Not even a global pandemic can stop the Holy Spirit from descending upon young people who have been preparing for their confirmation.
Fr. Thomas von Behren was helped by Associates Paul Hartz, Romeo Perez and Anthony Gugino.
That was the case over the weekend, when six confirmation services — with only 10 students and their families at each one — took place at St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas.
After nearly two years of classes, service projects, retreats, Taizé prayer services, and becoming actively engaged in the life of the parish community, these high school teens formally received the third sacrament of initiation into the Catholic Church.
Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, presided at two of the services, while Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, Pastor, presided at the other four.
“I have called you by name.”
“The moment of confirmation was sacred,” said Fr. von Behren, President of nearby Cristo Rey St. Viator College Prep. “With such small groups, the individual felt special and engaged with the presider.”
At his two services, Fr. von Behren stressed the importance of their confirmation name, which indicated that something new was happening in their life.
Fr. Bill Haesaert and Associate Rosy Hartz prepared students for confirmation.
“Take advantage of that call to become something new”he said, “and share your favorite gift of the Holy Spirit with the world.”
While students described their favorite gifts of the Holy Spirit, Fr. von Behren focused on these three: wisdom, understanding and courage.
“These are gifts so badly needed in our world today,” Fr. von Behren said, “especially given the challenges we face in 2020.”