I just wanted to say a word of appreciation to those involved with our Confirmation last Saturday, 30 April. First to the parents of the Confirmands: I was truly amazed at the respect and reverence of these young women and men. From my birds-eye-view from sanctuary your sons and daughters were respectful of the Mass and ritual, one-and-all said the prayers and responses.
The Archbishop commented on their participation and their reverence, as he did also on our three altar servers who “really knew what they were doing.” I am sure the archbishop sees a great deal from parish-to-parish, so this is a nice compliment on our parish. And to our Confirmation catechists—John Carew, Agnes Dickinson, Sylvia Parker and Kathleen Mangiafico— and their leader Mrs. Kathi Bonner, a job well-done!
Teaching at any age is a difficult job but especially when you are working with busy teenagers who schedules are jammed packed with school, sports, volunteerism and more. I thank you for your effort and your enthusiasm. To our music ministry under the direction of Susan Zybert with their many gifts, thank you also for a beautiful celebration. A number of parents came up to me in Russell Hall afterwards to tell me that this celebration of the Sacrament was “a real party.” I think that is a wonderful commentary on the celebration of God’s love for His creation.
This was all added to by the beautiful flowers that adorned our sanctuary and were organized and cared for by Janet Fischer, and to Barbara Hopkins for our outside flowers. And a major thanks to Mrs. Kathy Hayes and Mrs. Ginny Kelly who prepared and served a wonderful luncheon for Archbishop Mansell and other representatives of our Parish. I want to thank everyone involved and let you know how much I appreciate all your time, talent and resources. And finally to our Confirmands, thank you for truly being “full members—adults,” in our Church.