My daughter's Confirmation...

[ZooMom]

My Brittany is 15...almost 16...and her Confirmation is coming up soon. And I have a favor to ask of you...whoever is willing. Prayers, of course...she is incredible and wonderful, so talented and smart...but she IS a teen and a very private person. She is feeling nervous and stressed about the whole thing, we had a long talk tonight, and she was almost in tears because she said she's suddenly been having all these doubts and feeling like she's not 'ready'. I've never heard her express doubt about her faith before, and it worries me a little, even though I realize that it's perfectly normal to have these doubts and things. So, yes, prayers would be very much appreciated.

This Saturday is the retreat for the Confirmation class, and parents have been asked to provide letters, written by family and friends, to their teen about Confirmation (and to keep them secret from the child...they will be opened at the retreat). What it means to them, what they hope that the candidate will get from theirs, anecdotes regarding their faith, and so on. Well...me and her dad are really the only Catholics close to her that can do this. Our families aren't Catholic, and while my mom has written a letter to her full of love and support...there's no-one else who has a Catholic perspective. It would mean a great deal to me...and to Brittany...if some of you would write a little something to encourage her. You can put it here or PM it to me if you like.

I haven't decided if I will just print out the thread, or cut and paste into individual letters...so please be sure to greet her and introduce yourselves in your posts!

Thank you so much and God bless and keep you!

Sandy

 

[Michie]

Nothing of value to say really ZooMom but Brittany & all of you have my prayers.

 

[ZooMom]

Thank you, Michie! Prayers are much appreciated! You are always in mine.

 

[Michie]

Thank you ZooMom.

 

[MikeK]

Cut and paste - because you might not want her to see this:

Hi Brittany. Your a lucky girl - your mom is a sweetheart and it's clear that she loves you very, very much.

So you're having doubts about joining the Church? I have some advice for you. Don't join the Church if you're not sure. There's no compelling reason that you should do it now if you're not sure. Think about it. Study. Pray. Figure it out. It's a big decision, and not one that you should make to please your teachers or parents or Priest. This is the first in a long line of important decisions you'll be making in the next 10 or so years - take it seriously, and give yourself whatever time you need to work through your doubts.

I look forward to the day that your mom posts that you've been confirmed, whether it's this year or several years down the road.

 

[ZooMom]

Actually Mike...that's very close to what I told her myself. And 'G' rated...I'm so proud of you. Thank you!!! Really.

 

[WarriorAngel]

Dear Brittany,
I was also nervous when I was about to be confirmed.
It was a memorable experience due to my nerves. But I got through it. And cannot be more thankful of that opportunity.

After my nerves settled down.... and Mass ended and I was finally Confirmed, I felt relief.

Being Confirmed was my helper in times of trouble.
God led me back, and He gave me some cherished moments to hold onto.
I hope as you journey in your path that you seek to find the answers in the Church.
Your mom can certainly tell you that I am really into the history of the Church and the early fathers.
It is fascinating to see with my own eyes the Church unfold and develop over time as she grew.

I assume you realise how important Confirmation is, hence your nerves, but that shall pass. Let the Holy Spirit move you and fill you that special day.

I wish I had words of wisdom to share, but truth be told, we are all on this journey called life. And our walk with God will continue onwards for all the days of this life, and prayfully for the whole of eternity.

You are just starting your journey, so if i impart the steps I took to get to this point in my life, it will not have as much meaning to you as your own path will as time unfolds, and mysteries strengthen you. The very mystery of our God... the God of the whole Universe, Who never gave up on us.

Never let go of the ring... [faith] Because their is more gold in Heaven than fills the earth.



God Bless you little one.
WarriorAngel

 

[ZooMom]

Thank you, WA! Bless you.

 

[Miss Shelby]

Brittany,

I hope that my daughters are as mature as you are when they make their Confirmation. It's very impressive that Christ is a priority in your life and that you're taking this so seriously. Too many teens just take stuff like this for granted. It really does speak very strongly to your character. Jesus knows how you're feeling about all of this and he is smiling down on you. Just take it one step at a time, one day at a time, and everything will work out.

Your mom has been talking about you and your sis and brothers for so long, I feel like I know you all. You'll be in our prayers and I am very excited for you.

Michelle

 

[AMDG]

Dear Brittany,

I am so excited and happy for you, and of course my prayers are with you.

As you know, Confirmation is not just "another" passage of being a Catholic. In Confirmation you will receive very special graces--graces that you will need (we all need them) to live in this world. I remember feeling very nervous and not feeling "worthy" at my Confirmation. But you know what I've discovered through the years? None of us are truly "worthy" for such a wonderful gift--we are given it because of love, God loves us; and those graces are very needed in day-to-day life and especially in the "tough" times of life.

