Posted October 7, 2010 Book: Together in the Spirit: Celebrating & Living the Sacrament of Confirmation Author: Robert F. Morneau Ave Maria Press. Notre Dame, IN. 2010. Pp. 80 An Excerpt from the Preface: You will find in this booklet a series of tools to help you prepare spiritually for and celebrate deeply the Sacrament of Confirmation: – Concise answers to common questions about confirmation – An outline of the Rite of Confirmation and what it teaches us about living our Catholic faith – Spiritual commentaries on the Bible readings called for in the rite – Stories of saints whose lives exemplify the gifts of the Holy Spirit – Letters written by confirmation candidates that reveal deep faith and heartfelt conviction – Poems and song lyrics that reflect the experience of God’s gracious Spirit. An Excerpt from the Book: Joel 2:23a, 26-27a And do you, O children of Zion, exult and rejoice in the Lord our God! . . . You shall eat and be filled, and shall praise the name of the Lord your God, Because he has dealt wondrously with you; my people shall nevermore be put to shame. And you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel; I am the Lord your God, and there is no other, my people shall nevermore be put to shame. Reflect and Pray We can be put to shame when we know the right path but instead choose the wrong one. The Holy Spirit permeates the world, and in Confirmation, we open our hearts and minds so that the Spirit fills us with the power of God. The Holy Spirit can seem an awesome presence or can be a tiny voice, gently whispering in our ear what is right and just. As St. James wrote in his New Testament letter, “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” 1. Before making an important decision, do I say a quick prayer for guidance from the Holy Spirit? 2. Am I able to see the effects of God working in my life? In what ways? 3. When something good happens to me, is it a coincidence, my own effort, or a blessing from God? Forgiving God, You always love us, even when we stray or turn away from what is good. Help me to believe that in you alone is my hope and my satisfaction. Grant that I may always know that you are with me, especially in my darkest moments. Amen