For 120 adults, a Confirmation of faith

By Christina Leslie
Correspondent

Coinciding with the Feast of Christ the King, 120 adults completed their initiation into the Catholic faith Nov. 23 in St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, Metuchen.

Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski presided over the Sacrament of Confirmation for worshipers hailing from 52 parishes throughout the diocese and nearly as many cultural backgrounds.

As the incense used during the procession spiraled up to the ceiling of the cathedral, the brass, organ and Diocesan Festival Choir professed musically that we are "One Spirit, One Church." Filling the pews were friends and relatives of the confirmandi, who gave up many months of free time to study, pray and grow in their faith on the journey toward this day.

Confirmation is the third and final step in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, following Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. Sara Sharlow, diocesan RCIA coordinator, rejoiced at the multi-cultural aspect of this year’s group. The diocese’s newest Catholics were a true cross-section of the area’s population; Portuguese, Polish, Korean and Hispanic individuals were all represented at the Mass.

"Although each prepared for the Sacrament in their own language, they come together to receive the Sacrament as one Church," Sharlow explained. "It is a wonderful witness to the universality of our faith . . . Sitting in the church, you could just feel God’s presence and God’s healing grace cutting across all barriers."

In his homily, Bishop Bootkoski drew a parallel between the Feast of Christ the King and the adult Confirmation Mass. Jesus stated that his kingdom was here at hand, the bishop said, and he did not rule using force or armies but through justice, peace and love. Christ and the prophets were anointed by the chrism of salvation, much the same as the confirmandi would be anointed by chrism today as they entered into the Church as fully initiated adults, Bishop Bootkoski added.

The bishop requested that all congregants join in prayer with the newly confirmed and ask, "What is my role in proclaiming the Kingdom of God today?" The bishop also urged worshipers to testify through prayer, study and service alongside the newly confirmed, and asked that they be prepared to walk the journey of faith with these men and women.

As the Diocesan Festival Choir, under the direction of Thomas DeLessio, sang, the confirmandi slowly filed up to the bishop to receive the blessing with Holy Chrism. Their sponsors stood behind them and placed a hand on their shoulders to show support for their journey thus far.

Scripture readings, intercessions, and songs were read and sung in multiple languages, again asserting that these Catholics are a diverse group that is united through common beliefs.

The Mass concluded with a procession of clergy, confirmandi and sponsors, and as the congregation filed out, all were touched by the Spirit and the love of God manifested by those present.