The witness young men notice

Several months ago, a young man from our parish approached me and asked if I would be willing to serve as his sponsor for Confirmation. I was both honoured and surprised by the request. His parents arranged a dinner for my wife and me, giving Joseph an opportunity to interview me for his confirmation requirements.

On the eve of the Confirmation, I attended the Friday morning Mass at our parish. I was considering taking the Sacrament of Confession, but with so much on my plate I told myself I would postpone it until next week. Joseph was in Mass with his father and two younger brothers. I noticed them lining up for confession after communion, and I realized I needed to go that day to demonstrate to the young man I was sponsoring that men must attend confession and to support him as he did.

The next day was Confirmation day. We arrived early to rehearse for the 50+ young people who would be confirmed. While speaking with the sponsor beside me, I learned that he was the uncle of the young man he was sponsoring. It made me wonder why Joseph had chosen me, especially since he had an uncle who was a priest and another uncle from Kelowna who was present for the Confirmation.

When I asked him who had suggested me as a sponsor, he said he was the one who had chosen me.

The reason he chose me

After the ceremony, we all went to the family home for a celebratory lunch. I spoke with Joseph’s grandfather, who told me that Joseph had seen me at church services, Masses, and BBQs, and that was why he had asked me.

​It reminded me of the work I had done with youth at risk of falling into gangs. I had long realized that what I did and how I lived mattered more than what I said. I also recognized one of the men at our recent men’s breakfast as that quiet servant who always helps, and that I saw his example!

So, men, my message to you today is that young men are watching you. Make sure that you see them and greet the young people with a smile and let them know they are loved at church.
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We are reminded at the end of Mass with the instruction: “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.”

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Submitted by Sean Lynn, St. Peter's in Calgary; God Squad | Heroic Men Canada.  ​