For the past couple of years, my two eldest have wanted to be confirmed.  After hearing our pastor say that our parish’s first Confirmation would take place on December 17, Bernadette told my father-in-law that she would be confirmed in December.  I told her that she would need to wait a couple more years.  She was upset and shared, among other things, that she needed to be confirmed, so that she could be a soldier of Christ and defend the Faith.  I signed her and her sister up for our parish’s Confirmation class.

The Processional

Each Friday, since September, Catherine and Bernadette have been going to a Confirmation class taught by our pastor and completing Baltimore Catechism lessons at home.  On December 11, our pastor gave them an oral exam.  On Wednesday, December 16, they spent the evening at our parish, eating dinner, attending their first evening of recollection, assisting at Mass and Benediction, and participating in the rehearsal.  They arrived home very excited about their Confirmation.

Grandpa and his Granddaughters

Last night, my father-in-law drove 3 hours to meet us at our house and go to his granddaughters’ Confirmation.  Bernadette’s godparents were both present (her godmother made an incredible effort to come), and so were Finnian’s and Elizabeth’s godparents.  It was the first Tridentine Rite Confirmation in the Archdiocese of Seattle in over 40 years.

Bernadette with her Sponsor and Godmother, Maria

Catherine with her Sponsor, Elena

Bernadette with her Godparents

Bernadette with her Godfather and his Wife

(The first time that I met Sarah, I told my husband,

“Sarah and Jeff would make a great couple.”

The rest is history.)

2009 North American Martyrs Confirmandi