Growing in the Faith Through Community
Dear Friends in Christ,
In 2013, when our oldest son Noah entered the 9th grade, Trina and I were asked if we wished to be Confirmation leaders. We prayed about it to ensure that we could dedicate the time needed and assume the responsibility of guiding these young adults along this part of the journey in their Catholic faith. Over the ten years since that "Yes," we have taken on this role for our four boys, and this year our youngest son Tziyon will be confirmed. It has been a blessed and rewarding journey for us, filled with joys and struggles alike.
We said yes to the call to become Confirmation leaders for our children because we wanted to be actively involved in their spiritual growth and development. As parents, we believe we are responsible for guiding and nurturing our children's faith and personal relationship with God.
One of the greatest joys of being Confirmation leaders is seeing the young adults grow in their faith and their understanding of this most holy sacrament. We have witnessed firsthand their deepening relationship with God and their growing commitment to living out their Catholic faith. In today's world, young people face new struggles and challenges that previous generations did not have to face. From the pervasive influence of social media and technology to the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic, young people today face a wide range of stressors that can take a toll on their mental health and well-being. As Confirmation leaders, we recognize that our children and their peers need their faith now more than ever. We have tried to foster a sense of community and belonging among our group's young people, helping them build relationships with one another and with God. By serving as Confirmation leaders, we have been able to help our children and their peers connect with this sacred tradition and develop the tools they need to face life's challenges with grace and resilience.
We also found joy in being able to share our own faith experiences with our groups. Serving as Confirmation leaders helped us to connect more deeply with our own spiritual practices and to develop a more profound sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. By sharing our conversion stories, our faith experiences, and how God has seen us through our struggles, we reinforced our commitment to the Catholic tradition. We as Confirmation leaders have gained a renewed sense of purpose in our own spiritual journeys through these monthly classes and what these young adults share with us as well.
Overall, serving as Confirmation leaders has been a gratifying and blessed experience. We have learned a great deal about ourselves, our young adult groups, and the Catholic faith, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have served in this capacity.
In peace and blessings,
Jay and Trina Morris