By Matthew V.
Confirmation is the sacrament that says ‘Yes, it’s true,’ to one’s faith. Western Christians are usually baptized as young children and are confirmed at age 12 or later. This year, Family Foundation School Catholics shared their confirmation with the congregation at St. Paul the Apostle church in Hancock.
Kelia Mason, Shannon Miller, Shane O’Brian, Gary Resti, and Anthony Seely joined The Family School students being confirmed: Larissa A., Brian O., Raven S., Nathan S., Matthew V., and Matthew W. Brian’s sister, Casandra, joined the group as well. The confirmation class was glad they were able to spend the day together; however, this was not the first time they met.
The Monday prior to confirmation, the group got together for a pilgrimage to a Jesuit Martyr Shrine in Aurisville and a Shrine of Blessed Kateri Tekowitha. The Martyrs of Aurisville were the first North American Martyrs. Kateri Tekowitha is known as the Lily of the Mohawks. She was baptized by a Jesuit missionary and was eventually exiled from her village because of her faith.
On their return to Hancock, the group stopped at St. Paul the Apostle church in Hancock to rehearse for confirmation. Afterwards they enjoyed pizza and ice cream at Father Rausch Hall next door.
The following Thursday, Confirmation Day, Father Stephen and Father Chris Welsh from Hancock Assisted Bishop Howard Hubbard of the Albany Diocese in the service.
“Confirmation is one of the highlights of the year, seeing these young people affirm their Catholic faith,” said Father Chris.
“It is great to finally be confirmed,” said Shane O’Brian, one of the confirmation students from Hancock. Not only did the students find the Mass to be special, the congregation did too. “During the Mass I could feel the love flowing into me,” said Ross A., a guest from FFS.
