Confirmation candidate letters to the bishop

One of the tough parts about 8th grade in the Diocese of Cleveland is getting ready for confirmation.  The confirmand  has to amass at least 20 service hours (half of those in the parish), and write about a patron saint, but most daunting of all – he/she must compose a letter to the bishop about why the confirmand wishes to be confirmed.

My diocese has a different bishop now than when my first son was confirmed, but still, I’m not sure that he reads all of these letters.  However, I suspect that he at least peruses them. The first time we had to do this was really tough, but it has gotten easier with each kid.

So here are the letters of three of my sons that they have written over the years.  I offer them as samples for other young confirmandi who might be struggling to get started on their letters to the bishop.

Letter 1

Your Excellency:
I am writing because I wish to be confirmed into the Catholic Church. I believe that the Catholic Church is the one true church founded by Jesus Christ and I wish to be a full adult member. I look forward to the privileges of being a full member and am willing to accept the responsibilities as well.
But most of all, I look forward to receiving the Holy Spirit and the graces that flow through the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Sincerely,

Samuel 

 Letter 2

Your Excellency, 

I have been going to St. S’s church all of my life and I know that I believe in the Nicene Creed.I would like to grow closer to God and avoid the fires of hell. I believe confirmation will do that for my by strengthening my faith and giving me the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit particularly the gift of wisdom.
Father V and Mrs. S. have influenced my faith journey. I really learn a lot from Father V’s homilies. Father also participates with the choir which inspires me to be more like him, because I sing in the choir and sacred music is important to me.
I am choosing for my conformation name Jean-Marie after St. John Vianney because he could read hearts and had the gift to influence many people towards God. I also like him because he could stick up for himself against the devil.
So please consider me as a candidate for confirmation.
Respectfully yours,

Gabriel 

Letter 3

 Your Excellency: 

 I am writing because I wish to be confirmed into the Catholic Church. 

The reasons that I would like to be confirmed are: • To be a fully initiated member of the church and • To receive the Holy Spirit and his gifts. 

After I am confirmed I will keep serving God and work hard at what I think He wants me to do such as helping others in any way that I can and to positively influence other just like others (the saints and P.S.R) have influenced me. 

 Sincerely, Noah

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