May Hope Spread
Confirmation students praying with praise and worship music during the retreat
I am grateful for the opportunity to share this first Sunday of Advent with you as we light our first purple candle representing hope. It feels especially appropriate to reflect on hope as we approach the end of the Jubilee Year of Hope that began almost a year ago.
In the decree issued by Pope Francis to mark the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Hope, he concluded with the following: “Through our witness, may hope spread to all those who anxiously seek it. May the way we live our lives say to them in so many words: ‘Hope in the Lord! Hold firm, take heart and hope in the Lord!’ (Ps 27:14). May the power of hope fill our days, as we await with confidence the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and glory, now and forever.”
Confirmation Leaders and Youth Leaders
The Lord has graciously filled my days with hope this past year, specifically through the powerful witness of many of our youth! Young people have stepped up to accompany others as peer leaders, to apply for leadership opportunities within our Diocese, and to step out of their comfort zones by trying new things and entering into a deeper relationship with Christ. We have seen young people joyfully serving with others at Channel One. We watch teens helping younger kids during Mass at Children’s Liturgy of the Word and then mentoring them on Wednesdays during family nights. Several students had the desire and courage to start a Students for Life group at their high school. Kids have asked for Bible studies and haven giving their testimonies at the All-Saints Club. All are examples of our young people being renewed in hope, as Pope Francis and the Church intended, and sharing that hope with those around them.
Our Year II Confirmation candidates had the opportunity to go on a retreat earlier this month. A senior, Isabel, shares what being a leader on the retreat meant to her:
“Being a peer leader at the confirmation retreat was an incredible experience. Sharing my testimony was such a great opportunity, not only to see my faith grow but the students’ as well. It was inspiring seeing them open up in our small group discussions and share what they truly thought. I was able to witness firsthand how God worked in each of them, guiding their questions and deepening their understanding of faith. It was inspiring to be a part of their spiritual growth.”
Please join me in a prayer of gratitude and thanksgiving for the hope the young people of our parish bring to us, our community, and world.
Father Bob Horihan offers a homily at the Confirmation Retreat