Two thousand years of saints, councils, missionaries and martyrs have handed the faith on to you. Church history is not finished. Every generation adds a chapter, and yours is being written now.
Most members of the Church are laypeople: not priests or religious, but students, workers, parents and citizens. The Church teaches that laypeople share in Christ's mission as priest, prophet and king. Your mission field is your family, school, team, friendships and online world, places a priest might never reach.
Confirmation completes Baptism and gives the Holy Spirit's strength to be Christ's witness. In many places it is received around your age. Preparing well means more than going to classes:
- Pray every day and come to Mass every Sunday.
- Go to Confession.
- Choose a sponsor who lives the faith and will help you.
- Choose a saint's name as a model and friend.
- Serve others and put your faith into action.
The Holy Spirit gives each person different gifts, called charisms, for building up the Church: teaching, music, leadership, service, welcoming, prayer. Your talents are not only for you; they are God's gifts to share.
Being a witness can be hard. Friends may laugh, or ask tough questions. You do not need all the answers. Be kind, be honest about what you believe, live it, and keep learning. Saint Peter wrote that we should always be ready to explain the reason for our hope, with gentleness and respect.
Remember the great cloud of witnesses who went before you: Peter and Paul, Agnes and Perpetua, Benedict and Patrick, Francis and Clare, Teresa and Ignatius, Maximilian and Carlo. They are cheering you on. With the Holy Spirit, you can be a saint too.