Angie Mc
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Confirmation
By Devin Mc (age 13)
January 21, 2006
On January 11, 2006 I was confirmed with my younger brother, Aiden, and ninety-four fellow confirmandi ranging in age from third grade to college. We were confirmed by Fr. Tim D., Vicar for the Bishop of the Phoenix Diocese, Thomas J. Olmstead. The ceremony was held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Tempe, Arizona. Aiden chose St. Anthony of Padua as his confirmation name and I chose St. Therese of Lisieux. My sponsor is our Aunt Sharon. and Aiden’s sponsor is our Uncle Dean.
When the time came for us to depart from our home after a flurry of photos, last minute touch-ups, and making sandwiches, my two brothers, my Father, and I piled into our white Honda and headed out to the church. My mother, baby brother, and grandparents, met us later. The thirty minute drive was uneventful. We ate, talked, and Aiden got to sit in the front seat which was important to him.
We arrived at the church around 5:45 p.m. Everyone was to be seated at 6:45 p.m. and the Mass was to start at 7:00 p.m. Upon going into the social hall we asked if there was anything we could do to help set up. The answer was, "No," even though the lady who told us looked busy and in need of help to me. We walked back outside and I said, "Hello," to a friend of mine, Sarah, whose arms were full of a massive sheet cake. Hugs had to wait for later. Dad called me over and wiled some time away by taking more photos of three of his beautiful children. This was not an easy feat with Aiden and Ian in the mix. They always like to pose in silly ways.
Sarah came out of the church and we started talking. She asked me if I could put her book in my bag so she wouldn't have to lug it around. I put the book in my bag, but told her she would forget it, which, in the end, she did. Then sisters Jess and Amanda showed up and we walked over to the bathrooms staying in the bathrooms chatting, longer than we needed to I daresay. Then Jess and Amanda had to go help set up.
Sarah and I walked up and down the church courtyard and talked. I don't remember all that we talked about. We did talk about how we both wanted to see Pride and Prejudice in theatres. We decided that we should see it together sometime. Then, as we walked by a bench dedicated to someone who was, I think, deceased, Sarah mentioned that she always thought it was strange that benches were dedicated to people. I agreed and furthered that I didn't really like to sit on a bench like that. That turned into also trying not to step on the plaques in the sidewalk that were dedicated to people, many deceased. It was kind of odd we both had these views on benches and it made for interesting conversation. Of course, we both agreed, if someone wanted to dedicate a monument or statue to us, that would be just fine.
Next, Eileen arrived and we went back to the bathrooms because she had to get changed. Jess and Amanda were done setting up so they came with us too. Then we went over to the church to find seats. After seats were found, someone guarded mine and I went back outside with Sarah to help her look for her sponsor. While I was outside my Mom, baby brother and grandparents arrived. I said, "Hello," and introduced Jess to my grandparents. I'm not sure where Sarah went to. I told my Grandma, who was going to be sitting with me as my sponsor stand-in, that I would return in a minute. I went to greet Megan, another friend who had just arrived. I went inside the church and stayed there except for when five of us went on one more trek to the bathroom. After our return I stayed in my seat.
The ceremony started at seven o'clock prompt. It followed the regular course of the Mass right up to the homily. When Father finished reading a letter to the confirmandi, written by Bishop Olmstead, he had the confirmandi stand up and renew our baptismal vows.
I was in the fourth row to be confirmed. When it was my row's turn, I walked toward the altar, eyes straight ahead. I can't remember exactly what was running through my head at that time. I folded my hands and was squeezed them harder than normal. Ahead of me I saw my comrades being confirmed. Just ahead was Jess and Eileen. One row before me was Mary. I was silent. No words needed to be thought or said at that time. I was deep within myself. Then, it almost surprised me, I stood on the altar. I felt the gentle pressure of Grandma's hand on my shoulder. Father said, "Therese, be confirmed in the Holy Spirit," and marked my head with scented oil. With confidence and great fulfillment, I said, "Amen!" and shook Father's hand. His face was smiling. I then walked down the aisle to my seat as if in a dream. I had never felt so...peaceful. I hadn't a care in the world. I felt like I could run 'round the world without stopping for breath. I sat down in my seat. Jess leaned over and squeezed my hand, "Congratulations!" she whispered. I smiled and whispered back the same. Grandma squeezed my hand and we sat hand in hand for a while.
It didn’t take long for the rest of the confirmations to take place. I watched familiar faces fill with a sudden light. Afterwards, we received Communion and sang a rousing song, Come Holy Spirit, for the conclusion. It was an incredibly up-lifting ceremony.
Afterwards was a big and noisy bustle, the bustle of people filled with the Holy Spirit! We were all in good humor. In front of the altar we took more pictures. This time they were taken in front of the altar. Besides taking pictures, we also talked to friends. I think I said "Congratulations!" more than twenty times.
I left my parents talking to Mrs. Ryan, while my brothers, the Ryan kids and I got in line for cake. The cake line took a while, but I hardly noticed because I was surrounded by friends. After a long wait I finally did get to the cake, but I ended up not eating it at all because I was too busy with friends. Water sounded good by that time. After I drank my water, I made a beeline over to my saved seat, per Jess, Megan and Eileen, and then a couple more pictures were taken to top off the evening.
The four of us stayed at the table chatting until Jess and Megan left to get something and Eileen and I went outside to sit on the bleachers. Eileen sat on my long skirt, like a blanket. We met for the first time, Devin, a guy, and Isabella K., two fellow confirmandi. They were homeschoolers also, but aren't in the SHHE group. Jess and Megan came out and we introduced Megan to Devin and Isabella. We said our good-byes to Jess. Eventually only Megan and I sat outside. We talked, laughed, observed moonwalking (don't ask) and laughed some more.
At around 10:00 p.m. we headed home. Mom, Grandma, John Paul and I went in the van, and Dad, Grandpa, Aiden and Ian went in the car. The drive home was uneventful and full of rehashing the evening. Once at home we opened our confirmation gifts. I received a beautiful St. Therese rosary, St. Therese watch, necklace, and pin. Aiden also received a Celtic rosary, St. Anthony watch, necklace, and a Narnia keychain. We went to bed after a long and rewarding day.
Reflecting back on my confirmation night a week later, from the moment I set foot out of the car when we arrived at the church, everything went beautifully. There were no wardrobe problems, no injuries, no hurt feelings, and all the hard work put into the event looked effortless. On a deeper level, the Mass and Confirmation were amazing, moving, and fulfilling spiritually and emotionally. It was indescribable and mysterious. Confirmation did and will continue doing more for me than I can ever know. The concluding song was a perfect send off. The song was loud, energizing and fast. "Come Holy Spirit, let the fire fall!" The Holy Spirit came! Now, we the newly confirmed, are ready for spiritual battle. We, the reinforcements, are here. We are ready.
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Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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Topic: Confirmation!
