I’ve stood with five teens for the Sacrament of Confirmation, taking my duties as a sponsor very seriously. Recognizing the gravity and joy of this endeavor, I taught each what I could before their big day. Proudly I stood before the bishop knowing that my confirmandi were prepared to receive the sacramental graces and become adult members of the Roman Catholic Church.
But nothing could prepare me for the following years. I remain in touch with these special young friends. One even shared our home for a year. But familiar with the family background of each girl, I realized my task as a friend and sponsor would not be easy. For each has one thing in common — their parents are not practicing Catholics. Some never even bothered to attend the confirmation ceremony. The teens receive little support at home and their parents place no importance on the development of their child’s faith.
Equipped with catechisms and rosaries they went out into the world, never imagining that a few short years later, only one would remain faithful to the one, holy, Catholic, apostolic Church. To say it deeply saddens me is an understatement. Have I failed in my responsibility with these young souls that were entrusted to me?
As I type, one is studying to recruit members to the Assembly of God Church. Another feels she gets nothing from Mass and has “more fun” at the Baptist church. Two are hit and miss Catholics — attending Mass when they want and choosing to believe what they wish. Only one remains faithful to her Sunday obligation and to the teachings of the Church. One in five-not the best odds.
I see how weak they can be, yet they think they are wise. How flighty and unappreciative they are of this great Church. It surprises me — the frailty of the string that held these teens in our pews. Yes, they have been endowed with graces, but they can’t sustain this faith on their own. They are so very vulnerable, falling prey to whatever new minister enters their life.
We’ve all heard of confirmed teens who abandon their weekly Mass privilege, feeling they are adults and can make their own decisions. Do we see how this hurts them? Do we see how this hurts our Church? How many young Catholics are straying? How many youth do you see every Sunday at Mass? Have you noticed? Many are simply placing importance on other areas of their life or worse, becoming other churches' “new recruits.”
What can we do to further catechize them so they understand the treasure they once had? I’ve tried to answer all the questions. Mass is not supposed to be “fun.” It is a sacrifice. One doesn’t go to “get something out of it” — we are guests partaking in a meal with the Savior. The benefits are reaped by our souls which are unseen. We are not there to be entertained. Rules are set to protect your soul, etc.
They say I am weak because I follow. Where did they lose the concept of a Shepherd leading His sheep? Or did they ever have it? Was confirmation just another rite of passage, another step up the social ladder, another milestone of teen years?
They tell me I don’t need Tradition, confessing to a priest, the pope, the saints, Mary. I can simplify my life and “just have God” without all the restrictive rules. Psst. Not me! I want the fullness of the faith with all seven sacraments. I need the saints and Mary in my life. I am willing to be led by the man who sits in the Chair of Peter. I can not live without Jesus truly present in the Eucharist. I love the Church Jesus Himself founded over 2000 years ago! And I pray someday they will realize the greatness, the true treasure of the Roman Catholic Church.
Colleen Miner, wife and mother of three daughters, lives in Saranac Lake, NY. She is a reporter/photographer for the Diocese of Ogdensburg and active in Pro-Life and Youth Ministry.
