The 2011 Confirmation season is officially underway! We confirmed 28 students this evening from St. Paul Newman Center Parish and St. Lawrence O’Toole in Laramie.
I must say, I was very impressed with this group of young people, and I told them in the homily how much the Church needs them, how much I as their bishop needs them. They were very attentive, and responded to the renewal of baptismal promises with faith and enthusiasm. My hopes are high for this group of fully initiated Catholics!
The Gospel chosen for Mass this evening was from Matthew 16 where Jesus asks “What good is it to gain the whole world, but to lose one’s life? If you wish to save your life, you must lose it.” This is the age-old challenge and invitation of the Gospel; of Jesus, to make a gift of self to others, and in the process, find one’s true self.
Through Confirmation, the fullness of God’s holiness now dwells in us. The fullness of Jesus Christ now lives in us. The goal of the rest of this life is to surrender to this power of God’s life and holiness, and allow Christ to live fully and completely in and through us for others.
I cannot close this blog entry without a word of appreciation and admiration for the spirit-filled music that accompanied our celebration this evening. Maggie and company at St. Paul sure know what they are doing! Well done good and faithful servants. Thanks for a great Mass and celebration, one and all!
Peace,
+pde
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