April 16, 2010
The Bishop's Forum
Strategic Planning Progress: Re-Energizing our Diocese in the Faith
by Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger
The Sacrament of Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a most undervalued sacrament of the Church in my opinion. All too often mundane events distract young men and women from its critical and life-changing potential for their lives.
Consider its origins. The fear-filled followers of Jesus huddled together for personal support. They had no idea of any responsibility beyond that of following Jesus, now dead!
Then, after the stunning moment that “He is alive!!” they continued to question. Jesus then appears to them, yet they are not so sure.
For 40 days following his Resurrection, Jesus worked intensely to convince his followers that he was indeed alive.
Jesus informed them that he was leaving them to return to his Father in Heaven. But he promised that he would ask the Father to send the gift of the Holy Spirit upon them to strengthen them to carry on his mission.
The apostles and intimate followers of Jesus were bewildered. Their fear was enkindled again by Jesus’ departure. They hunkered down and were huddled for fear.
Then it took a miraculous moment for them to wake up to the promise that Jesus had given them.
Now, after 22 years of conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation on our young people, I ask myself the question all too often: “Do they really get it?”
Then, I resolve my question by recalling Jesus’ experience with his intimate followers. It took them a long time too, so I realize that the work of the Holy Spirit will work in the minds and hearts of the willing recipients of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Be assured that the Sacrament of Confirmation is effective in our own place and time. Young people from our four Catholic high schools regularly participate in the sacraments. Students from Memorial High School generously serve at the Cathedral on high holy days. I am most grateful for their youthful presence. Many other of those who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation continue to serve in their home parishes at the altar and in other community service activities.
Members of the Communion and Liberation Movement as well as students at both the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana participate in the sacraments of the Church. I am so very proud of them all!
This is not to mention the generous service of so many of of our young people during spring break or in the summer who share their time and effort to assist those in need by their participation in mission trips to Appalachia and elsewhere.
Yes, the Holy Spirit of Confirmation is at work in our own time! It may look different, but it is real! These young people “Get it!”
Next week: Some critical issues and diocesan initiatives