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From: Mary Zimmerman
Winona
Last time we spoke on baptism, today on confirmation. I know we skipped a couple of sacraments but I hope to get back to them later.
Today I attended Mass at the Cathedral where 57 young people took the leap of faith and asked to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. What a grace-filled day. It seems such a big deal is made about confirmation nowadays and rightfully so. All the candidates had to write Bishop Quinn a letter sharing with him why they wanted to receive this sacrament. They were asked to do some community service, attended a retreat, etc.
I was ever so proud that my great-grandson Ian was among those receiving confirmation. My dear son Gene was his sponsor. Thank you Holy Spirit.
Let’s all pray that these young people will always walk the path that will lead them to their heavenly home. The path is dark these days and many evil predators lay waiting for these young souls. They need us mature adults to shine our light (our example and prayer) for them to find their way. Parents and sponsors don’t forget your obligation to these young people. We as grandparents also have that responsibility. Perhaps we have a bit more time to focus on life and recognize the dangers, then prayerfully be reminded of the gifts the Holy Spirit has bestowed upon these young people. We hope and pray they will continually be unwrapping and using these gifts. Surely that will lead them to the ultimate gift of heaven, God has graciously prepared for those who have used these gifts and their talents well. God has given us all some talents, in fact a variety of them. It’s best everyone doesn’t feel called to be a truck or UPS driver, railroad workers or secretary, etc.
It seems my vocation for a long time was just motherhood (what a special gift) and still is. But our role changes as we get older, to just love and pray (and a lot of it). Let go and let God. Still every day I ask myself how can I show love for my children, love and kindness are contagious, you know, and the effects can ripple to the far corners of the world, perhaps ending wars and closing prison doors.
Today we also celebrated Ascension Day. After the resurrection Jesus spent 40 days tying up loose ends (I think I’d need 40 years). The Apostles looked heavenward nervously wondering how they’d ever get along without their master. He had already instituted the Holy Eucharist (His body and blood) to leave us and promised to send the Paraclete (Holy Spirit), plus Jesus will come again. For now I must leave to take my place at the right hand of my Father, so go on get busy, do your work, focus ahead. I’m going to prepare a place for you so that where I am you may be also.
Let’s all keep our focus (ponder) on Rom 5:5
God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
Thus ended a beautiful day in the presence of our dear Bishop Quinn, priests, deacons and seminarians. We all must have felt that “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.”
P.S. June 4, is my husband Jim’s birthday and our 60th wedding anniversary which we will be celebrating June 10, starting with 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Church, 1303 West Broadway, Winona.
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