Bishops' Schedules: Schedule of Bishop William H. Bullock Saturday, April 20, 2002 5:15 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Peter Parish, Madison Sunday, April 21, 2002 3:00 p.m. -- Concelebrate at Eucharist of Gratitude, 25th Anniversary of Episcopal Ordination and Service, Archbishop Rembert Weakland, Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee Monday, April 22, 2002 6:00 p.m. -- Attend Social and Dinner, Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Lourdes Fourth Degree Assembly #1210, Berlin Thursday, April 25, 2002 10:00 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Oaklawn Academy, Edgerton 3:00 p.m. -- Preside at Midday Prayer for Vocations, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Schedule of Bishop George O. Wirz Thursday, April 18, 2002 11:00 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Madison Diocesan Association of the National Catholic Society of Foresters, followed by Spring Luncheon and Meeting, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Sunday, April 21, 2002 3:00 p.m. -- Concelebrate at Eucharist of Gratitude, 25th Anniversary of Episcopal Ordination and Service, Archbishop Rembert Weakland, Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee Wednesday, April 24, 2002 7:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Mary Parish, Bloomington, with St. John Parish, Patch Grove, at St. Mary Parish, Bloomington Thursday, April 25, 2002 3:00 p.m. -- Attend Midday Prayer for Vocations, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison

Let the Confirmations begin

		The Bishop: A Herald of Faith Bishop William H. Bullock

About a month or two ago, the Winter Olympics began in Salt Lake City, Utah, with the words "Let the games begin."

These words inaugurated the Olympic games amid the tightest security in the history of Olympic competition.

Shortly after Easter Sunday, Bishop Wirz and I heard the call of the Church, "Let the Confirmations begin." And so they have.

We travel short and long distances to celebrate the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Confirmation. The young people who receive the Sacrament usually have a three-part preparation: instruction, retreat, and service projects.

"These young people need our prayers, our guidance and reassurances that love is stronger than hate, that life is stronger than death, that right triumphs over wrong, and that most people are decent and want what is right."

A reluctant beginning

Most frequently the confirmands are from upper high school years, juniors and seniors. As you may well expect, their presence at Confirmation probably began with an attitude that "this is an expectation of my parents and the Church so I had better go along with it."

However, it does not usually turn out that way. What began with some reluctance becomes a special moment of grace and spiritual growth, a new and deeper appreciation of their faith journey. The key turning point is usually the retreat.

Writing letters

The confirmands are requested to write a letter to the confirming Bishop requesting Confirmation and why they would like to be confirmed. Frequently in those letters I read, "It was slow in the beginning but our retreat together, our classes together, helped me understand, and I am happy to ask you to confirm me," or "I want to be a Catholic and live my life in the Church."

"Let the Confirmations begin." It's a major work of Bishops each year to meet the demanding schedules. It's also a major work of Pastors, Directors of Religious Education, Religious Education Coordinators, Catechists, Parents, and Liturgy and Music Directors. They do it with full heart.

Prayer partners

One additional element of preparation and celebration is what is popularly called "prayer partners," one or two persons praying for the confirmands and making sacrifices for them. It's a beautiful sign in a parish community that the class is integrated in the mission and work of the parish and supported by prayer partners and parents.

I ask your prayers

This week, as I prepare my column, I wish to enlist your prayers for Bishop Wirz and me, for those preparing for Confirmation, and their families. These are turbulent times and prayer is needed.

Our young people are still shocked by September 11th and the continuing uneasiness about terrorism, the sexual abuse of minors by some priests, the war in Afghan-istan, and the conflicts and bombings in Israel and Palestine, to mention but a few.

These young people need our prayers, our guidance and reassurances that love is stronger than hate, that life is stronger than death, that right triumphs over wrong, and that most people are decent and want what is right.

Special thanks

Finally, I wish to acknowledge with deep gratitude the ministry of all who work with our young people.

I trust they will be present to them in difficult growth times, that they will share the teachings of the Church in unaltered ways, and what they themselves have experienced on their faith journey. I thank all of you for your prayers, support, and sacrifices.