Emma's Confirmation

On April 20th, Emma was confirmed at the Cathedral of St. Paul. She was part of a group of 190 confirmants from 8 different parishes in the area.

Emma chose St. Therese as her confirmation saint. As a result, we took many of our pictures at St. Therese's spot behind the altar in the cathedral.

Carolyn, Emma's sponsor, is a parishoner at the cathedral and new the location well. She helped us find good spots for photos, bathrooms before everyone else found them and good parking spots.

Grandma Kathy, Grandpa Mark, Aunt Joan (Erin's Godmother) and Uncle Don attended the service as well as Emma's mentor, Theresa. It was great to see everyone able to come and support Emma at this pivital time in her life. Lots of big decisions will need to be made by her in the next few years.

We got pictures with my dad and mom at the St. Mark statue. The statue reminds me of my dad in terms of his faith. He won't let anything get between Him and God. He also helped pass the faith onto me and my girls as well.

Emma received her second name tonight and her soul is now connected to the group of souls related to St. Therese. As Catholics we believe that God gives us two names. One at our baptism and one at our confirmation. Emma's name comes from Emmanuel meaning God with us. She received this at her baptism. Her confirmation name, Therese means seeking to find God in the ordinary "daily grind" of life, focusing on humility over personal glory.

Bishop Kenny was in charge of leading the sacramental event. He had a great homily where he told the confirmants that this is just the beginning. They have received the gifts of the spirit tonight but it is their job to pray and ask God how He wants the spirit to be working within them. We hope that Emma will be guided in her vocation here on earth and that she can find a path that leads to great service of others.

Lots of big decisions will need to be made by Emma in the next few years. We hope that the spirit helps to guide her and that she impacts many people throughout her life with her "little acts of love" just like St. Therese.