Dear Families,
Last week I was blessed to witness the confirmation of many of our young people. With the transition to the restored order of sacraments in our diocese, many parishes have experienced larger confirmation classes than usual. In this instance, Our Lady of Fatima (New London), was proud to host Bishop Libasci for two separate ceremonies, featuring over 100 young people!
I was proud to see so many of our own students present. I was also proud to see so many of our own Mount Royal community members there as well: parents, siblings, sponsors-- witnesses all. To see the overlap of ages, friendships, families, and more was a wonderful testament to our extended school “family”.
The Bishop preached a beautiful homily that day. One focus in particular resonated with me: the munera. This refers to the Church’s ancient call to teach, to sanctify, and to govern; duties that directly correspond to Christ’s threefold office as Prophet, Priest, and King. These are not simply an ancient edict, but our contemporary mission as well.
To hear this message proclaimed on such an auspicious occasion was especially meaningful. The restored order of sacraments affirms their true meaning as gifts and graces, unearned parts of our faith journey. Growing up I had assumed confirmation was “graduating”-- the final sacrament of initiation. I thought it was something you had to understand, affirm, and deserve. It wasn’t until I was present at the RCIA of a good friend, a grown man with Downs Syndrome, that I understood the true meaning. It is good that we take special classes prior to receiving this sacrament in order to better understand and appreciate it. It is good that we use our human faculties to plan how we will better use these new gifts and fruits of the Spirit to grow the Kingdom of God. But this sacrament— all sacraments— are gifts. Like God’s love they are signs of His mercy. Nothing we deserve. Nothing we can live without.
The Bishop commended all present to truly live the munera in our lives: to see how we can live this out in our families, as a school community, and as the mission Church.
To teach - may we instruct with love, humility, and mercy.
To sanctify - may we recall and appreciate the presence of God in all we undertake.
To govern - may we use our authority as Christ does: a Shepherd who will risk all to save the lost.
Most sincerely in Christ,
Amy Sansone
Academic Dean