Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Beginning a Kairos Journey 20 Years Ago

On the evening of Saturday, November 20, 2004, I went to the Pine Room in the lower level of Ascension School.  With my already well-established typical flourish, I signed my name in a book, by which I began the process of preparing for Confirmation.  Following a short meeting, the whole group of Confirmation candidates went to 5 PM Mass at Church.

Given how much of an impact my Confirmation has had on my life, I'm eagerly looking ahead to October 15, 2025, when I mark the 20th anniversary of that sacred Kairos moment.

Today, I reflect on what happened when I started the process of preparing.

My parents both had to complete a form that officially registered me.  I remember glancing over it, and noticing what my parents said in response to a question about what made me ready.

At that time 20 years, as might be typical for many at that age, I participated in Confirmation because there was a parental expectation, much as I was taking on many responsibilities as I journeyed through adolescence into adulthood.

Yet as I reflect back on the experience, I think I was ready for more than just going through motions of expectations.

The great irony in my experience of attending Percy Julian Middle School, a public school, is that encountering people of other cultural and religious backgrounds caused me to turn inwardly and reflect more on who I am, which led me to more greatly appreciate who I am.

I laid aside disinterest in religion, including Mass attendance, and I embraced who we are as a Church and what we do, along with my part in it.

That appreciation grew throughout 6th and 7th grade, so that by the time I began preparing for Confirmation in 8th grade, the Spirit had been at work to make me ready for what I would learn and how I would encounter God.

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