Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
These weekends I miss seeing all of you at or after Mass. The month of May is the busy season for the celebration of confirmation. Most weekends I have two confirmations Masses on Saturday and two on Sunday.
A few people have asked about what is involved with the confirmation Mass. Generally, I spend 2-3 hours reading the letters the students write me. Most of the time they inspre me by sharing what the Lord has done in their life over the past two years, which I incorporate into the homily. Sometimes, they express depression, suicidal ideation, a lack of faith (usually due to the death of a family member or what they are taught in public school). In these cases, I take a picture of the letter and ask that the priest meet with the family to ensure they get the proper help and/or have their doubts clarified. My thought is that if a young adult tells the Church they are thinking of suicide and we don’t respond, it reinforces the idea that their life does not have value.
For a 5:00 p.m. Mass, I usually leave between 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. so that my MC can meet with the servers, we can set up the books, clarify any doubts and start on time. After the Mass, we have time for pictures, followed by a meal with the clergy (and sometimes the team). I am usually home at 9:30 or 10:00 p.m. I am consistently inspired by these celebrations, but if I am slow to respond to your email or call, please be patient. I look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks.
In Christ,
Bishop Tim Freyer
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