In some parish preparation programs for the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Confirmandi (those about to be confirmed) are required to write a letter to the bishop.
Usually, the youngster’s letter contains information about his or her family, parents, siblings, the reason for the selection of the Confirmation sponsor, an explanation for the choice of the Patron Saint, a description of his or her experiences in the parish program of preparation for Confirmation, the content of the catechetical instruction and service projects in which the child participated. Through these works of charity, the student learns that a confirmed Christian looks beyond himself or herself to others for whom a Christian has responsibility.
I faithfully read and enjoy these letters. The youngsters have taken the time to write; the coordinator of the program has collected the letters and sent them to me. Reading each letter helps me to know something about the one I will confirm and provides me with some understanding and knowledge of what was involved in the preparation for the Sacrament.
At the ceremony, I refer to the letters and even quote from a couple of them without identifying the Confirmation candidate. However, when I quote a letter, the young author frequently looks at me with an incredulous look but with pure delight on his or her face. This letter writing project requires the Confirmation candidate to synthesize the preparation, which can be a valuable exercise for the one to be confirmed.
One of our parishes, Holy Child in Runnemede, has a unique approach to the letter to the bishop. Not only does the candidate for the Sacrament of Confirmation write me a letter, such as described above, but also the parents or guardians pen me an accompanying letter. What they write amazes me. I am humbled by their expressions of faith, and I delight in their pride in their child.
Our Church is very clear that the first teachers of faith are parents, who are assisted by the catechetical programs offered by the parish. Parents have a responsibility before God to raise their child as a Catholic. That duty is explicit in the Baptism ceremony of infants, during which they are publicly asked, “Will you raise your child as a Christian?”
Unfortunately, too many are raising their children without reference to God, Jesus Christ, the Church, faith, virtues or morality. It is a great tragedy for our Church and does not bode well for society.
Without identifying the writers, let me share a few samples from the parent letters, which show that they are serious about their duty to encourage the faith formation of their child in the Catholic Church. I changed names for privacy.
“Patty is an amazing young lady who is outspoken and proud of her Catholic faith. She has a spirit of giving and loves to help others. We are proud parents who have sacrificed for our children to receive a faith-based education. She will be a shining example of her Catholic faith.”
“As Jimmy’s Confirmation draws near, I cannot help but feel a little sad seeing how fast he is growing up, but I also see an amazing young man who has so much love, empathy and respect for everyone around him that we cannot but be filled with such happiness and pride that he is ready to make the Sacrament of Confirmation.”
“We have shown our support to Johnny receiving Confirmation through our love, encouragement and guidance. We always encourage him to be the best version of himself every day and do our best as his parents to guide him along the way. We remind him that in life there will be struggles, but with God by our side and good people around, we can overcome the struggles and keep moving forward. Our hope for our son is that he has a personal relationship with God.”
“As her parents, we believe that she knows the difference between what is right over what is easy. We do what we can to help her make the right decisions. We believe that she understands what it truly means to be confirmed and that the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit will be with her forever.”
“Our son meets all the requirements for the Sacrament of Confirmation. He has many qualities that add to the depth of his character. He is developing a relationship with God. I hope that as he grows up, he knows that he can rely on God.”
“Jenny has a strong faith in God. As a family, we include God in our everyday lives through prayer and Sunday Mass. We pray that she stays strong in her faith and keeps God in her life and will always be active in church.”
“We pray that our son remains open to allowing his piety to grow and strengthen and that the Light he received at Baptism will burn strongly in him and guide him along the way.”
“Please, pray Bishop, that my husband and I continue to guide our teenage children on the right path and set a good example at home and teach them that God is the Light and the only way.”
“We have instilled the importance of faith in our children. Without God, we have nothing. Our son understands the importance of faith and is ready to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. He will keep God close in his life.”
The sincerity of these parents and their commitment to raise their children in the faith are evident in these testimonies. They value the connection between their child’s life and faith in God and between their child and our Church. They understand the importance of religion for their child, and they are intentionally raising their child in the faith. They are a gift to the Church and to their children; they are parents who are making a difference in our world. As their Bishop, I thank them for instilling in their child our Catholic faith.