Confirmation 2009 - A Beautiful Liturgy

If you have not yet heard, the Confirmation liturgy was beautiful and outstanding. Literally outstanding. It definitely stands out from the last handful of Confirmation liturgies here at St. Peter. Now, this comment is not intended to reflects poorly on any other celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. I make this comment because I honestly cannot remember another Confirmation liturgy as reverent as the one celebrated on Monday, October 12.

First of all, it was such a pleasure to have our new archbishop, Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond, as the conferring prelate. He is so personable and quick-witted, a natural teacher. He set the tone of the evening by meeting with the candidates in St. Mary’s Hall before the liturgy. As he gathered them around to speak with them, a hush descended on the candidates. But it did not last long. His first couple sentences caused the candidates to break out in raucous laughter. He was very relaxed with them, which helped them to relax too. In a very jovial manner, he laid out for them what he expected for the evening... and he brought them on-board. He won them over by asking their help with his homily. And he left them laughing. I stood there amazed.

Unlike most years, the candidates and sponsors were unable to process in with the clergy, due to the weather. We had had them quickly march over to the church from St. Mary’s Hall, sneaking them into the side door. We were able to seat them just minutes before the Mass began.

The Mass. It was flawless. Beautiful. Holy. Reverent. I sat close to the candidates and I was amazed at their good behavior. No... it wasn’t their good behavior. It was their reverence. I have never seen such a deep spirit of reverence in a group of teenagers like that. The music provided by Bro. Ken, Anne Simpson and the Adult Choir added to the sense of worship and reverence. I received a number of comments from parents complimenting the choir.

Debbie Bres planned and executed yet another fantastic reception. The crowd was unbelievable. It was the largest turnout that we have had at the reception in the last five years. We bought the same amount of food that we had last year, but we actually ran out! Once again, I was amazed. St. Mary’s Hall was packed!

I also want to thank all those wonderful men and women who have worked with me throughout the year to touch the hearts of the candidates: Debbie Bres, Beverley Gremillion, Michelle Theriot, Joan Boyer, Joan Montreuil, Joe Mariano, Barry Morse, Chris Forstall, and Jeffrey Drivon.

Here are just a couple of comments that I received via email in the days following the Confirmation liturgy:

“Thank you for making Confirmation a very special part of my sons' lives.  The service was beautiful and my sons were very prepared for receiving this sacrament.”

“Thanks for doing such a great job.  It was a beautiful experience.”

“Everything was beautiful and well done.  Thank you for everything from the bottom of our hearts.”

“Just wanted to thank you and your team for the beautiful ceremony last night.  I can only imagine how much time and dedication it takes to do something like that.  I know that Lauren has grown even more in her faith thanks to all of you.  You are doing a great job and are much appreciated.  We have three more children who will be getting confirmed in the next few years so I look forward to seeing you again.”