It was a beautiful fall evening as Bishop McFadden, Bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg, made his 4th visit to Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish since his installation in July 2010 to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with our young people. 24 students in the eighth grade received the fullness of the Holy Spirit. During his homily the Bishop emphasized the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit are works that we can perform only with the aid of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the performance of such works is an indication that the Holy Spirit dwells in the Christian believer. The 12 fruits are charity (or love), joy, peace, patience, benignity (or kindness), goodness, longanimity (or long suffering), mildness, faith, modesty, continency, and chastity. Bishop McFadden emphasized that, having completed their Christian Initiation with this Sacrament of Confirmation, God now expects each Christian to bear fruit - and it is the Fruits of the Spirit that evidence our closeness to God.
In his closing remarks, Bishop McFadden remarked how lucky Father Bateman is to be stationed at Saint Andrew Parish. The reason? Because our parish so well evidences fruits - in vocations to the priesthood (our parish has three seminarians: Steven Arena, Joey Barvir & Andrew Hartung) and in several young ladies contemplating the consecrated, religious life. Vocations are evidence of a parish that is alive in the Spirit and bearing fruit.
He also reminded our young people that Confirmation is not a "graduation" from Religious Education. Formation and growth in our Faith is a life-long process. Each of us must continue to grow and learn our Faith, Bishop remarked.
Photos to be posted soon...
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