Solemnity of the Ascension
Confirmation, Holy Family Parish
Middleton, Maryland
June 1, 2025
Finally Made It!
I am very happy to share the beautiful Sacrament of Confirmation here at the Pastorate of St. Francis, St. Mary, Holy Family. As a matter of fact, I’ve been trying to make my way here for quite a while to install Father Michael Rubeling as your pastor . . . and that will happen. For now let me thank you, Father Michael, for your leadership and service. And let me thank you and your team, especially Megan Vera, for preparing these candidates for Confirmation so well. I also want to thank you, the parents and sponsors, for your commitment to the formation of your sons and daughters in the Catholic faith. The importance of your example and encouragement cannot be overestimated! Last, but not least, I want to thank you who are being confirmed today, for taking your preparation for Confirmation so seriously. My evidence for saying that is the letters you sent me – thank you!
Conversion
As I read your letters, I could see what Megan Vera told me – that many of you began Confirmation preparation with questions and doubts. Some of you were hesitant about all this, even unhappy and unwilling. What is clear is that the Lord has been working in your hearts as you have prayed together, became friends, built up trust, began to talk about things that really matter, and opened your hearts to God and to the faith of the Church.
In one of your letters you wrote: “I’ve grown to realize that God and my relationship with him is so much more important to me and that he’ll love me for me.” Once we realize how much God loves us, then we open our minds to what he teaches us and what he is calling us to do with our lives.
Doubts and Feelings
Still, some of your letters spoke of lingering doubts and uncertainty. One of you asked me if I have always had a strong faith or do I sometimes find my faith is wavering. Let me tell you, we all sometimes have our fears and our doubts, but I have blessed because many have helped me in my faith journey. I’m also here to tell you that the grace and strength of Confirmation which I received many years ago is still at work in me. Growing in faith, strengthening our faith, living our faith is a lifetime project. It is something we do together in friendship and mutual support. That is why the Lord gives us to one another in the Church, so that we can journey together. That is why I was so happy to read about the ways so many of you are involved in the life of your parish – about your friendships and relationships in the parish, serving at Mass, working in the nursery, involvement in faith formation & more. And that is why, dear young friends, I am so happy that today, in Confirmation, you are being fully initiated into the Church.
But let’s face it: there will be times of anxiety, uncertainty and doubt. When we feel that way, we’re in good company. The Apostles went through the same thing. Think about it. They followed the Lord. Put all their hopes in him. But he was crucified. Then came the news he was risen from the dead. What were they to think? When the Lord appeared to them after his Resurrection, they rejoiced but still had doubts and fears.
We might think the Apostles would really be upset when the Lord ascended into heaven and disappeared from their sight. Yet, in today’s Gospel, the Apostles are rejoicing as he ascends, and why? Because the Risen Lord made sure they understood one basic truth: that he was truly God and truly human, that he was truly born, truly suffered, and truly died on the Cross, and that he was truly risen from the dead. Because they believed this, they rejoiced as the Lord ascended into heaven. Their faith became firm, unshakeable, real, utterly important.
As the Lord ascended into heaven, the Apostles also realized they were at a turning point in their lives. As they waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit, their relationship with the Lord was not over, it was stronger than it had been. They knew he would not abandon him. And they knew he was preparing them to be his hands, his feet, his voice to carry the Gospel of Salvation to the ends of the earth. When the Holy Spirit descended upon them at Pentecost, they no longer doubted or feared but became his courageous witnesses.
That’s what happening in your life today as you are confirmed. One of you wrote: “I hope I can spread the faith and not be afraid of what other’s think!” That’s my prayer for you – that your relationship with the Lord will grow stronger and stronger and that filled with the gifts of the Spirit all of you will bear witness to the Lord and to your faith among your peers. Things like talking with your friends at school about your faith, inviting teammates to pray before a game, making a weekly holy hour.
Nurturing the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Confirmation, as many you wrote, is not an end but a beginning. It is a Sacrament of Initiation not graduation from the faith, as you know. One of you prayed “that my heart would be even more prepared to receive the grace of Confirmation” – something we should all be praying for! But, of course, you will need to cherish and protect the gifts of the Spirit you receive in their fullness today – by daily prayer, Sunday Mass, regular confession, keeping up your friendships in the Church, and serving the needs of others. This is how you keep the gifts of the Spirit alive in your hearts.
May the Holy Spirit, sent by the Risen Lord and by our heavenly Father, fill your hearts with faith and joy all the days of your life. God bless you!