DOUGLASTON — A thunderous round of applause filled the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston as Bishop Robert Brennan concluded his opening remarks at the Diocese of Brooklyn’s high school confirmation Mass.
Candidates, sponsors, and loved ones filled the chapel for a standing-room-only Mass as 72 students from high schools across the Diocese of Brooklyn were sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Father Joseph Gibino, vicar for evangelization and catechesis in the diocese, said the annual celebration reflects what he described as a growing spiritual interest among young people.
“There’s really been a resurgence among young adults and youth interest in the faith,” he said. “They’re searching for the truth … for meaning.”
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Father Gibino said the diocese’s confirmation preparation focuses not only on religious instruction, but also on helping students grow spiritually, intellectually, and socially while encouraging them to live out the Church’s mission through service to others.
That sense of community was especially visible among a group of students from Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School in East Elmhurst, several of whom chose close friends and peers — rather than family members — to serve as their confirmation sponsors.
Brothers Thomas and James Carden chose their best friends and classmates as sponsors to help guide them on their spiritual journeys.
“It’s almost like an honor to step up and become an adult in your Catholic faith,” James said. “It’s a good feeling knowing that I’ll have more responsibilities and more commitment to my faith.”
His best friend Adam Briggeler served as his sponsor during the Mass.
“It’s definitely an honor to be chosen, especially by somebody so close to me,” Adam said. “I’m supposed to be his guide.”
Blair Morris, a freshman at Monsignor McClancy, said receiving the sacrament marked an important step in deepening the faith she was raised in.
“I want to grow closer to God and become a more active participant in my faith,” said Blair, who chose St. Brigid as her confirmation name in honor of her Irish heritage.
Her aunt and godmother, Jaclyn Fitzsimmons, served as her sponsor.
“I’m so excited to stand by her as she becomes an adult in the Catholic faith,” Fitzsimmons said. “I’m so proud of Blair, just seeing her grow up into such a lovely young woman. She’s so full of grace and love.”
Bishop Brennan said this year’s larger turnout and energy from students throughout the Mass gave him hope for the future of the Church in Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond.
“God sent his Spirit upon these young people, and now we have the blessing that God’s working through them in new ways, and we’re excited about that,” he told The Tablet.
He also encouraged the newly confirmed students to remain rooted in their friendship with Christ while embracing the mission that comes with the sacrament.
“Jesus said he himself was anointed and sent, so they were anointed and sent,” Bishop Brennan said. “They witness to Jesus, and Jesus will accomplish great things through them.”
