82 Confirmandi

My son made his confirmation on Wednesday evening along with 81 others. We were prepared for the mass to last well into the evening since Bishop Wenski is known for lengthy homilies. The students were given the next school day off as a result. But, he only spoke for about 25 minutes and brought up a couple thought-provoking ideas. For example, if you were given the choice of playing golf, going fishing or going to church, church would rank pretty low on the list. But Sunday is a day of rest and a day to honor the Lord. He asked us to hold our breaths for ten seconds twice. We did and some turned red and blew out. Then, he compared our need for oxygen as important a need to live as to have Christ in our lives. The Bishop is often asked, “Am I going to feel good after confirmation?” or “Is the Eucharist going to make me feel good?” He explained that Walgreen’s drugstore has aisles of stuff that promises to make you feel good. He said, “No, you’re not going to feel good.” It’s what you’re going to do afterward that makes a difference. So, I think we hope to make a difference on this earth in some way.

Seven Gifts and Love

I attended the second Confirmation Catechism for my son on a Monday evening. Feeling tired and cold, I didn’t really want to be there, but got pulled into Father Bob’s compelling liturgy. He asked the students for examples of the seven gifts of confirmation (wisdom, knowledge, understanding, reverence, counsel, courage, and wonder and awe). Then, he put my son on the spot and asked him for an example of wonder and awe. “Haven’t you ever seen anything beautiful? Gimme an example of something beautiful.” My son couldn’t think of one. I think he wasn’t paying attention or felt shy. I immediately thought of a rainbow and a sunset. The woman behind me said “the Grand Canyon”. Yes, we could think of a lot of everyday things. Then, Father Bob, said, “Look in the mirror. What about your face, a child of God? That beautiful face of someone who cares and loves life.” What a wonderful thing to say.

Then, Father Bob told the students he would be interviewing them about confirmation: asking what it is, what it means to them, and how they can share their time and talents. He gave them one good tip. He said, when I ask you about confirmation or what it means, “You could say love… that’s a good answer for any question, almost.”

EVOO

Last night’s confirmation catechism liturgy covered many subjects including Glossolalia aka speaking in tongues. Then, Father Bob talked about anointing with oil. The Catholic Church uses extra virgin olive oil with a scent added. He then asked if we knew what Extra Virgin Olive Oil is. “Don’t you people watch the Food Network?! EVOO.” Yes, I know Rachael Ray’s favorite ingredient, but I didn’t know what the difference was between extra virgin and virgin and pure olive oil. I guess I always thought it had to do with the ripeness of the olives. He spent some time explaining the first press of the olives is considered the extra virgin olive oil. The next press is just virgin olive oil and when oil is added to the skins and leftovers, that is pure olive oil. Okay, now I’m ready to sauté something!