As we celebrate the third Sunday of Easter, we are reminded of the appearances of the
Post-Resurrection Jesus, along with all the stories of the Apostles and their miracles. I suggest that you take some time with our church tour book, which you can pick up in the narthex, and revisit our bas-relief panels and their explanation on page 24. They are of particular interest at this time of year.
At the Easter Vigil, I had the privilege of baptizing 7 individuals in the font and confirming them along with 14 others, as they all received their First Eucharist. Their pictures were in last week’s bulletin. It was a glorious night for their families and our parish. We witness to each other in the breaking of bread and continue to pray for each other as we proceed on the journey of faith.
Also, I am grateful to all those who made the Triduum possible. Scores of people worked behind the scenes to make the 3 sacred days a beautiful experience. This includes our choir, Environment and Art, cleaning of the church, and all the liturgical ministers. Without their support and hard work, Fr. Fred and I would not be able to adequately preside at those liturgies. This is yet another sign of the Risen Lord working in the community.
As you read this letter, Bishop Kane will have confirmed 106 of our students from our school and Religious Education program. Two Confirmation liturgies were celebrated on Saturday, April 29. Congratulations to all our Confirmandi. Their names are on the front cover of the bulletin
Confirmation, along with Baptism and Eucharist, is considered one of the sacraments of initiation. Although the Holy Spirit comes to us in all 7 sacraments, and in many other ways, we are asking the Holy Spirit to enrich our spiritual journey in a special way at Confirmation. It is considered the completion of Baptism. If you have been confirmed, you received these gifts:
Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgment, Courage, Knowledge, Reverence, and Wonder and Awe. There are times in our life when we need to ask the Holy Spirit to open these gifts. An example might be when we are racing through life and cannot take time to savor the moment. We can ask the Holy Spirit to open the gift of Wonder and Awe and help us show down so that we are aware of the wonders of nature and the people around us.
We are also given the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Here is an opportunity to pray that the Spirit open the fruit of patience. You see how these are tied together. When we slow down and ask to open the gift, we then receive the fruit of that gift. The fruits of the Spirit are: charity, joy, peace, patience, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, kindness, self-control, goodness, and chastity. Clearly, this is a lifelong journey, but I am surprised at how many do not ask the Holy Spirit to help open the gifts which were given to us many years ago so that the 12 fruits can take root in us.