Material success has become the value above all values in modern civilization. “Anyone can do it” is what a whole army of motivation gurus promise us.
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The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI: “It’s catching. When I see someone else with it, then I want it too. When parents see how other people’s children are all dressed up and how paths are opened up for them, they quite justifiably want the same for their own. I think when that happens we are only looking in one direction. People want to have as much as possible, want to be something in an exterior sense. But how necessary in our lives the cultivation of our inner selves is, is something we forget.
People are certainly now attempting, by methods of meditation, to build up some kind of inner life again. In fact we do need, and I would like to repeat this, to discover a new way of cultivating our inner life, to learn anew how the “inner man”, as St. Paul calls him, can grow along with the outer one and can acquire the strength for us to be sufficiently mature to confront the external events we encounter.
One significant aspect of confirmation is that it means to turn us away from what is merely exterior, from preoccupation with success and achievement, and says to us, you have an inward aspect. Let the inner man, as St. Pual puts it, grow strong within you. The stifling of the inner life by practical cares has become one of our greatest problems.”
Confirmation:
How do I know I am ready?
No one is ever ready, worthy or deserv-ing of the gift of a sacrament. However, you do need to be ready to be open to how God will strengthen you as well as continue to be present in your life. You can make an effort to be prepared to celebrate Confirmation in a way that shows your sincerity, you can participate all the way, making your responses come alive and keeping your eyes and ears ready to see what God is doing. The community is here to help you to feel prepared.
… Confirmed by the gift of the Spirit, that they give witness to Christ by lives built on faith and love. . .”
Confirmation:
· Welcomes us and deepens our be-longing to the faith community.
· Deepens our relationship to God, as Creator, Redeemer and Spirit
· Strengthens us as disciples.
· Completes your initiation into the Catholic Church.
What is the Rite of Confirmation? A ritual is a patterned way of doing something. The Rite of Confirmation is a prayer ritual of the Church that witnesses to the sacrament. The Rite usually takes place within Mass. Some special parts of the rite include:
Renewal of Baptismal Promises: A chance to promise again that we will be open and
will strive to be faithful.
Laying on of Hands and Anointing with Oil: Like a friend putting their hand on your shoulder or a parent’s loving embrace, gestures can make love and support feel real and con-nected. God’s love and support is made visible through these signs which call upon the Holy Spirit. Since ancient times, being anointed sets one apart and makes them special.
The confirmation program at Holy Cross will commence on September 19, 2009. We are delighted to extend an invitation to the community, especially to all high school youth (16 or older, or at least a junior in High School).
We now have open enrollment for the 2009 – 2010 Confirmation Class. You can get more information regarding the program, registration, and requirements by contacting the perish office or visiting the churches web site, remember that seating is limited.
For more information Contact:
Sergio Orozco
Holy Cross Catholic Church
6915 Route 92, Lake Stevens, WA 98258
(360) 691-2636