ConfirmationMike Martin spent his twelfth summer dodging two neighborhood boys and their invitations to join night time adventures. Since his summer has been nothing but a lonely bummer, he looks forward to the start of the school year. The sixth grade classroom at St. Francis School reunites Mike and his best friend Greg, who spent his summer on the west coast with grandparents. In religion class, Mike and Greg prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. After class they get to know a local shop keeper a little better. Mr. Moore introduces the boys to his favorite spiritual friend, St. Francis of Assisi, when they shop for a birthday gift. Events of the first week of school quickly show Mike that Confirmation's gifts will be very helpful as he tries to deal with complicated situations. He knows he must find the truth about the stories he heard, secretly disbelieved, and yet protected all summer. Mike also applies the philosophy of St. Francis to his own life when he stumbles on the truth he dreaded to admit. Mike must answer questions from the local police, the Chief himself, from his parents, and from Greg. The first week of school is busy but exciting because Mike and Greg take on new responsibilities. An after school job, a classroom presentation, and a surprise celebration demand their focus. Underlying the activities, however, is the ever present issue in Mike's mind of what he can say and what he shouldn't say. Friday brings painful revelations, and by Sunday life in the neighborhood has changed dramatically. Greg and Mike must agree on an answer to the question, "Can we do the Christian thing here?" |
Contents
Section 1 | 1 |
Section 2 | 12 |
Section 3 | 29 |
Section 4 | 39 |
Section 5 | 49 |
Section 6 | 59 |
Section 7 | 73 |
Section 8 | 82 |
Section 9 | 92 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
began better Beverly and Julie bikes birthday boys Catholic Chief church Dad asked Dairy Queen driveway Father Hilary flyers gift Grandma Greg answered Greg asked Greg laughed Greg offered Greg suggested guess headed heaven high five holy card Holy Communion Holy Eucharist Holy Spirit Jane Anne Jesus knew last night look Mike added Mike agreed Mike and Greg Mike answered Mike asked Mike called Mike confessed Mike Martin Mike offered Mike thought Mike's Dad miniature golf Moore October 4th officers old grade school parents parking lot Penance pick police prayer Prayer of St pulled ravine ride rode Sister Mary Aquinas smiled someone Steve and Jay stigmata street stuff summer sure talk tape tell the truth Thanks things told tomorrow trouble turned Tweedle Dee vandalism wait wanted to know what's wrong