May God bless you always and may Our Lady, His mother and ours, cover you with her mantle of protection and hold you in the crossing of her arms.

Welcome, "Soldier of Christ", and know that you are loved.

God Bless!
AMDG

 

[MikeK]

AMDG - I don't think she was feeling "unworthy" - she's feeling "unready" because she has doubts. Two very different things, IMHO. If one has serious doubts, we should not encourage them to just join the Church anyway.

 

[WarriorAngel]

AMDG - I don't think she was feeling "unworthy" - she's feeling "unready" because she has doubts. Two very different things, IMHO. If one has serious doubts, we should not encourage them to just join the Church anyway.

i disagree, simply because a heart that is open to the importance of this sacrament will be more open to the graces....and it will be thru those graces that will remove her doubt.

Because the Lord is the giver of all grace...which is faith.

 

[MikeK]

i disagree, simply because a heart that is open to the importance of this sacrament will be more open to the graces....and it will be thru those graces that will remove her doubt.

Because the Lord is the giver of all grace...which is faith.

Maybe it will - it didn't work for me though.

 

[Epiphanygirl]

Zoomom, how wonderful to having you posting!!

Dearest Brittany,
You don't know me, but I wanted to wish you many blessings and much love as you contemplate your confirmation into the Catholic Faith. May the Lords angels watch over you and guide you through this special devotion to the Lord.
P.S......I adore your mom...even though she's thrown me in the cyber closet a few times

 

[ZooMom]

Thanks, everybody! I love you!

 

[colleen]

Dear Brittany,

I've never met you, but your mom has always had wonderful things to say about you. Right now you are about to take part in a wonderful sacrament in the church. You are probably scared, unsured, and doubting. And, you may even think there is something wrong with you for doubting. There isn't. There are many a saint that has struggled with their faith journey, and I bet they are all praying for you up in heaven.

I want to encourage you to dig deeply into your faith. Ask your priest and parents for more information about what the church teaches. Spend time with Our Lord in adoration. Pray to your confirmation saint. Our faith is a truly beautiful faith, and it is my hope that it fills your life with joy and strength in times of suffering.

I firmly believe that in time working out your doubts will draw you closer to the Lord. Your faith won't be a blind faith, but you will know it in the deepest crevices of you mind, and feel it so strongly in your heart.

If you haven't already I would start talking with St. Thomas. He had to stick his hand in the Lord's wound to believe. I'm sure he can understand where you are coming from, and would be a great advocate for you in heaven.

May God bless you and Mary watch over you,
Colleen

 

[ZooMom]

Bless you, Colleen! Thank you!

 

[colleen]

You're welcome

 

[WordofGod]

My Brittany is 15...almost 16...and her Confirmation is coming up soon. And I have a favor to ask of you...whoever is willing. Prayers, of course...she is incredible and wonderful, so talented and smart...but she IS a teen and a very private person. She is feeling nervous and stressed about the whole thing, we had a long talk tonight, and she was almost in tears because she said she's suddenly been having all these doubts and feeling like she's not 'ready'. I've never heard her express doubt about her faith before, and it worries me a little, even though I realize that it's perfectly normal to have these doubts and things. So, yes, prayers would be very much appreciated.

This Saturday is the retreat for the Confirmation class, and parents have been asked to provide letters, written by family and friends, to their teen about Confirmation (and to keep them secret from the child...they will be opened at the retreat). What it means to them, what they hope that the candidate will get from theirs, anecdotes regarding their faith, and so on. Well...me and her dad are really the only Catholics close to her that can do this. Our families aren't Catholic, and while my mom has written a letter to her full of love and support...there's no-one else who has a Catholic perspective. It would mean a great deal to me...and to Brittany...if some of you would write a little something to encourage her. You can put it here or PM it to me if you like.

I haven't decided if I will just print out the thread, or cut and paste into individual letters...so please be sure to greet her and introduce yourselves in your posts!

Thank you so much and God bless and keep you!

Sandy

Praying for you and your's, ZooMom.

 

[ZooMom]

Thank you all so much! I printed out all your posts for Brittany, and she REALLY appreciated the support and encouragement, and yes, even the frankness. We both also are very grateful for all the prayers.

BTW, she's chosen Anne for her Confirmation name...also happens to be her middle name. She told me after the retreat, and sounded much more certain and peaceful about it all.

Peace be with you!