A Word From Dave Retseck

For several months, students in Grade 8 and high school have prepared themselves to receive the sacrament of Confirmation on March 14. One of the key points imparted on our youth is that affirming and sealing your baptism is just the beginning of their faith lives. It doesn’t matter how much they know—or think they know. The journey of faith is never over. 
That is where the Holy Spirit and its gifts and fruits come into play. It is God in his Spirit that is moving people—men, women and children—to become better disciples and to grow in their love for him. It is also the Holy Spirit that stirs people to be open to Jesus, asking our savior to bless them with the gifts they need to be what God knows we can be: holy.
Sometime in your lives, Moms and Dads, you were confirmed, maybe as eighth-graders in Catholic school or high school, or maybe as adults. What do you recalling desiring from the Holy Spirit in your lives? 
This is a great topic to talk about with your teens. Look back in your lives, and think about the way the Spirit has moved you, guided you, and cared for you in your lives. Share those stories with your family to help them realize what the Holy Spirit can do. 
But take it even farther—encourage them to keep moving on the journey. The teens and parents who organize and are engaged in our high school youth ministry program are always seeking new faces and joiners for their Sunday Life Nights. Coming up this spring, those who are newly confirmed will have the chance to experience Life Nights with their peers and continue to build their own community in Christ. 
Moms and Dads, encourage and support your teens to join the ministry and get involved. You know their school and sports schedules. Become familiar with their Youth Ministry calendar, too! Let them know that being confirmed is not “graduation from anything in their lives connected to Christ.” It only invites them to take a leap of faith with the Holy Spirit. Let him guide them through the plans he has made for them. 

- Dave Retseck, Director of Faith Formation