This is a very special week for our parish 10th Graders. Next Friday, April 19, 2024 and Saturday, April 20, 2024, they will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, when the Holy Spirit will be poured out on them in fullness. A total of 86 will to be confirmed between the two ceremonies by Bishop Michael Saporito at both celebrations.
Our confirmandi, the official name of the candidates for Confirmation, have participated in a two year preparation for the Sacrament, an incredible commitment on their part to embrace the Holy Spirit. They have participated in many large and small group sessions and retreats. As part of their program, they have completed many service projects, including assistance at Mercy House, St. Joseph’s Social Service Center and various other locations, including working with children with special needs.
The confirmandi can be commended for their commitment, their efforts and can be recognized for using the charisms given by the Holy Spirit that will come to them in the gifts and the fruits of the Holy Spirit at their Confirmation. They have made and will be making a difference in the lives of others, particularly those who need it most.
There were also some highlights of their program as they prepared for Confirmation including the Ray Boswell Confirmation Pottery Retreat, Gene Zanetti inspiring them to be spiritual athletes for Christ and many of them experienced the St. Jude relic this past fall.
I thank Mike Fusco, Patti Gardner, Liz Greenop and the many Peer Ministers who have accompanied our confirmandi over these past two years.
They have exercised an incredible ministry bringing our 10th Graders to this very special and pivotal moment in their lives, the life of Saint Helen, and the Church universal. Confirmation will deepen their baptismal life which calls all of us to be missionary disciples and witnesses of Jesus Christ to the world.
Let us continue to support the faith of our soon to be newly confirmed as the Holy Spirit is poured out upon them.
God bless you,
Msgr. Tom
