By Ken Canedo

This time of year is overflowing with excitement: spring, farmers' markets, baseball (yay!), picnics, weddings, proms, graduations, and CONFIRMATION. My parish, Holy Trinity Church in Beaverton, Oregon, just celebrated the sacrament a few weeks ago. I was proud to help present 40 candidates (34 teens and 6 adults) to Archbishop John Vlazny, in the presence of family, friends and parishioners. Here are some of my reflections on this milestone in the lives of our Confirmandi, based on some key phrases from the ritual.

THIS IS OUR FAITH. THIS IS THE FAITH OF THE CHURCH. WE ARE PROUD TO PROFESS IT IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD. AMEN.

One of the most delightful and rewarding things I do as a youth minister is to be involved with high school teens in Confirmation formation. As coordinator of my parish program, I inform the candidates and parents from the start that this is NOT "Catholicism 101," i.e., a scholarly analysis of the tenets of the Church. Although we do use the Catechism of the Catholic Church as a source, I view Confirmation as a journey of faith to help the candidates walk toward fully initiated membership in the Body of Christ.

The key for me is allowing the candidates to take "ownership" of their faith. Baptized as infants and formed in childhood spirituality, Confirmation is the time for a young adult to take a step up in grace. It's time to believe because one WANTS to believe!

SEND YOUR HOLY SPIRIT UPON THEM TO BE THEIR HELPER AND GUIDE.

Young people need guidance. They seek role models and find them in their families and schools, in their friends and, with mixed results, in the media. The greatest mentor they can have is the Holy Spirit, if only they could learn more and be open to what the Spirit can bring to their lives. I try to lead young people to the Spirit, through a deeper prayer experience and through their increased role in the parish by way of liturgical ministries and community service. But I can only point the way. The candidates must make their own decision to allow the Holy Spirit to be an integral part of their lives. When the Holy Spirit Comes surprising and wonderful things can happen!

BE SEALED WITH THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Once they make that decision, the Spirit bestows upon the candidates several gifts that will help them in times of crisis, in times of temptation and challenge, and in the ordinary circumstances of their lives. The gifts of the Holy Spirit include the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, and the spirit of wonder and awe in God's presence. This all sounds so theoretical but if a confirmed young person truly believes, the Holy Spirit will give them a power and strength that will help them come out of themselves and see them through any obstacle. Again, one needs to believe!

PEACE BE WITH YOU.

I think it's very profound for a young Catholic to stand before the bishop in the presence of family and friends, who represent the universal church, and say "Amen." In return, the bishop gives the simple Easter greeting of Christ: "Peace be with you." In this day and age, with so much war and turmoil in the world, so much uncertainty, so much confusion about what is right and wrong, so much peer pressure, Christ promises PEACE, the deep inner peace that comes from finding one's genuine self, where the Holy Spirit dwells. Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; peace in all you do . . ."

Whether it is celebrated in high school, middle school or even, as in some dioceses, in third grade, Confirmation is a wonderful gift, a tangible moment of grace, a positive affirmation as a young person becomes a fully initiated Catholic, with all the responsibility that role entails. More than just a "rite of passage," Confirmation, when properly bestowed in an engaging and meaningful way, can be a turning point in one's spiritual journey. I pray that all young Catholics will avail themselves of the opportunity to receive this vital sacrament. Contrary to popular perception, Confirmation is not the end of religious formation. Rather, it is the beginning of a lifetime of commitment to Christ, with all the wonder, joy and surprise that a life in the Spirit can bring.