Confirmation is the opportunity to claim for yourself the faith first spoken on your behalf at baptism. In the Episcopal Church, it marks a deeper step into Christian life, as the bishop lays hands on each confirmand and prays for the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide them in faith, community, and responsibility within the Church.

It’s Friday, a day of darkness, suffering, and loss, when hope seems gone. But Sunday is coming—a day of light, resurrection, and new life. Even in our darkest moments, we hold on, trusting that hope will rise again.

If you read my article last week, you will remember I have asked the children 5 years of age through the Fifth Grade, in our Christian education classes, to memorize the words of the Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23 this Lent. These comforting words will last them a lifetime.