This past weekend, over 500 youth representing several parishes from around the archdiocese were confirmed at the first-ever Sealed & Sent. Over 5,000 people gathered at the Denver Coliseum for what was a special celebration of the Holy Spirit, which featured a talk by Sister Johanna Paruch, a beautiful Mass and finally, a high-energy concert by the Josh Blakesley Band. The Denver Catholic was there to capture the event; below are some of the highlights.
Greg Willits, executive director of evangelization and family life ministry for the Archdiocese of Denver, was the emcee for Sealed & Sent. (Photo by Daniel Petty/Archdiocese of Denver)
Sister Johanna Paruch of Franciscan University delivered a title talk called “Come Holy Spirit, Fill the Hearts of the Faithful” before the confirmation Mass. (Photo by Daniel Petty/Archdiocese of Denver)
Over 3,000 faithful from around the archdiocese gathered for Sealed & Sent, which was the biggest confirmation Mass northern Colorado has ever seen. Over 500 high school youth were confirmed at the event. (Photo by Daniel Petty/Archdiocese of Denver)
Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila speaks during the Mass at Sealed & Sent. (Photo by Daniel Petty/Archdiocese of Denver)
During his homily, Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila reviewed each of the gifts of the Holy Spirit with the confirmandi and implored them to go out and proclaim the Gospel, as Jesus commanded. “It is my prayer for all of you young people who will be confirmed today that you will be faithful sons and daughters of the Father, that you will follow the command given to us by Jesus in the Gospel before he ascended into Heaven, to be those who go to every corner of the world, proclaiming Jesus Christ,” Archbishop Aquila said. (Photo by Andrew Wright/Denver Catholic)
Bishop Stephen J. Berg of the Diocese of Pueblo, along with Father Randy Dollins, Monsignor Bernie Schmitz and Father Giovanni Capucci assisted Archbishop Aquila with the confirmations at Sealed and Sent. (Photo by Andrew Wright/Denver Catholic)
Mass is celebrated during the Sealed and Sent confirmation event. Over 50 priests and deacons were on-hand to concelebrate. (Photo by Daniel Petty/Archdiocese of Denver)
Archbishop Aquila raises the Eucharist during the Mass. (Photo by Daniel Petty/Archdiocese of Denver)
The Mass was the high point of the event, transforming the Denver Coliseum into a reverent house of worship. (Photo by Andrew Wright/Denver Catholic)
Cardinal James Stafford (R) offers the Eucharist during communion at Sealed and Sent. (Photo by Daniel Petty/Archdiocese of Denver)
Archbishop Aquila blesses the congregation while processing out from the Mass. (Photo by Daniel Petty/Archdiocese of Denver)
A choir and orchestra comprised of musicians from around the archdiocese provided the liturgical music during Sealed and Sent. (Photo by Andrew Wright/Denver Catholic)
Following the Mass, the Josh Blakesley Band played a celebratory concert of fun and energetic worship music. (Photo by Andrew Wright/Denver Catholic)