Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the "sacraments of Christian initiation," whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For "by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation. The celebration of this Sacrament is the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit on those who receive it. It makes us more aware of our relationship with the Father, unites us more closely to Christ, increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us, strengthens and makes more perfect our bond with the Church, and obliges us, with increased courage and without shame, to defend the faith by word and deed as true witness of Christ. Thus, it deepens and completes the grace received at Baptism. (see Catechism of the Catholic Church Article 2, para.1285)
The program is designed for youth in the 6th - 8th Grade. The components are Faith information (course content), Faith expressed in service and Faith expressed in living the Spiritual life of prayer. Service projects, retreats, prayer experiences and classes are required throughout the year for those indicating a desire to prepare for the Sacrament. A packet of detailed information and events will be distributed at the first Parent/Youth Confirmation Kick-off Meeting for 6th, 7th and 8th graders and their parents on September 7th at 3:15PM in Fellowship Hall.
Confirmation Related Important Dates
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Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments by which a baptized Christian is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and is bound more closely to the Church; one of the sacraments of initiation. Confirmation obliges one to love, study, defend, and spread the faith. THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION Welcomes us and deepens our belonging to the faith community. Deepens our relationships to God, as Creator, Redeemer and Spirit. Strengthens us as disciples. In Confirmation, the signs we will celebrate include getting anointed with oil and the laying on of hands as we remember the water of Baptism and the nourishment of Eucharist. Rite of Confirmation within the Mass
I. Liturgy of the Word II. Sacrament of Confirmation a. Presentation of the Candidates b. Homily c. Renewal of Baptismal Promised d. Laying on of Hands e. Anointing with Chrism f. General Intercessions III. Liturgy of the Eucharist Blessing and Prayer over the People
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