On Saturday, April 21, our young people will journey to the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. You all are invited! The Mass begins at 10:00.

I lamented to the young people that, on that momentous day of grace, I don’t get to preach. That is a right the Bishop reserves to himself. I must just sit there and listen like everybody else. Yes, I know, the Bishop will speak beautiful words to encourage and inspire the young people – but they’re my first Confirmation class here at St. Vincent. There’s so much I’d want to say!

I’m sure all of you too would like these young people to know what a source of delight and hope they are to our parish – and how glorious it is to see the effects of the Holy Spirit taking shape in their lives. So maybe my last words of advice to the young people before they are confirmed is, “ Enlarge your tent! (Isaiah 54:2) – because the Holy Spirit comes in a new way to inhabit your innermost spirit and to fill you with light, love, glory, and a holy presence.”

So I will try to sit quietly – but I am trusting the Holy Spirit to speak to the young people and tell them what they need to know and when they most need to know it. Thank you parents, sponsors, catechists, volunteers, staff members, and all of you who have guided the young people on the way. Peace!


Fr. Dennis Zehren

Pastor