Getting Closer to Confirmation 20 Years Ago

On this evening 20 years ago, I was in the Pine Room at Ascension School for the final meeting that would occur there before the day of Confirmation, which was 1 month and 1 day away.  As Confirmation was approaching soon, sponsors were asked to attend. So my Uncle Bernie was present with me, as I had chosen him as my sponsor.

During this meeting, we focused specifically on Confirmation.  Mrs. Ondrla explained the history of Confirmation.  At one point many centuries ago, to be confirmed, people would stand on the side of a road as a Bishop strolled by on horseback with his arms outstretched to bestow the sacrament.  At another point in history, to emphasize that Confirmation meant becoming a Christian soldier, the candidates would get a slap from the Bishop.

At this point, as I draw nearet to to celebrating the 20th anniversary of my Confirmation, I find it fitting to consult the Catechism of the Catholic Church on what Confirmation is.  This sacrament completes the baptismal grace by granting us an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and 7 Gifts so we are equipped to uphold and defend the faith.  Becuase Confirmation happens in adolescence, some regard it as a ritual in which young people become adults in the church.  Confirmation is the sacrament of Christian maturity, but what I've come to understand in recent years is that it completes our initiation by sealing us with the Holy Spirit and the 7 gifts.

Furthermore, we were taking our part in the greater community of the Church.  So it was fitting at this point, about a month away from Confirmation, that we attended a meeting with our sponsors.  Truly, as confirmed Roman Catholics, we make this profession of faith and are initiated fully into the Church, each of us called to contribute our part to edifying the Body of Christ while confessing our faith. In the spirit of today's Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we confess the name of Jesus Christ, Who submitted obediently to the Father's plan to make possible our salvation and live the experience of Eternal Life even now through the power of the Holy Spirit.

At one point during the meeting, Father Larry offered a few remarks.  Then, as best as I can remember, he asked if anyone had any questions.  When no one raised a hand, he quipped that he could have Bishop Kane come right away to confirm us becuase we were ready.

While I had gained much knowledge, something important would happen before Confirmation, which I will reflect on in a subsequent post.