Hope for the Future: Confirmation and CSA

One of the things Father Dan and I have been enjoying doing the past two weeks is meeting with the kids who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next Saturday during the 5 PM Mass. It is incredibly inspiring to hear about their lives and, in so many cases, the excitement they have for the future. Among the group there is one who already owns his own business, several athletes, a few who want to become nurses or doctors, several who talked about praying every night before they go to sleep, all shared about service they have given to our community, and all shared about a Saint they have chosen because they look up to that individual. 

If you are finding that the news we hear day in and day out is causing you to worry or feel anxious; if you feel you have little or no hope for the future; if you feel evil is everywhere, I encourage you to join us for the Mass on Saturday evening when thirty-five of our youth will stand up and announce to our Bishop that they are present, renew their Baptismal promises, and be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Come and support these young people who believe in themselves and in their future. Pray in gratitude for them and pray for them as they go forth using the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. 

In meeting with these kids and talking with them about their faith, many of the kids spoke about the role family members had in helping form them. The line that really stands out for me was the young lady who said she wants to go to a college close to home because “I really like my parents.” Others spoke of a grandparent, aunt, sibling, or cousin who helped them grow in their faith. Many also spoke about participating in an activity sponsored by our Diocese, such as Extreme Faith Camp or Totus Tuus.

Extreme Faith Camp and Totus Tuus are two initiatives started by our Diocese in recent years. Extreme Faith Camp is a five day summer camp experience for middle school students. High school and college students lead the camp experience. Totus Tuus is a five day experience a group of four young adults working for the Diocese during the summer bring to parishes. We participate in both. Both have helped many kids grow in their faith, connect with the Church, and form bonds among youth with whom they share their faith. Both are helping kids discern vocations to the priesthood and religious life, appreciate the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation, and be proud to be Catholic.

Two weeks ago we kicked off the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA). Extreme Faith Camp and Totus Tuus are two programs your gift to the CSA helps support. There are other programs for kids and adults that the CSA supports. The CSA also provides us with Diocesan staff who are invaluable for us as a parish. We regularly connect with Diocesan staff on a broad range of topics from parish bookkeeping, cemetery management, employment issues, legal issues regarding the operation of a school, and the list goes on. We could not operate as a parish without the assistance of our Diocese. 

If you have not already done so, please consider supporting the CSA with a pledge or one-time gift. Each year we are assessed an amount we need to raise and contribute to the CSA, which is typically about $125,000. If we surpass our assessment, the excess money is rolled forward to the next year’s assessment. This past year, that is exactly what happened. Please prayerfully consider how you might support the CSA so we can again reach our goal and more important programs that impact our kids and adults can be continued and even expanded. 

It is easy to see the bad that is happening in our world, but we have the opportunity to support some things that are really great. Support those being Confirmed. Support the CSA. Support our kids.