Sophia Yde is Confirmed by Bishop William Patrick Callahan on Oct. 13, 2018, at St. Therese of the Child Jesus Church in Rothschild. Her sponsor is her sister, Lauren Yde.
On the day I was Confirmed, I was an excited and nervous teenager who knew that my life would be changed. My emotions went between “I’m so excited and can’t believe today is the day,” to “I’m really ready and feel prepared,” to “I’m not sure how this is going to turn out.” It was Oct. 13, 2018, at St. Therese of the Child Jesus Church in Rothschild, the same church where my older siblings were Confirmed. I was so grateful for the support of my family. The presence of my grandparents and uncle helped me realize how much they care about me and about my future as an adult member of the Catholic Church.
I remember when my elder sister, Lauren, was Confirmed in 2007. While I don’t remember the particular details of that Mass, I remember knowing she was excited to receive the sacrament. I also remember that this completed her initiation into the Church. As I grew older, the memories of my two older brothers’ Confirmations are a bit more vivid. I was aware that both Alexander and Ryan needed a sponsor and noticed how Ryan took a more serious approach to his Catholic Faith after Confirmation.
I also believe that Confirmation has enabled me to see that it is my job to make sure I do what God wants me to do. I also must help those who may not be aware of Catholicism by my personal witness and willingness to share my Faith with those around me.
I started my Confirmation preparation during the spring of 2018 and completed it in the fall before my Confirmation. During my preparation, I learned more about my Catholic Faith and that Confirmation is a time for me to affirm my Catholic Faith. I learned that I will be sealed by a special outpouring of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. I also learned how to make a good confession and picked Raphael for my Confirmation name because St. Raphael is the patron saint of physicians. One day, I hope to be a pediatrician.
My sister, Lauren, is my Confirmation sponsor. She helped me prepare for this special day by being by my side and answering my questions before Mass. During the bishop’s homily, I learned that being Confirmed does not automatically mature us spiritually. Rather, it’s an opportunity and inspiration for young Christians to practice their Faith more independently. I realized that I must continue to go to church and understood that I can contribute more of myself to the Church and other associations. After I was touched by the Holy Spirit, I have felt a difference and have been more open to helping all people and praying for the needs of others. I feel that God has blessed me with this gift for full initiation into the Catholic Church.
Now I live my life as a Catholic who is determined to try my best, living a life that is pleasing to God. It is my duty as a Confirmed Catholic to help the Church. I also believe that Confirmation has enabled me to see that it is my job to make sure I do what God wants me to do. I also must help those who may not be aware of Catholicism by my personal witness and willingness to share my Faith with those around me.
My grandfather passed away recently. Before he died, I would pray with him and read the Bible to him. I was hopeful that he would get better. When my other grandpa died several years ago, I felt different than I did this time. Both times, I was very sad, but now I saw how God’s plan for his life was carried out. I felt a sense of peace and comfort knowing that God was watching over him. As I’m growing up in my Catholic Faith, I’m becoming more aware of the plan God has for others and the plan He has for me.
Story by Sophia Yde
Published in May/June 2019 issue