Grade 7s of our schools, St. Bernadette and St. Augustine, along with confirmandi prepared through correspondence (those home-schooled or attending schools outside the publicly-funded Catholic system) gathered on the evening of Tuesday, December 10 for Mass and reception of the sacrament of Confirmation. Our bishop, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, OMI, celebrated the Mass and anointed the over 50 young people gathered for the occasion.
During his homily, Crosby emphasized how well, “God is pleased by you.” He made reference to the gospel account of Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan, and spoke of the necessity of those being confirmed to remember that God is pleased to have them as adopted sons and daughters, and that is a relationship upon which they should always rely.
“Confirmation” is a strengthening by the Holy Spirit, and is usually conferred by a bishop. It marks for our young people a step into adulthood as they then take responsibility for the baptismal vows which had hitherto been taken on their behalf by parents and godparents.