A Confirmation for Christmas

Lilia Grundy reflects on her daughters’ recent Confirmation as a gift to lift her out of a faith funk, just in time for Christmas.  

My daughters had just completed their Junior Olympics’ Regionals race. They didn’t get the times they had hoped for, and it wasn’t the way we wanted to end their cross-country season, yet we had to immediately jet off. Today was a big day for running, but it was an even more momentous day for our family: Confirmation day. 

We jumped into the car with sad faces in tow and tried to refocus our energy for what would be awaiting us at church in a few hours. The girls would connect with their sponsors: their auntie who happened to be celebrating her birthday but made the out-of-state trip for the occasion, and their grandfather, their “Pappy” who generously plays an active role in the weekly to-dos.  

Experiencing a Faith Funk  

Our parish would be confirming a record 61 Confirmands this evening. Praise God! And yet, as proud as I was, I was experiencing a faith funk. As the year had been drawing to a close, missed goals, sickness, chronic illness, stress, and anxieties had been gripping me into a state of disappointment. I wanted to be happy, but the tug on my soul to despair was pulling hard. 

Hasten to answer me, Lord; for my spirit fails me. Do not hide your face from me, lest I become like those descending to the pit. (Psalm 143:7) 

A Dance of Sorrow and Joy 

When we arrived at the church, there was the joyful commotion against the backdrop of the recitation of the Holy Rosary. Sponsors and confirmands excitedly paced about, and parishioners eagerly sought a space to sit amongst the crowded pews.  

I took it all in. While I didn’t feel so gleeful myself, I prayed that the Holy Spirit would come and enter my heart: “Come, Holy Spirit; come, Holy Spirit.” 

As the music began and the procession of altar boys and confirmands entered, I caught the eyes of my beautiful daughters and joy pierced my heart. I was thrilled for the sacrament they were about to receive. The Mass was lovely, and to witness so many young people commit to their faith was inspiring.  

While I wish I could say that my faith funk vanished after my daughter’s Confirmation Mass, the truth is it lingers on. Yet, midway through the season of Advent, I'm reminded of that day and its profound significance for me this Christmas. This sacramental milestone isn’t just a moment; it’s a true gift of grace — Confirmation! 

Embracing the Gift of Confirmation  

In Latin, "Confirmation" comes from confirmo, meaning “to assert positively or to strengthen.” What better season than Advent, filled with hope and anticipation, to reflect on my commitment to my Catholic faith. This sacred time is all about preparation — a period of waiting and seeking Christ with an open heart. 

Advent invites us to dive deeper into our spiritual journey. The Church teaches that Confirmation strengthens the graces we've received at Baptism, empowering us to be true witnesses of Christ. If I am to genuinely prepare my heart to welcome Jesus this Christmas, perhaps a renewal of my own Confirmation is long overdue. 

What steps can I take to rejuvenate my faith and recommit myself to this beautiful journey? I dug into the Catholic Mom archives and found great advice like this article, “In a Funk? Get Expert Advice.” I will explore deeper prayer practices, engage with Scripture, and seek opportunities to serve in my community, all while making room for the Holy Spirit to transform my heart this Advent season. 

For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:6-7). 

How are you taking time this Advent to recommit to our Catholic faith?  

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Copyright 2025 Lilia Grundy
Images: copyright 2025 Lilia Grundy, all rights reserved.