June 25.  12th Sunday. Fr Fidelis  preached especially to the youth, as so many of whom seemed to see Confirmation as a church-leaving certificate.  “Have you had a genuine encounter with Jesus as Pope Francis so often speaks about?   Have you experienced his love, his healing and his comfort in times of difficulty?  Are you afraid to stand up and be counted because of something in your life?  But most of all have you invited Jesus to be your friend?” 

Many of the confirmation group from three years earlier had remained close and Pauline reflected how that had helped her a lot in the tough years of finishing school and moving into the adult world.  “They, even more than my parents, were my spiritual counsellors.”

Reflect, share, act. Scripture:.    Everyone who acknowledges me before men I also acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.  Matt 10:26-33. Pope Francis: to youth: There are times when all our youthful energy, dreams and enthusiasm can flag because we are tempted to dwell on ourselves and our problems, our hurt feelings and grievances.  Don’t let this happen to you.  You will grow old before your time.   The years of youth need to be marked by shared ideals, hopes and dreams; get horizons that we can contemplate together. CV 166