This morning five young people received the Sacrament of Confirmation. We were especially honored to have Bishop Larry Silva perform the ceremony. Our new Youth Choir sang for this special day under the direction of Kainoa Fukumoto. It was a packed crowd with powerful music…but, as Bishop Larry stressed in his homily it IS a time for all of us to be aware of Jesus, risen and active in each of our lives. And as I observe, we are doing just that in a big way.

We are a country parish where people know each other and welcome those who come to visit. We are top notch at pot lucks, “talking story” after Mass, raising $$ for World Youth Day, pilgrimages to Molokai, and “our” school. We step forth to feed the hungry, teach RCIA and little ones on Sunday mornings, or clean up after functions (and our hall is well used). We are active in our Finance Committees, Adult Faith Formation, and SMAPPY (Sts. Michael and Peter & Paul Youth), Parish Councils, and School Boards. We take teenagers on Confirmation retreats, reach out to our elderly and aged, support each other in times of bereavement, and rejoice with our newly baptized, confirmed, and First Communicants. We are ONE parish, ONE people, and we worship Our Risen Lord as ONE. Jesus is ALIVE right here and now. Where Jesus is there also is the Father and the Spirit. We ARE the Face of God to each other, to all others.

Thanks, Bishop Larry, for reminding not only the newly confirmed, but all of us, that “Jesus is doing” through us. May the Fire of the Spirit burn brightly in our hearts, our homes, and our parish!

Tags: News, Reflection