Pentecost and Confirmation

I like Pentecost. It is one of my favourite feasts. The power of the Spirit working in people in a dramatic and dynamic way. People empowered to share their love of God with everyone they meet. It is usually around the time of Pentecost that the Sacrament of Confirmation is received by our young people. This year I had the privilege of being involved with the confirmation preparation in one the local parishes. It is a very special moment seeing the young people being confirmed, going up to the front of the cathedral and being struck across the face by the bishop. Something that made the day even more special is when one the young people gave me a thank you card and a bottle of red wine. Who says young people shouldn't touch alcohol? They should, as long as it is being passed on to their Catechist. People giving me bottles of Red wine is an exceedingly good idea and one that I will actively encourage. If you do get the opportunity to meet me then do please hand me a bottle of red.

P.S.
The bishop doesn't actually hit the young person, it's just a little rumour I am spreading and something I like to tell the young person when I am explaining the ceremony. Also, while Red is nice, beer is also good, real ale or lager, not fussy.

P.S.S

What I meant to say was, the church teaches that by the sacrament of Confirmation (the faithful) are more perfectly bound to the church and endowed with the special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence, as true witnesses of Christ, they are more strictly obliged both to spread and to defend the faith by word and deed. (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church para 11). You see Confirmation is a lot like the Pentecost experience of the Apostles.

God Bless.

Mr Peter McGeady