Dear Youth,

The leadership team and I wish to congratulate you for making it this far in your faith journey as a Catholic! All of your effort toward growing in wisdom, knowledge and in your relationship with Christ has led to this very special moment of our life: the day of your Confirmation. In receiving this Sacrament, you have been sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, receiving special strength and graces that will allow Christ to use you in tremendously new ways if you only allow Him to do so. From this point onward, you are declared a fully-initiated Catholic in the eyes of the Church. So what comes next?

God now sends you forth to share your gifts and talents with the world-- to build up the Kingdom on earth! It all begins right here, right now. You are no longer the “future” of our Church—you are the “now” of the Church— and you should be inspired to take on greater leadership roles in our community. Pray about the many active ministries that need your involve- ment, and let the Holy Spirit guide you! As youth minister, I look forward to helping you continue to grow in faith, community and service as you now transition to St. Thomas Aquinas Life Teen: our faith community for high school teens. Finally, don’t forget that you will always have support from your Church, and the sponsors who have promised to journey with you on the road toward Heaven. Seek Him always. We are cheering for you. In Christ,

Chris Mardesich, Director of Youth & Young Adults