Our eighth grade students at Sacred Heart, prepared by Gary Hoeger, received the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 30, 2010. They were Christian Bengtson, Karoline Dittmer, Emily Grismore, Nathan Hoeger, Caroline Hunkele, Abigail Schultz, and Hunter Storm. The Most Reverend Bishop Richard Pates performed the rite. Father Christopher Pisut co-celebrated the Mass. They were assisted by three seminarians, one of which was James Chester of Sacred Heart, along with Tom Hunkele, Ken Lee, and Greg McKernan. In addition to the music provided by the choir, Charles Hunkele played the trumpet for the Preparation of Gifts and Recessional hymns.
During his homily, the Bishop spoke about the importance of the timing of the reception of this sacrament. He said, “It comes at a very significant moment for your life…a time to confront choices and so you realize the great need for the Holy Spirit…The Holy Spirit will help you to know what you are supposed to do…How you do it is even more important than what [you do]…” Bishop Pates went on to explain how to live as a people of God to truly make a difference in this world. He gave them these guidelines:
“Use your own initiative.
- Make the time to have a personal relationship with God and talk to Him every day.
- Attend the Eucharist weekly. It helps you to make good decisions through the grace of the Holy Spirit.
- Reach out to others in service; it is in giving that you will receive.
- Stand together as an emerging generation; evangelize and turn the world upside down.”
Bishop Pates went on to discuss the true meaning of freedom and the importance of courage. He said that, “Choosing is not the ticket to freedom- good choices are authentic freedom. [Have the courage] to make the best choice about sexuality, drugs, and alcohol. Create an environment for the elderly, the handicapped and the immigrants. Be strong and lead by giving a good example to others.” The media often portrays freedom to be about doing whatever one wants to do including the choices one makes about life. However, the Bishop pointed out that with freedom comes responsibility and he encouraged the candidates to make their choices wisely. He concluded saying, “…and so, open your mind, heart and arms wide as we say, ‘Come Holy Spirit, come!”
Following the Mass, everyone was invited to a reception provided by the Women of Sacred Heart at the parish center. The Bishop along with Father Pisut spent time visiting with each of the celebrating families, as well as others who were present. There were cards and gifts at each table, many from parishioners, wishing blessings for the newly confirmed. It was a memorable occasion for all.
