Dear St. Thomas’s Parish,
We’re writing this note with much gratitude for the opportunity to work another year with Youth Confirmation. As we wind down the 2019-20 term, we thought it would be fitting to provide a brief update on the status of this year’s class. Since the onset of “shelter-in-place” on March 15, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve missed only one class and extended the course calendar three weeks to conclude on Pentecost Sunday, June 7, 2020. It’s hard to believe that there have been 3.5 technology apps and four syllabus revisions over the last 10 weeks. Our confirmands have surveyed the Old Testament, journeyed through the Gospel of Mark and currently exploring the formative questions, “Who is God for You? and Who are You for God?” The Confirmation Class now meets via Skype at 10 – 11:30 AM on Sundays, immediately after church service LIVE on YouTube. They haven’t missed a beat over the last 9 months.
Furthermore, we quickly adapted our learning plans to the reality of the current crisis. Recent class discussions have pivoted toward coping with “so much homework”, “missing friends and teachers”, “computer issues” and “good (and not so good) things happenings because of COVID-19”. The class has spent considerable time on habits of faith over fear, usually capped with marvelous student-led prayers that honor essential workers or those who are adversely impacted by the pandemic. Although Night Watch in NYC was cancelled and Confirmation Sunday postponed, the confirmands remain highly engaged during these uncertain times.
The Confirmation Class of 2020 is simply amazing and smart, and forgetful, and curious, and stubborn, and courageous, occasionally worried, and funny, and frequently tired, and caring, and opinionated, and super creative and sometimes downright passionate all in a span of 90 minutes! They keep us on our toes, for sure. We’re truly blessed to learn and grow with these wonderful young people.
Let’s continue to pray for our confirmands as they wind down formal confirmation classes. Their ultimate decision for confirmation is imminent and we wish them all the best on this next step toward adulthood. Special thanks to parents, families and the entire St. Thomas’s Parish for all of your support this past year!
#StayHome and Be Well,
Bob Rys and Teri Quinn Gray
Youth Confirmation Leaders