We celebrate the 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time which coincides with the feast of the Archangels – Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael. On this Sunday, the Archbishop will launch a special fundraising appeal called Archdiocese One, intended to address some significant areas of concern in the Archdiocese, at the St. Raphael’s Cathedral at Dubuque. I share with you the Archbishop’s message:
To those just beginning their high school career, decision-making looks very different when compared to those in the latter half of their high school years. That doesn’t mean that God shouldn’t be part of their decision-making process. We laughed over the story about one student who chose to respond to a coach’s challenge in a “different way” than what was expected. It seemed like a good idea to take a shortcut and it was a fun shortcut…until the coach told them to go back and do it again, the way he expected. It was one of those “it seemed like a good idea at the time…” stories. But, is it really necessary or practical to stop and pray in the moment to ask God if it’s ok to take a shortcut, or respond to someone with a quick lie, or to go against a rule? Many parents would say yes; yes it is necessary. But, even parents would admit that they themselves do not always say a prayer when making “little” decisions.
Confirmation is a big deal. It is the completion of an initiation process that, for most of us, began when we were infants. Looked at one way, the sacrament is meant to give a young person a voice, a decision, a choice in committing to the Catholic faith. Another way to look at Confirmation is that we were destined to be confirmed in Christ when we were baptized. God called us then – and when it comes to following God, we certainly have freewill in accepting or denying that call, but it is a call that we are born to answer. Before, during, and Confirmation, we might be confused, we might have doubts, we might even wonder what we believe. Nevertheless, we are invited to BE CONFIRMED so that we have the strength and grace to RESPOND to these emotions in a Christian way. When we were baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we became part of the Catholic Christian family. Why not accept the gift of Confirmation so that we can receive the strength of the Holy Spirit in full? It’s a big deal – can you feel it?!
Blessings of peace and joy to your families! Here are some things for your attention: 1. Singing during the penitential rite: The following are the lyrics of the two songs I’ve been singing during the penitential rite: