I was born Roman Catholic, and I'm being raised Roman Catholic. I'm not here to preach to others, and I don't want to offend anyone, but I'm proud to be Roman Catholic. Last year I was confirmed, so now I am fully accepted into the faith. Before I was confirmed I wrote a letter to the Bishop explaining why I wanted to be confirmed. I have to say this is the most important letter I've ever wrote in my life, and I want to share it with you...

Dear Bishop,

My name is Hannah McCall, and I am a member of St. George Parish. I want to receive the sacrament of confirmation. (1) I want my bond with God to become stronger, and I want to become a mature Catholic myself.

Confirmation. What is it? It is one of the seven holy sacraments of the Catholic church. A sacrament that tightens the bond between the soul of God’s followers to their faith and beliefs. It is a strong bond that can never be broken because God is the strongest and most glorious being to ever exist. Confirmation is something Catholics work for and earn. It’s nothing you just received. It is something taken in with the soul. I know I am ready for confirmation.

I feel ready for my confirmation because I feel more mature this year than any other year of my life. I know this is a serious thing, and I am taking it very seriously. My faith is something my life is focused on for sure. Being Catholic is very important to me, and I want the bond between myself and God to become stronger. I know I am a teenager, and I know I have more growing to do, but with prayers in my heart I know I will be able to grow more, mature more, learn more.

To prepare for confirmation, (2) I have done many mini camps to help children with cheerleading, I helped with a summer bible school, I helped at our parish picnic, and I tied blankets for children who need them. (3) The places that I volunteered at helped me understand the ways different children grow up. (4) I have chosen the saint of Blessed Mary. My name will be Rose, and I hope to become more nurturing like her. They helped me learn to understand children, and to help to become more nurturing. (5) I helped little girls at camps to become stronger, more independent, and braver through mini camps. At the bible school, I helped children become more aware of how much God really loves them. While tying blankets I became more humble because I was fortunate enough to have parents that take care of me.

(6) The theme of our Confirmation Retreat was about the gifts of the Holy Spirit . The most meaningful part to me was learning that human life is important, and that God brought us all here for a reason.

(7) My Sponsor is my sister-in-law, Andrea McCall. I chose Andrea because she didn’t grow up Catholic, but when she met my brother she was introduced to the Catholic faith. She chose to become Catholic of her own will. She was baptized, and she married my brother. Now they have three children and they take them to church every Sunday, and sometimes we even sit with them as a family.

(8) I have prayed to God many times what my vocation is. I know I want to get married and have children, but it will be at the appropriate time. God has a plan for everyone. Sometimes it just takes time.

(9) I don’t think I would ever become a religious sister. I want to be married and be fruitful. I like children, and I think I could have cute kids.

(10) After I get confirmed I will still serve my church. I will still volunteer for a bible school, I will still go to mass every Sunday, and I will still take my faith seriously. I have the gift of just being myself. I hope to become more nurturing and understand like my Saint I chose, Blessed Mary.

I am looking forward to meeting you on May 16, 2016, when you celebrate the sacrament of confirmation with us.

Sincerely,

Hannah R. McCall