfare of the Church (cf. 1 Cor 12:1-11). Among these gifts stands out the grace given to the Apostles. To their authority, the Spirit himself subjected even those who were endowed with charisms (cf. 1 Cor 14). Giving the body unity through himself and through his power and through the internal cohesion of its members, this same Spirit produces and urges love among the believers”.(32)
…and in the (Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 1316)
“[confirmation] perfects baptismal grace; it…gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Chrust, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds”
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To register yourself for the Sacrament of Confirmation you need to be at least 15 years old, Baptised and have received the Sacrament of Communion.
Registration closes on the 30th of June 2021 so please register yourself as soon as possible before that date.
I will need your promise to be committed to the preparation for Confirmation by sending me your name and contact details.
I will need a copy of your Baptism certificate.
The name of your Sponsor.
The name you have chosen for Confirmation.
Our first meeting took place on Wednesday 30th of June 2021 at 7.30pm in the Church. During this meeting I will talk to you about who you have chosen as sponsor. I will also ask you about the saint you have chosen to inspire you on your active Christian adventure.
I look forward to working with you and talking with you about your hopes and dreams for the Church, your planet earth, your community, your parish, your family and everything that matters to you.
Father Patrick Ryan
CONFIRMATION MEETING ON 30TH APRIL 2021
Five young adults came for the meeting and we were able to start at 7.30pm sharpish.
We started the meeting by reflecting on the Pentecost story from the Acts of the Apostles Chapter Two. At the heart of the reflection was the focus on the art of communicating so that others may understand and express joy and amazement and wonder. Understanding is an incredibly joyful experience.
We then touched on the vision that Pope John Paul II had for the young people of the new Millenium.
I then spoke about the Seven Gifts of the Spirit and how they can help you to live your life to the fullest? Did you realise that you were given those gifts at Baptism? Have you looked at them?
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are different from any other present that you have ever received. You received the same gifts that I received but you and I use them in different ways and that is what can make you special but it can make you special only if you use them in the service of others.
Finally, I mentioned the story of Carlo Acutis a young 15 year old who helped spread the Gospel online before he died of leukemia in 2006. He is set to become the patron saint of web surfers and social media communicators according to Cardinal Angelo Becciu.
I hope to meet you all soon. I wish you all well and do keep in touch.
Thoughts and Questions for Reflection
Take a good look at yourself and ask.
How have I lived my Faith? What has happened to me since the day of my First Holy Communion. When was it, in which church? What does it mean to me?
Think about your family.
What do they mean to me? My education and my parish. How do they fit into my daily priorities?
I am asking to be confirmed.
Can I truthfully say that this is my choice? Am I being forced to take part? These are the reasons why I am requesting to be confirmed.
Think about how you intend to prepare for the sacrament.
Is my prayer life strong? How do I celebrate of the other sacraments, In what way do I serve my family, my parish, my community?
Who have I chosen as sponsor for Confirmation? Why have I chosen them? Have they been Confirmed themselves? Can I ask them about that? Can I trust them enough to talk to them about my faith and other concerns?
I have chosen my special saint’s name for Confirmation. Why is this Saint special to me? What do I know about his/her life?
What are the difficulties young people today face and how can I continue to carry out my life of service to God and others through the power of the Holy Spirit?
How do I plan to make my Confirmation in the Faith real and alive in my life?
Put your thoughts and reflections on paper. (Get yourself a little journal notebook)
It will encourage you to gather thoughts of your own and help you to articulate them well and with confidence.
And…..
DON’T BE AFRAID!
Fr. Patrick Ryan
Feast of Saints Peter and Paul 29th June 2021