The Office of Faith Events’ Virtual Confirmation Preparation Program was a success and has a message for us all: There is new life in the Diocese of Norwich! This inspirational program brought adults of all ages together as they prepared to receive sacraments at the Easter Vigil at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. Please pray for all participants as they continue to prepare their hearts. You have the privilege of getting to know a couple of the participants right here.
Narda is a UConn student studying social work. Her faith journey was catalyzed at a young age by her father’s journey. Attending church was her father’s idea. It took time for it to grow on her. The people at her church made her feel welcome. Before she knew it, the other boys and girls at church were like her brothers and sisters. This community brought her on pilgrimage to the Dominican Republic, Israel and Egypt, and she will travel with these friends to the upcoming World Youth Day in Portugal.
Billy, a 29-year-old attorney in the Marine Corps, was hoping to receive the sacrament of confirmation after life got busy in high school and he wasn’t able to follow through at the time. His parents have always wanted him to live out the faith his family gave him. His journey of faith began in childhood but, over the past year, he’s been going to Mass more often, reigniting his interest in Catholicism.
Billy is glad he discovered the Virtual Confirmation Program. He found the weekly meetings relaxing and rejuvenating — and he even took notes. Notably (pun intended), he expresses that he wouldn’t have taken it so seriously as to take notes if he had participated as a 16-year-old. This was the right time for him. "I learned a lot I didn’t know before,” he said. “The classes were good, and I’m super happy I did it.”
Billy said the program has already made an impact on his life. He hopes to continue to go to Mass regularly and truly seeks to understand what’s going on during Mass. Between asking loved ones questions about their faith and doing his own research, Billy continues to dive deeper into his Catholic faith.
“The Catholic Church has taught me so much that other denominations haven’t,” Narda said. Accepting her cross has really helped her to be a Catholic.
“I’ve learned to accept my cross and carry it the way Jesus has carried His,” she said. She joined the Office of Faith Events’ Virtual Confirmation Program because she needed to receive the sacrament of confirmation. She is glad she did.
“The confirmation classes really taught me more about what being Catholic means,” Narda said. “Confirmation is just to confirm everything about your faith, and it’s helped me take my faith more seriously.” Narda encourages all adults to complete their sacraments of initiation.
By Morgan Martens