This weekend March 14-15
Please welcome our
Guest from Food for the Poor
Fr. Michael Onyekuru MS, JCD
a dedicated priest of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, formed in Rome and ordained in
2000, with a strong foundation in Canon Law and Clinical Counseling Psychology.
Rooted in a family rich in religious vocations, he has served the Church through
parish ministry, counseling, and tribunal work, and now serves as Judicial Vicar.
His ministry has been marked by a deep commitment to the poor and vulnerable,
especially through groups like the
Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Legion of Mary.
Father will be presiding at Masses and speaking about the Catholic organization
Food for the Poor.
Why Confirmation Matters
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church and one of the three sacraments of Initiation, along with baptism and first Communion. While confirmation is the last among the sacraments of Initiation, it means that you are now a full member of the Church. Although it’s a final step in the development of one’s faith, it represents a new beginning.
It is often referred to as the “sacrament of maturity,” as it completes the process of initiation and signifies a personal commitment to the Catholic faith. The Church teaches that confirmation is necessary because it enriches the person with the strength of the Holy
Spirit and matures the soul for the work ahead.
The sacrament is an important part of our faith and should not be taken lightly. It unites us with the Holy Spirit and strengthens our relationship with God. It comes with responsibilities, like going to Mass every Sunday and going to confession. In essence, you
become an adult in the Church.
During confirmation one receives the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord. Two gifts stand out for our candidates: the gift of wisdom enables us to see the world from God’s viewpoint, which can help us come to grasp the purpose and plan of God; and the gift of understanding stimulates us to work on knowing ourselves as part of our growth in knowing God.
Each spring, Bishop Cristiano Barbosa receives letters from candidates seeking to be confirmed in the Church. The letters are a great source of joy for Bishop Barbosa. Confirmation candidates typically share a little bit about themselves, their families and sponsors, and more importantly, why they want to receive the sacrament of confirmation. Almost every one of them mentions in some way that they want to be close to God and they want to be strengthened in their faith. Some mention that they want to be a help to others and make a difference with their lives.
This year, eighteen (18) students from our parish community will be among those to be confirmed on Saturday, May 9th at St. Mary’s Church. This rite will include three key parts: the renewal of baptismal vows, the laying on of hands by the Bishop, and anointing with the sacred chrism oil. Once confirmed, they will be enriched with the gift of the Holy Spirit to build up the Church and to be witnesses of Christ to others.
As we prepare to welcome the Confirmation Class of 2026 into our parish community, we pray that they are touched by the Holy Spirit and use the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives to bring the joy of Christ to their families and friends. We pray that they remain in the Church and are nourished by the sacraments throughout the entirety of their lives.
Here in Charlestown, confirmation has traditionally been offered to 10th grade students with two years of faith formation leading up to the big day. Starting next year, the sacrament will be offered to 8th grade students. Our confirmation program has been restructured to comply with the Archdiocese’s recent change in the age/grade for making the sacrament and will continue to be a full and meaningful two-year journey of preparation and faith formation.
Cynthia Markey & Katy Fleming
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church and one of the three sacraments of Initiation, along with baptism and first Communion. While confirmation is the last among the sacraments of Initiation, it means that you are now a full member of the Church. Although it’s a final step in the development of one’s faith, it represents a new beginning.
It is often referred to as the “sacrament of maturity,” as it completes the process of initiation and signifies a personal commitment to the Catholic faith. The Church teaches that confirmation is necessary because it enriches the person with the strength of the Holy Spirit and matures the soul for the work ahead.
The sacrament is an important part of our faith and should not be taken lightly. It unites us with the Holy Spirit and strengthens our relationship with God. It comes with responsibilities, like going to Mass every Sunday and going to confession. In essence, you become an adult in the Church.
During confirmation one receives the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord. Two gifts stand out for our candidates: the gift of wisdom enables us to see the world from God’s viewpoint, which can help us come to grasp the purpose and plan of God; and the gift of understanding stimulates us to work on knowing ourselves as part of our growth in knowing God.
Each spring, Bishop Cristiano Barbosa receives letters from candidates seeking to be confirmed in the Church. The letters are a great source of joy for Bishop Barbosa. Confirmation candidates typically share a little bit about themselves, their families and sponsors, and more importantly, why they want to receive the sacrament of confirmation. Almost every one of them mentions in some way that they want to be close to God and they want to be strengthened in their faith. Some mention that they want to be a help to others and make a difference with their lives.
This year, eighteen (18) students from our parish community will be among those to be confirmed on Saturday, May 9th at St. Mary’s Church. This rite will include three key parts: the renewal of baptismal vows, the laying on of hands by the Bishop, and anointing with the sacred chrism oil. Once confirmed, they will be enriched with the gift of the Holy Spirit to build up the Church and to be witnesses of Christ to others.
As we prepare to welcome the Confirmation Class of 2026 into our parish community, we pray that they are touched by the Holy Spirit and use the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives to bring the joy of Christ to their families and friends. We pray that they remain in the Church and are nourished by the sacraments throughout the entirety of their lives.
Here in Charlestown, confirmation has traditionally been offered to 10th grade students with two years of faith formation leading up to the big day. Starting next year, the sacrament will be offered to 8th grade students. Our confirmation program has been restructured to comply with the Archdiocese’s recent change in the age/grade for making the sacrament and will continue to be a full and meaningful two-year journey of preparation and faith formation.
Cynthia Markey & Katy Fleming
Fr. Tom Rita, uncle of our parishioner Matt Rita,
passed away March 5th.
Pictured with Fr. Rita is Fr. Ronan and Cardinal Sean.
Most of you remember Fr. Ken, who served in Charlestown for many years.
We recently learned that Fr’s mother passed away.
Please keep Fr. Ken and his mother, Virginia, in your prayers.
Get ready for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea!
(reservations through 6/30/26)
Join the Archdiocese of Boston on a 10‑day pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea! The pilgrimage with airfare runs from August 1 to 10, 2027 for $5,245, with an optional 3‑day extension in Incheon for an additional $809. Individual and group reservations are now open through June 30, 2026.
This pilgrimage offers young people a powerful opportunity to encounter Christ, grow in community, and experience the joy of the universal Church.
Learn more at: www.evangelizeboston.com/world-youth-day Questions? Contact wyd@rcab.org
