December 4, 2009
The Bishop's Forum
The other sacraments and the family
by Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger
The Sacrament of Confirmation: A promise kept!
Note: Following is another column in a series on “The other sacraments and the family.” This column is the third and final column on Confirmation.
This is my last effort to treat the issue of the Sacrament of Confirmation and its critical importance in the life of the Church and how the family needs to be involved in its celebration. Clearly you will note my passion about it.
Before each celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, I meet with the candidates and sponsors. In preparation, I read the letters sent to me by the candidates. I tailor my homily to the readings either of the day or from those selected by the parish catechists.
My following comments are directed to specific audiences.
Parents, you are the first teachers of your children in the faith. You teach by word, but most importantly by good example and positive encouragement. Pressure on your children at this point is not helpful if you have not already conveyed the importance of your faith by your own life and fidelity to participating in Sunday worship and the other sacraments.
Candidates, I appreciate your letters and I read them all. I have noticed that you tend to regurgitate “memorized answers” to directions given by catechists. Please write what is in your heart about Confirmation. It is much more telling to me about your understanding of the Sacrament of Confirmation and its importance in your life. I am your brother who has walked your path. There is nothing you can write that is a surprise to me. I always affirm your honesty and candidness. I will never intentionally embarrass you.
Sponsors, your role is critical. It is not merely cosmetic! If you are asked to serve as sponsor, you must call to mind the responsibilities you assume by your “yes.”
Are you personally living an exemplary life in the faith? Do you give, by example, the critical element of minimal involvement in the Catholic Community by your attendance at weekly liturgy?
Are you willing to walk with him or her throughout their lives? For example, do you make yourself available, as an outsider from the immediate family, and engage in discussion any problem they might confront, especially if it deals with their own family? In short are you present to each of them in their personal and private need? Are you willing to accept that burden?
Catechists, this note is directed to you very specifically. Please encourage your candidates to raise questions that are troubling to them both collectively and personally and for you too. Do not program them with memorized answers that you think this bishop might ask! That is not helpful to them and it impedes their openness to receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Trust them. Encourage them to trust the bishop as well.
Parishioners, I address you with a blunt question: Do you avoid any parish Mass that includes Confirmation? If so, what does that say about you and your understanding of the Sacraments as living out the life of the Church to which you have personally committed fidelity at your own Confirmation. Do you make an effort, personally, to affirm the newly confirmed beyond the applause at their Confirmation? This is especially directed to those not present for that special moment.
In closing it is my personal joy to be able to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation at regularly scheduled parish liturgies. The Sacrament of Confirmation is not merely a sacramental moment for the candidates and their families. It is also for the Family of the Church!
I regret on the other hand that most of you are not there! I worry that with evidence what I have experienced is that “you don’t care.” How might we change that understanding?
To those I have had the joy of administering the Sacrament of Confirmation, I rejoice with you as I continue to pray for you daily!
Next week I will treat Health Care Reform followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation.