In the July 12 church bulletin from Christ, Our Light Catholic Church in Troy, Director of Religious Education JoAnn Bonahoom wrote that many Catholic parents would likely say that the most important gift for their children to receive after confirmation is the sacraments. 

“It might be in the form of First Holy Communion or receiving Jesus in Holy Communion, or Confirmation, but it would still be the answer,” Bonahoom wrote. “Sacraments matter to all Catholics. Reception of the sacraments is a rite of passage in our families and our domestic church.”

Sacraments are especially important to us as they give us a special form of God’s grace and aid us in living holy lives that are pleasing to the Lord, Bonahoom wrote, adding that while the sacraments are important, they are not the end of the faith journey, but rather just the beginning. 

JoAnn Bonahoom | https://container.parishesonline.com/

“Our grace and holiness enrich our lives slowly, with lots of prayer and practice,” she said. “If we stay on our road to salvation, they can help us accomplish great things in our lives that benefit all.”

Preparation for serving God is an important, two-year process, that must be carried out in both the home and religious formation classes, Bonahoom wrote. 

“The first year takes us carefully and prayerfully through the life of Jesus as presented in the New Testament,” she said. “Many remember bits and pieces of the stories, but this year is dedicated to following the stories and how it applies to our faith and Church – and to living our lives.”

The second year helps students begin to see their Catholic identity, as they seek to know and follow Christ, said Bonahoom. 

“They build a more active prayer life, perform services for others and delve into the meaning and importance of our Mass and Creed,” she wrote. “They learn about the Holy Spirit and His role in Confirmation for us and for the first Apostles at Pentecost and so much more.”