Pray together for those preparing for, receiving confirmation

On most evenings during the spring, I have the pleasure and privilege of visiting parishes across our diocese to celebrate the sacrament of confirmation with their high school and junior high age members. By the time I arrive, the candidates have already been preparing for many months to take this important step on their Catholic pilgrimage to full life in the Trinity. They have been studying the truths of our faith, and they have been praying for a powerful outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. They have gone out of themselves to find ways to let their faith bear fruit in good works. Most have made a retreat.

I make a point of telling them, as well as the parents, sponsors and teachers who accompany them, that we cannot earn God's gifts by any of our accomplishments. Our prayer, study and good works help dispose us to receive what God is offering in the sacrament. These practices also stir up in us the desire to receive from God the things we need for salvation. At the same time, I am often impressed by the efforts of the candidates to prepare for Confirmation. I commend all who help instruct and direct them in this regard. Many of the candidates write me letters in which they speak about their preparation and their desire to be confirmed. I am happy to share some of their thoughts with you.

A girl from St. Peter Parish in Quincy writes, in part: "This past year we attended two retreats. They both really opened up my mind to what being faithful and being confirmed is all about. Also this summer, I assisted as Communion was brought to those who were unable to make it to church. Watching how grateful they were to receive the Eucharist made me appreciate that I am able to receive the Lord every Sunday in God's house during the one hour he asks of us each week."

A young man from Our Saviour Parish in Jacksonville speaks about his desire for the grace of confirmation: "I wish to request confirmation. My life has reached a point in which I have many choices, choices such as to live the Catholic life or not, to love Jesus or shun him, to live with God or without him. I choose God. Lately, I have been thinking about my relationship with God, and I realize that I wanted, needed to get closer to Jesus. I want that closeness with the Holy Spirit. I want to be known as an adult in the Catholic faith, not just because my parents are Catholic, but a Catholic by choice."

An eighth-grade student at Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Collinsville has been learning about witness and stewardship: "I have been preparing to receive confirmation by performing service work in the office, attending the March for Life in Washington, D.C., praying more and helping my mother and father. My sponsor and I have discussed it, and we both think I am ready to take on my duties and become a well-rounded young Catholic. I have performed service in helping the school and community, and I would like to continue this in my parish as my contribution, since I am unable to give monetary donations on Sundays. I know that there will be many opportunities for me to take part in helping the parish."

From Holy Family Parish in Granite City I received this: "I would like to share with you several reasons why I want to be confirmed. I believe that if I receive the sacrament of confirmation, it will strengthen my bond with the church and God. It will unite me more firmly with Christ and increase my strength to spread and defend the faith by word and action and never be ashamed of the cross."

I hope you will join me in prayer for those recently confirmed and those preparing for confirmation. May the seven-fold gifts of the Holy Spirit bear much good fruit in them and in the church.