Spiritual Autobiography

In these last few weeks prior to celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation, we would ask you to think a little bit about your spiritual life so far. We would ask that you write out a brief paper reflecting on the following: Tell us who you are, who are your parents, where were you baptized, who were chosen as your god-parents, and why your parents chose these two people to be your god-parents? Were there any interesting stories about your birth, and/or baptism?

What are some of your earliest memories of going to church as a little child? What are the first prayers you ever remember learning? How did you imagine God as a little child? Did you ever identify with God [i.e. Such as seeing the image of the baby Jesus in the nativity scene?]? When did you first realize that there was a spiritual-side to Christmas, and not just the greedy "Santa Claus" side of it? Are there any spiritual customs your family has during Advent of Christmas? Did you ever get gifts, mittens or socks, or food for needy people during Christmas time? How did your family celebrate the spiritual side of Christmas?

Who taught you your first prayers and when did this happen? Who has been a prayerful example for you in your life? Who in your family or friends are good ‘pray-ers’? Who has been a good guide to you when you had problems or questions about life? Who has been a good example for you in teaching you how to act in good ways? What have you learned about being a good friend to others? What is the spiritual side of friend ship? Have you ever prayed with a friend, or for a friend? How have your friendships shaped your faith? Do you see God as a friend?

What is the best experience that you had in church? Did you ever feel really close to God? Did you ever feel that God was too busy or just not listening to you? Are you ever frustrated in your faith? How do you view Jesus? Who is he for you? How do you view the Holy Spirit? What do you think about the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Which gift do you think you will need the most? Have you grown spiritually this year as you prepared for Confirmation? In what ways do you think you still really need to grow?

Who is your sponsor, and why did you pick them to be a sponsor? Obviously, you do not have to answer every question listed above–if you did you would end up writing a book. These questions are given to you to begin getting you to think about your spiritual life. Have fun telling us about you! We are very interested in reading your spiritual story.

Please do share this story with your parents prior to turning it in to Saint Linus. Thanks.