Confirmation is the beginning of adult faith
By Michelle Macicek
Our oldest daughter recently received the sacrament of confirmation. While there are many reasons to find joy in this, there was one I was most excited about.
When our children are baptized and receive their first Communion, we invite those present – family and friends – to write a small note of encouragement or their favorite Bible verse for them. We keep these notes in a box and planned to give them to our children to read before they make their confirmation.
The idea behind this was to remind them of all of the spiritual support they have had and still have on their faith journey.
To me, her reading those notes would be the completion of her childhood sacrament journey. If I am being completely honest, I think I was putting too much focus on the anticipation of her reading these notes. While this reminder she was given was a beautiful and appreciated gesture, it paled in comparison to the reality of her confirmation.
This is not the final step or completion of her spiritual growth. Confirmation is the complete opposite. It is the moment we are invited to restate our “YES” to our Catholic faith and to “BEGIN” the journey!
This sacrament reminds us of the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit that we are given at baptism.
So, in addition to the notes folded inside of her box, written by the people that love her the most, is this prayer and encouragement that I have for her:
“May the Holy Spirit remain close to you and may you always have the courage to say yes to God; just as Mama Mary and St. Lucy (her confirmation saint) did. May you always turn to Jesus in your time of need and know that your family and friends are here to help guide you. May you be bold and courageous enough to stand for the truth, to voice your opinion and fight for the good of others, even when it means to sacrifice your wants.
“Never be afraid to listen to what God is calling you to do. You have the ability to shine light and bring joy to those you encounter – use it for God’s glory! Your baptism, reconciliation, first Communion and confirmation gave you God’s grace and strengthened you spiritually for the life ahead of you. Tap into those graces and ask for God’s help, love and mercy.
“Ask God to help you discern ‘his’ plan for you, that you may always honor him in everything you do. Even when it’s hard or when you feel weary, choose God, and you will never regret it! Remember that YOU are a beloved daughter of God, and YOU are unrepeatable!”
“Perhaps you were created for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14
