Sacred Milestones: Embracing Confirmation and Family Legacy at Saint John's

This morning marked a significant milestone in my spiritual journey as I walked through the doors of Saint John's Roman Catholic Church—a candidate for Confirmation, humbled by my past imperfections yet filled with hope for the transformation that awaited me. The anticipation mingled with nervous excitement as I reunited with the familiar sanctuary that had been my spiritual refuge.

It was a poignant return, reminiscent of the day, March 17th, when the announcement of the suspension of Public Mass cast a shadow over our community. Since then, the pews had remained empty, and the hallowed halls echoed with a solemn silence. Yet, as I stepped into the church once more, I was greeted by the warmth of familiar faces—my RCIA Instructor, dear friends from Daily Mass, and the reassuring presence of my Confirmation Sponsor.

As the ceremony unfolded, a sense of calm enveloped me, even as a trace of nervousness lingered in the air. Standing before the altar, I reaffirmed my baptismal vows, declaring my earnest desire to embrace the fullness of faith within the Catholic Church. With reverence and determination, I spoke the solemn responses, marking the culmination of my Confirmation journey.

The moment was made even more sacred as I approached the altar to receive the holy Eucharist—a sacramental embrace that I had yearned for, especially after months of separation due to the pandemic. In that sacred communion, I felt the presence of God's love washing over me, cleansing my spirit and renewing my faith.

I am profoundly grateful for the loving and supportive community that surrounds me—a parish that has embraced me with open arms and guided me on this transformative journey. As I reflect on this momentous occasion, I am reminded of the rich tapestry of faith that binds my family to Saint John's throughout generations.

It is a legacy that spans over a century, marked by sacred milestones—marriages, baptisms, confirmations—each intertwined with the history of our beloved parish. Today, I am honored to add my name to this storied lineage, as I, Anthony Reno Joseph "John Paul" Moran, receive Confirmation and First Communion at Saint John's—a testament to the enduring legacy of faith that continues to thrive within our parish walls.

As I embrace this new chapter of my spiritual journey, I am filled with gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon me and a deep sense of reverence for the sacred traditions that bind us together as a community of believers. With faith as my guide and love as my compass, I look forward to the continued grace-filled journey that lies ahead.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

In My Love, Abide: Another Weekend at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center

Image
Dear Friends, This weekend, I had the opportunity to “come, and rest awhile” at the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford for my second themed retreat, titled In My Love, Abide . This theme is inspired by the Gospel of John, where Jesus says, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love” (John 15:9). I arrived Friday night a bit later than planned, as I had to stay at work a little longer than expected. Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by Ted, the retreat center’s registrar, who handed me my room assignment, which turned out to be the same as last year’s. This retreat was particularly special because I was joined by my brother Nicholas, who was attending for the first time. We started the evening with a delicious dinner, a wonderful way to begin our retreat experience. After dinner, we gathered in the main conference room for the introductory session, where the retreat team introduced them...
Read more

My Vocations Journey: First Steps

Image
Dear Readers, I am excited to share a significant update on my journey of faith. For some time now, I have felt a calling from the Lord to discern the priesthood in His Holy Church. After much encouragement from Fr. Juan, our newest Parochial Vicar, I reached out to the Diocese of Norwich to take the next steps in this discernment process. The journey has not been without its challenges, particularly with recent transitions in the vocations office staff. However, I was finally able to connect with the Diocese's new Vocations Director, Fr. Jeffrey R. Ellis. Until recently, Fr. Ellis served as the Parochial Vicar at St. Michael Parish in Pawcatuck, which is also the home parish of my late Parochial Vicar, Fr. George Richards. Fr. Ellis and I met for dinner at a local diner, where we had an in-depth conversation about my call to the priesthood, my family background, and various aspects of the vocations journey. He recommended a podcast to help deepen my understanding and suggested ...
Read more

Embracing Grace: A Year of Spiritual Awakening and Growth

Image
As the golden hues of autumn grace the world, marking the passage of time, I find myself on the cusp of a significant milestone in my spiritual journey. Just a few months ago, in the radiant glow of May, I embraced the sacrament of confirmation, a profound moment of commitment and devotion. And now, as the crisp air of October fills my lungs, I am poised to celebrate a year since I embarked on a transformative path—the path of attending Daily Mass. It was on the auspicious day of October 21, 2020, that I took my first steps into the hallowed sanctuary, drawn by a yearning to deepen my faith and commune with the divine. Little did I know that this simple act of attendance would blossom into a profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual enrichment. Just two days later, on October 23rd, I officially embarked on the sacred voyage of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), a formal initiation into the Catholic faith. As I reflect upon the passage of time, I am filled with a...
Read more