Confirmation. The rite at which a baptized person affirms Christian belief and is admitted as a full member of the church. Two sophomores, Sam Pregler and Tyler Powers,  are among several who will be making their confirmation very soon. They will be getting confirmed on Thursday, April 5 at St. Joe’s in Key West.

Throughout the past couple of months, their parish has been holding meetings for the confirmation candidates. Each meeting held something different for the candidates to take part in. For the most part, they were held at the church, but there were also meetings that took place away from the church. For example, one of the meetings was held at New Melleray Abbey after the candidates, sponsors, and parents had mass with the monks that live there.

The whole process involved much more than teaching the candidates what do do when they get confirmed. Going to these meetings was meant to help them grow closer and grow in their faith. “To me, the meetings were very tedious at first, but as the meetings went on, I grew in my faith more and more. The meetings allowed me to meet people that were saved by God, and it showed me just how much God cared about us,” said Powers.

The meetings are a big part of the process, but the candidates also have to choose the name of a saint to use as their confirmation name. A lot of thought goes into choosing a name. For instance, Pregler picked John, the beloved disciple. “I played him in the seventh grade Mazzuchelli mime, and I’ve always looked up to him as a loyal follower of Christ, kneeling at the foot of the cross,” notes Pregler.

Powers also chose John, but the John he chose was much different. “He was someone that cared for children and was a very kind person. Because of this, he reminds me of my grandfather, and to me, this is a way to pay homage to him.”

Confirmation is a very special moment for people, and it changes their lives in a big way. Luke Simcox, ‘20, who has already been confirmed, recalls his experience fondly.  “Getting confirmed was a great experience. I think it definitely helped me get closer to God and gives me a deeper understanding of my faith. I am glad I am now a full member of the Church.”