CHAPTER THIRTEEN: CONFIRMATION PREPARATION

ARTICLE 2: THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

[From the Catechism of the Catholic Church]

1285 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.⁸⁹ 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.”⁹⁰

Confirmation in the Economy of Salvation

1286 In the Old Testament the prophets announced that the Spirit of the Lord would rest on the hoped-for Messiah for his saving mission.⁹¹ The descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus at his baptism by John was the sign that this was he who was to come, the Messiah, the Son of God.⁹² He was conceived of the Holy Spirit; his whole life and his whole mission are carried out in total communion with the Holy Spirit whom the Father gives him “without measure.”⁹³

1287 This fullness of the Spirit was not to remain uniquely the Messiah’s, but was to be communicated to the whole messianic people.⁹⁴ On several occasions Christ promised this outpouring of the Spirit,⁹⁵ a promise which he fulfilled first on Easter Sunday and then more strikingly at Pentecost.⁹⁶ Filled with the Holy Spirit the apostles began to proclaim “the mighty works of God,” and Peter declared this outpouring of the Spirit to be the sign of the messianic age.⁹⁷ Those who believed in the apostolic preaching and were baptized received the gift of the Holy Spirit in their turn.⁹⁸

1288 “From that time on the apostles, in fulfillment of Christ’s will, imparted to the newly baptized by the laying on of hands the gift of the Spirit that completes the grace of Baptism. For this reason in the Letter to the Hebrews the doctrine concerning Baptism and the laying on of hands is listed among the first elements of Christian instruction. The imposition of hands is rightly recognized by the Catholic tradition as the origin of the sacrament of Confirmation, which in a certain way perpetuates the grace of Pentecost in the Church.”⁹⁹

1289 Very early, the better to signify the gift of the Holy Spirit, an anointing with perfumed oil (chrism) was added to the laying on of hands. This anointing highlights the name “Christian,” which means “anointed” and derives from that of Christ himself whom God “anointed with the Holy Spirit.”¹⁰⁰ This rite of anointing has continued ever since, in both East and West. For this reason the Eastern Churches call this sacrament Chrismation, anointing with chrism, or myron which means “chrism.” In the West, the term Confirmation suggests that this sacrament both confirms baptism and strengthens baptismal grace.

Two traditions: East and West

1290 In the first centuries Confirmation generally comprised one single celebration with Baptism, forming with it a “double sacrament,” according to the expression of St. Cyprian. Among other reasons, the multiplication of infant baptisms all through the year, the increase of rural parishes, and the growth of dioceses often prevented the bishop from being present at all baptismal celebrations. In the West the desire to reserve the completion of Baptism to the bishop caused the temporal separation of the two sacraments. The East has kept them united, so that Confirmation is conferred by the priest who baptizes. But he can do so only with the “myron” consecrated by a bishop.¹⁰¹

1291 A custom of the Roman Church facilitated the development of the Western practice: a double anointing with sacred chrism after Baptism. The first anointing of the neophyte on coming out of the baptismal bath was performed by the priest; it was completed by a second anointing on the forehead of the newly baptized by the bishop.¹⁰² The first anointing with sacred chrism, by the priest, has remained attached to the baptismal rite; it signifies the participation of the one baptized in the prophetic, priestly, and kingly offices of Christ. If Baptism is conferred on an adult, there is only one post-baptismal anointing, that of Confirmation.

1292 The practice of the Eastern Churches gives greater emphasis to the unity of Christian initiation. That of the Latin Church more clearly expresses the communion of the new Christian with the bishop as guarantor and servant of the unity, catholicity and apostolicity of his Church, and hence the connection with the apostolic origins of Christ’s Church.

The Signs and the Rite of Confirmation

1293 In treating the rite of Confirmation, it is fitting to consider the sign of anointing and what it signifies and imprints: a spiritual seal.

Anointing, in Biblical and other ancient symbolism, is rich in meaning: oil is a sign of abundance and joy;¹⁰³ it cleanses (anointing before and after a bath) and limbers (the anointing of athletes and wrestlers); oil is a sign of healing, since it is soothing to bruises and wounds;¹⁰⁴ and it makes radiant with beauty, health, and strength.

1294 Anointing with oil has all these meanings in the sacramental life. The pre-baptismal anointing with the oil of catechumens signifies cleansing and strengthening; the anointing of the sick expresses healing and comfort. The post-baptismal anointing with sacred chrism in Confirmation and ordination is the sign of consecration. By Confirmation Christians, that is, those who are anointed, share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit with which he is filled, so that their lives may give off “the aroma of Christ.”¹⁰⁵

1295 By this anointing the confirmand receives the “mark,” the seal of the Holy Spirit. A seal is a symbol of a person, a sign of personal authority, or ownership of an object.¹⁰⁶ Hence soldiers were marked with their leader’s seal and slaves with their master’s. A seal authenticates a juridical act or document and occasionally makes it secret.¹⁰⁷

1296 Christ himself declared that he was marked with his Father’s seal.¹⁰⁸ Christians are also marked with a seal: “It is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has commissioned us; he has put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.”¹⁰⁹ This seal of the Holy Spirit marks our total belonging to Christ, our enrollment in his service for ever, as well as the promise of divine protection in the great eschatological trial.¹¹⁰

The celebration of Confirmation

1297 The consecration of the sacred chrism is an important action that precedes the celebration of Confirmation, but is in a certain way a part of it. It is the bishop who, in the course of the Chrism Mass of Holy Thursday, consecrates the sacred chrism for his whole diocese. In some Eastern Churches this consecration is even reserved to the patriarch:

The liturgy of Antioch expresses the epiclesis for the consecration of the sacred chrism (myron) in this way: “[Father . . . send your Holy Spirit] on us and on this oil which is before us and consecrate it, so that it may be for all who are anointed and marked with it holy myron, priestly myron, royal myron, with gladness, clothing with light, a cloak of salvation, a spiritual gift, the

sanctification of souls and bodies, imperishable happiness, the indelible seal, a buckler of faith, and a fearsome helmet against all the works of the adversary.”

1298 When Confirmation is celebrated separately from Baptism, as is the case in the Roman Rite, the Liturgy of Confirmation begins with the renewal of baptismal promises and the profession of faith by the confirmands. This clearly shows that Confirmation follows Baptism.¹¹¹ When adults are baptized, they immediately receive Confirmation and participate in the Eucharist.¹¹²

1299

In the Roman Rite the bishop extends his hands over the whole group of theconfirmands. Since the time of the apostles this gesture has signified the gift of the Spirit. The bishop invokes the outpouring of the Spirit in these words:

All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by water and the Holy Spirit
you freed your sons and daughters from sin
and gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon them
to be their helper and guide. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of right judgment and courage,
the spirit of knowledge and reverence.
Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.¹¹³

1300 The essential rite of the sacrament follows. In the Latin rite, “the sacrament of Confirmation is conferred through the anointing with chrism on the forehead, which is done by the laying on of the hand, and through the words: ‘Accipe signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti’ [Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.].”¹¹⁴ In the Eastern Churches of Byzantine rite, after a prayer of epiclesis, the more significant parts of the body are anointed with myron: forehead, eyes, nose, ears, lips, chest, back, hands, and feet. Each anointing is accompanied by the formula (Signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti): “the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.”¹¹⁵

1301 The sign of peace that concludes the rite of the sacrament signifies and demonstrates ecclesial communion with the bishop and with all the faithful.¹¹⁶

III. The Effects of Confirmation

1302 It is evident from its celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost.

1303 From this fact, Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:

it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, “Abba! Father!”;¹¹⁷
it unites us more firmly to Christ;
it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
it renders our bond with the Church more perfect;¹¹⁸
it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christboldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross:¹¹⁹

Recall then that you have received the spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear in God’s presence. Guard what you have received. God the Father has marked you with his sign; Christ the Lord has confirmed you and has placed his pledge, the Spirit, in your hearts.¹²⁰

1304 Like Baptism which it completes, Confirmation is given only once, for it too imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual mark, the “character,” which is the sign that Jesus Christ has marked a Christian with the seal of his Spirit by clothing him with power from on high so that he may be his witness.¹²¹

1305 This “character” perfects the common priesthood of the faithful, received in Baptism, and “the confirmed person receives the power to profess faith in Christ publicly and as it were officially (quasi ex officio).”¹²²

Who Can Receive This Sacrament?

1306 Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and should receive the sacrament of Confirmation.¹²³ Since Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist form a unity, it follows that “the faithful are obliged to receive this sacrament at the appropriate time,”¹²⁴ for without Confirmation and Eucharist, Baptism is certainly valid and efficacious, but Christian initiation remains incomplete.

1307 For centuries, Latin custom has indicated “the age of discretion” as the reference point for receiving Confirmation. But in danger of death children should be confirmed even if they have not yet attained the age of discretion.¹²⁵

1308 Although Confirmation is sometimes called the “sacrament of Christian maturity,” we must not confuse adult faith with the adult age of natural growth, nor forget that the baptismal grace is a grace of free, unmerited election and does not need “ratification” to become effective. St. Thomas reminds us of this.

Age of body does not determine age of soul. Even in childhood man can attain spiritual maturity: as the book of Wisdom says: “For old age is not honored for length of time, or measured by number of years.” Many children, through the strength of the Holy Spirit they have received, have bravely fought for Christ even to the shedding of their blood.¹²⁶

1309 Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit—his actions, his gifts, and his biddings—in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community. The latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands.¹²⁷

1310 To receive Confirmation one must be in a state of grace. One should receive the sacrament of Penance in order to be cleansed for the gift of the Holy Spirit. More intense prayer should prepare one to receive the strength and graces of the Holy Spirit with docility and readiness to act.¹²⁸

1311 Candidates for Confirmation, as for Baptism, fittingly seek the spiritual help of a sponsor. To emphasize the unity of the two sacraments, it is appropriate that this be one of the baptismal godparents.¹²⁹

The Minister of Confirmation

1312

The original minister of Confirmation is the bishop.¹³⁰

In the East, ordinarily the priest who baptizes also immediately confers Confirmation in one and the same celebration. But he does so with sacred chrism consecrated by the patriarch or the bishop, thus expressing the apostolic unity of the Church whose bonds are strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation. In the Latin Church, the same discipline applies to the Baptism of adults or to the reception into full communion with the Church of a person baptized in another Christian community that does not have valid Confirmation.¹³¹

1313 In the Latin Rite, the ordinary minister of Confirmation is the bishop.¹³² If the need arises, the bishop may grant the faculty of administering Confirmation¹³³ to priests, although it is fitting that he confer it himself, mindful that the celebration of Confirmation has been temporally separated from Baptism for this reason. Bishops are the successors of the apostles. They have received the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders. The administration of this sacrament by them demonstrates clearly that its effect is to unite those who receive it more closely to the Church, to her apostolic origins, and to her mission of bearing witness to Christ.

1314 If a Christian is in danger of death, any priest can give him Confirmation.¹³⁴ Indeed the Church desires that none of her children, even the youngest, should depart this world without having been perfected by the Holy Spirit with the gift of Christ’s fullness.

IN BRIEF

1315 “Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:14-17).

1316 Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.

1317 Confirmation, like Baptism, imprints a spiritual mark or indelible character on the Christian’s soul; for this reason one can receive this sacrament only once in one’s life.

1318 In the East this sacrament is administered immediately after Baptism and is followed by participation in the Eucharist; this tradition highlights the unity of the three sacraments of Christian initiation. In the Latin Church this sacrament is administered when the age of reason has been reached, and its celebration is ordinarily reserved to the bishop, thus signifying that this sacrament strengthens the ecclesial bond.

1319 A candidate for Confirmation who has attained the age of reason must profess the faith, be in the state of grace, have the intention of receiving the sacrament, and be prepared to assume the role of disciple and witness to Christ, both within the ecclesial community and in temporal affairs.

1320 The essential rite of Confirmation is anointing the forehead of the baptized with sacred chrism (in the East other sense-organs as well), together with the laying on of the minister’s hand and the words: “Accipe signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti” (Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.) in the Roman rite, or: Signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti (the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit) in the Byzantine rite.

1321 When Confirmation is celebrated separately from Baptism, its connection with Baptism is expressed, among other ways, by the renewal of baptismal promises. The celebration of Confirmation during the Eucharist helps underline the unity of the sacraments of Christian initiation.

Notes

Cf. Roman Ritual, Rite of Confirmation (OC), Introduction 1.

LG 11; cf. OC, Introduction 2.

Cf. Isa 11:2; 61:1; Lk 4:16-22.

Cf. Mt 3:13-17; Jn 1:33-34.

Jn 3:34.

Cf. Ezek 36:25-27; Joel 3:1-2.

Cf. Lk 12:12; Jn 3:5-8; 7:37-39; 16:7-15; Acts 1:8.

Cf. Jn 20:22; Acts 2:1-4.

Acts 2:11; cf. 2:17-18.

Cf. Acts 2:38.

Paul VI, Divinae consortium naturae, 659; cf. Acts 8:15-17; 19:5-6; Heb 6:2.

Acts 10:38.

Cf. CCEO, can. 695 § 1; 696 § 1.

Cf. St. Hippolytus, Trad. Ap. 21: SCh 11, 80-95.

Deut 11:14; Pss 23:5; 104:15.

Cf. Isa 1:6; Lk 10:34.

2 Cor 2:15.

Cf. Gen 38:18; 41:42; Deut 32:34; CT 8:6.

Cf. 1 Kings 21:8; Jer 32:10; Isa 29:11.

Cf. Jn 6:27.

2 Cor 1:21-22; cf. Eph 1:13; 4, 30.

Cf. Rev 7:2-3; 9:4; Ezek 9:4-6.

Cf. SC 71.

Cf. CIC, can. 866.

OC 25.

Paul VI, apostolic constitution, Divinae consortium naturae, 663.

Rituale per le Chiese orientali di rito bizantino in lingua greca, Pars Prima (Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1954), 36.

Cf. St. Hippolytus, Trad. Ap. 21: SCh 11, 80-95.

Rom 8:15.

Cf. LG 11.

Cf. Council of Florence (1439): DS 1319; LG 11; 12.

St. Ambrose, De myst. 7, 42: PL 16, 402-403.

Cf. Council of Trent (1547): DS 1609; Lk 24:48-49.

St. Thomas Aquinas, STh III, 72, 5, ad 2.

2Cf. CIC, can. 889 § 1.

CIC can. 890.

Cf. CIC, cann. 891; 883, 3°.

St. Thomas Aquinas, STh III, 72, 8, ad 2; cf. Wis 4:8.

Cf. OC Introduction 3.

Cf. Acts 1:14.

Cf. OC Introduction 5; 6; CIC, can. 893 §§ 1- 2.

Cf. LG 26.

Cf. CIC, can. 883 § 2.

Cf. CIC, can. 882.

Cf. CIC, can. 884 § 2.

Cf. CIC, can. 883 § 3.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

Catechism of the Catholic Church – INDEX for Confirmation

Confirmation 1285-1321

Age for receiving 1307-1308

Apostolate of the laity and 900, 941

Character of 698, 1121, 1304-1305, 1317

New Law and 1210

Preparation and purposes for 309

Priesthood of the Christian faithful and 1546

Salvation and 1286-1292

State required for receiving 1310, 1318-1319

Who may receive the sacrament of 1306-1311

Witness and 2472

See also Chrism, Sacrament (s)

Confirmation and the Sacraments of Christian Initiation 695, 1212, 1275, 1285, 1533

Effects of Confirmation

Increase of baptismal grace 1303, 1316

Indelible character of 1303-1305, 1317

The outpouring of the Spirit 1302

The Seal and 698, 1121

Rite of Confirmation 1397-1301

Anointing 695-1242, 1291, 1294, 1300, 1523

Celebration separate from Baptism 1233, 1290, 1321

To be conferred only once 1304

Godfather and Godmother 1311

Handing over of the Lord’s Prayer 2769

Holy Chrism 1297

Laying on of hands 1288

Minister of 1312-1314, 1318

Signs and rites of 1293-1301, 1320

Sponsors

#874 To be admitted to the role of sponsor, a person must:

be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the one who take their place or, in the absence, by the pastor or minister and is to have qualifications and intentions of performing this role;
have completed the sixteenth year, unless a different age has been established by the diocesan bishop or it seems to the pastor or minister that an exception is to be made for a just cause;
be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist and leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken;
not be bound by an canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared;
not be the father or the mother of the one to be baptized.

#893

#1 To perform the role of sponsor, it is necessary that a person fulfill the

conditions mentioned in the can. 874

#2 It is desirable that the one who undertook the role sponsor at baptism be

sponsor for confirmation.

GUIDELINES FOR MINISTRY TO & WITH YOUNG PEOPLE

Ministry to and with young people in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is firmly based on the United States Catholic Conference of Bishop’s document Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry which was published in 1997. It is the understanding in this Archdiocese that youth ministry includes all ministries to and with young people. The guidelines below entail three areas of ministry: Youth Ministry with Young Adolescents (Jr. High), Youth Ministry with Older Adolescents (High School), and the Confirmation Preparation Process.

http://www.la-archdiocese.org/org/ore/youth/Documents

GUIDELINES FOR CONFIRMATION PREPARATION PROCESS

PHILOSOPHY

“To be young is to be attracted to truth, freedom, peace, beauty and goodness. To be young means to be eager to live; to live joyfully, meaningfully.” (Pope John Paul II)

Maturing in Christian faith is a lifelong journey. Confirmation preparation is a process in Christian growth based on the belief that adolescents are at a significant point in their faith journey where they are beginning to establish a personal faith identity. Through sharing their own journey and interaction with others, the candidates are assisted in identifying and understanding how God is working in their lives, and come to a new realization of faith within the context of the whole parish community. The Confirmation preparation process must be part of a comprehensive ministry with young people.

The gifted and generous leaders called to share faith with youth in preparing them for the Sacrament of Confirmation seek to impart the above sense of hopefulness and enthusiasm among young people. The Confirmation Preparation Process consists of various elements which provide a framework for supporting youth and the parish as they grow as a faith community. The Youth Ministry Division of the Office of Religious Education affirms and supports each parish as they implement this process in a manner that will address the unique needs of their youth and the entire community. A justice perspective and sensitivity to the multicultural diversity of the Archdiocese should be integrated into this program. This process is grounded in a comprehensive vision of youth ministry in which the parish community responds to the needs of the youth and encourages them in return to share their unique gifts with the whole parish community (Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry, USCCB. 1997). Please refer to the Guidelines for Youth Ministry.

Since the Confirmation Preparation Process is a source of renewal for the whole parish community it supports the involvement of the parish including: priests, parents/guardians, families, sponsors, other ministries, youth peer leaders, catechetical teams, and all youth of the community. Each parish is encouraged to implement the above philosophy of this process by developing a model which responds to the specific needs of their youth.

GOALS

The fundamental foundation for the Confirmation Preparation Process is rooted in the three goals of Youth Ministry that are outlined in Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry which was published in 1997 by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. These three interdependent and equally important goals guide the Church’s ministry with young people. These goals state what it means for the Catholic community to respond to the needs of young people and to involve young people in sharing their unique gifts with the larger community. They express the Church’s focus for ministry with all adolescents, while encouraging local creativity in developing the programs, activities, and strategies to reach these goals (Renewing the Vision, 9). These goals are the fundamental foundation for all ministries to young people.

These goals are:

To empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.
To draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of

the Catholic faith community.

To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.

Specifically, “Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit . . . in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community. The latter bears special responsibility for the preparation for confirmands” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1309, USCCB. 1994).

PROCESS

The Archdiocese offers three specific guidelines for developing the Confirmation Preparation Process at a parish:

The Confirmation Preparation Process should always be parish-based and involve the entire parish community.

Catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awake a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community. The latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1309). The process is not implemented at High Schools because students will graduate from schools, but young people will always be connected to a parish. A solid Confirmation Process will connect young people to the larger parish community and help them to see that lifelong catechesis includes a lifelong connection to a parish.

The conferring of the Sacrament of Confirmation should always be based on the readiness of the candidate.

Confirmation Preparation should be a two-year process and take place during high school (grades 9-12).

The process should always be situated within a solid parish-based ministry to young people. It should not be an isolated program that has no contact with the larger parish community. Catechesis (including sacramental preparation) is just one component of a solid ministry to young people and the confirmation process should include all components of youth ministry. Candidates in these parish-based processes should feel supported and encouraged by the community when making the decision to receive the sacrament. This enables a parish to create a process that leads young people to a deeper awareness of what it means to complete their baptismal grace. The United State Catholic Conference of Bishops has decreed that the age for conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation will be “between the age of discretion and about sixteen years of age.” The Conference affirms that the local Bishop may choose the specific age (within the above boundaries) for conferring the sacrament within his diocese. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles believes that the process is best situated in the high school age (beginning no earlier than 9^th grade).

In order to fully build community within the process and connect it to the wider parish community the Confirmation Preparation Process should be two years (meaning that the sacrament is conferred on high school age students in the sophomore year or older). A confirmation process can be longer than two years and should be based on the readiness of the candidate. The Catechism of the Catholic Church also states that the one to receive the sacrament of Confirmation must have the intention of receiving the sacrament” (CCC 1319).

In addition to the above guidelines, the Office of Religious Education lays out other aspects that are part of a vibrant Confirmation Preparation process. The following components are offered as a framework for creating and implementing an effective Confirmation Preparation process, but are not offered as an “all inclusive” program. The Coordinator of Confirmation in collaboration with the pastor must strive to develop a process that meets the needs and fits the environment of the specific parish. A final process will include as many of these components as possible, but might also incorporate many other pieces that will enhance the sacramental preparation of candidates.

POSSIBLE COMPONENTS OF A CONFIRMATION PREPARATION PROCESS

[For detailed descriptions of the following components please refer to the Confirmation Preparation Process Resources. These can be obtained by contacting the Office of Religious Education.]

Components should include (but are not limited to) the following stages:

Welcoming

Community Building / Catechetical

Continuing Catechesis/ Community Building

Sacramental Preparation

Discipleship

WELCOMING STAGE (3-4 months)

The welcoming stage is a period during which the youth of the parish are invited to participate in the Confirmation Preparation Process. At this stage, it is important that the coordinator works closely with the local high schools. Three to four months prior to the beginning of the Community Building/Catechetical Stage, the parish Confirmation coordinator invites all parish eighth graders and non-confirmed high school youth to participate in the Confirmation Preparation Process. The coordinator contacts the local Catholic high schools to invite their cooperation in encouraging their students to enter the process.

Parent/Candidate Meeting Orientation Meeting

The parish Confirmation coordinator meets with interested parents and youth to inform them of the process.

Ritual – Beginning the Journey

This ritual can be part of a prayer service at the end of the Parent/Candidate Orientation Meeting as both begin the Confirmation Process.

COMMUNITY BUILDING / CATECHETICAL STAGE (3-4 months)

The goal of this stage is to gradually awaken in the life of the candidate the reality of God and encourage the candidate to participate in the life of the parish community.

Interview

After the candidate accepts the invitation to participate in the Confirmation Preparation Process, an interview is held. The purpose of the interview is for the team to meet and begin to establish a relationship with the candidate. The parents could be brought into this first interview.

Sponsor Chosen

The sponsor is chosen at the beginning of the Community Building stage. The sponsor journeys with the candidate throughout the Confirmation Preparation Process. This relationship is one of faith-sharer, witness, guide and friend to the candidate.

Parent/Sponsor/Candidate Meeting

A meeting for parents, sponsors, and candidates is held to introduce the Confirmation Preparation Process to all three groups and to help each group to understand their respective role

Spiritual Development

Growth in the life of the Spirit within each candidate is essential to the Confirmation Preparation Process. Consequently, programs include components that encourage and promote spiritual growth and understanding. These components include the presentation of faith themes and the offering of retreats and day of recollection for the candidates, parents, sponsors, and team.

Faith Themes/ Catechesis

The emphasis during this stage is on sharing the faith journey and growing as a faith community. This involves sharing in the following areas:

Journey/Faith Story

Personal Giftedness

The Person of Jesus

The Call to Follow Jesus

Jesus’s Model of Servant Leadership

Retreat/Spiritual Growth Activities

The retreat or day of recollection is a concentrated time away from normal activities and environment dedicated to reflection on the experience of God in our lives. Retreats are an important aspect of spiritual growth and instrumental in building community. At the same time, it is important to recognize that such reflection and inclusion into community must be entered into by choice. Retreats and days of recollection for Confirmation preparation are included along with other options for spiritual renewal so that the reflection is genuine and is a response in freedom to the invitation of our loving God.

Ritual of Promise by Confirmation Candidates and Sponsors

(Suggested time: Advent Season)

The Church through the parish community formally welcomes the candidates into the Confirmation Preparation Process.

Ritual Covenant Call to Conversion

This ritual can also be done at a Catechetical session allowing the candidates to reflect on their own conversion.

Ritual Renewal of Baptismal Promises

This ritual can be done at a Catechetical session or at a Eucharistic celebration. It possibly could follow a session where the subject may be the Creed, Commitment, or Baptism.

CONTINUING CATECHESIS/ COMMUNITY BUILDING STAGE (Approx. 1 year)

The Continuing Catechesis / Community Building Stage is a period of more intense preparation for understanding and living the Catholic Christian faith. The candidates are led to a greater reverence for their Catholic faith, Scripture, and tradition.

Ritual – Blessing of Sponsors and Candidates

This ritual at the beginning of year two can be done at a sponsor meeting or catechetical session to bless the relationship between sponsor and candidate for the second year.

Spiritual Development

The presentation of faith themes during the Catechesis Stage increases the candidate’s knowledge of the Christian lifestyle.

Faith Themes/Catechesis

The emphasis throughout the Continuing Catechesis Stage remains on preparation for living as disciples and the catechesis involves enriching the candidate’s knowledge in the following areas:

Scripture Morality/Decision-Making Jesus

Catholic Belief and Practices Church Justice Liturgy & Liturgical Seasons Human Sexuality Service

Theology of the Sacraments with a Special Emphasis on Confirmation

Service

Service is an integral component of the Confirmation Preparation Process. During the Catechesis Stage, the candidates are:

Guided in understanding service as a way to live out the Gospel values;
Offered a variety of opportunities to participate in service projects;
Guided in reflecting upon their service experiences. Service experiences Include one long term project or three short term projects during the Confirmation Preparation Process.

Ritual – Affirming Confirmation Candidates

This ritual celebrates the Church community’s acceptance of the candidates as they enter into the final preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION STAGE (3-4 months)

The Sacramental Preparation Stage is a time for spiritual preparation and formation in which the candidates are lead to an appreciation and understanding of the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Spiritual Development

During the Sacramental Preparation Stage, the emphasis is on understanding and preparing for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Studying the Rite of Confirmation, retreats or days of recollection, liturgical celebrations, and family celebrations provide opportunities for the candidates’ faith to be deepened as they make final preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Retreat/Spiritual Growth Activities

During the Sacramental Preparation Stage, a second opportunity for retreat/spiritual preparation provides the candidates with time to reflect upon the growth that has occurred during their faith journey and to prepare in a special way to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. This gathering may include sponsors and parents.

Faith Themes

The emphasis during the Sacramental Preparation Stage is on understanding and preparing for the Rite of Confirmation. During this stage, the candidates study the Rite of Confirmation.

Liturgical Celebrations

The liturgical celebrations help the candidates to celebrate and deepen their experience and understanding of their faith.

Reconciliation Service

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is made available to the candidates at this time.

Family Celebration

During the Sacramental Preparation Stage, the candidates and their parents are brought together for reflection, sharing and prayer.

Interview

During the Sacramental Preparation Stage, the team interviews the candidates. This interview helps the team and candidate to discern the growth of the candidate as well as begin a closure process to the two year preparation.

Rite of Confirmation (Time Frame: Easter Season)

At the end of the Sacramental Preparation Stage, the Church through the parish community celebrates with the candidates the Sacrament of Confirmation.

DISCIPLESHIP STAGE (Ongoing)

The Discipleship Stage is a time of entering more deeply into the Christian

Community. The living out of the sacramental life calls for involvement in the parish community and especially in the parish youth ministry program.

Retreats/Spiritual Growth Activities

During the Discipleship Stage, participation in parish and diocesan retreats, days of recollection, and spiritual growth activities assists the Catholic Christian to grow in the faith community and to deepen a personal relationship with God.

Spiritual Development

During the Discipleship Stage, Spiritual growth and understanding continue to be part of year II with the presentation of faith themes.

Faith Sharing

The newly confirmed are encouraged to continue to share their faith with their sponsor as well as with others in the faith community.

Liturgical Celebrations

Participation in the liturgical life of the Church is necessary for the Catholic Christians to continue to deepen their experience and understanding of their faith.

Service

As the newly confirmed grows in the Catholic Christian lifestyle, the faith commitment is evidenced in an attitude of generosity in service to others.

FAITH THEMES

The Catechetical component provides foundations for prayer and worship, service opportunities, retreat experiences and community building. This process encourages full and actives participation of all involved and calls on the community to celebrate significant moments in the candidates, faith journey. (Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Office of Religious Education Guidelines p.1)

http://www.la-archdiocese.org/org/ore/youth/Pages/Resources-for-the-Confirmation-Process.aspx

The philosophy of the Confirmation Preparation Process is integrated into the presentation of faith themes. This includes:

a) content
b) prayer
c) reflection
d) experiences,
e) assimilation

In presenting the faith theme, the Lectionary can also be used as a basis for assimilating the Gospel into the candidates, lives. Learning about the liturgical seasons can be a part of the faith component and does not necessarily have to be a separate lesson. This is accomplished by teaching, providing a variety of activities, and providing time for discussions. Lecture, as methodology, should be minimal.

In reviewing these faith themes, coordinators should decide if several themes need to be combined because the specific model is being used by the parish. If the candidates need more time on a particular subject, it is always an option to expand on any faith theme.

FAITH THEME OBJECTIVES COMPONENT

YEAR I- Welcoming Initial Stage– September through November (approximately)

The emphasis during the welcoming/ initial stage is on sharing the faith journey and growing as a faith community. This involves sharing in the following areas:

A Journey/ Faith Story

¨ To get acquainted with each other, with Jesus, and the parish community.

¨ Listen to each other’s story and reflect on Jesus’ story found on Scripture.

¨ To understand, as Catholics, we belong to a parish

¨ To realize that we need friendship with each other and with Jesus.

¨ This makes community.

¨ To initiate opportunities and experiences to aid youth in family community

with sensitivity to the various components which make “family” today.

Personal Giftedness

¨ To recognize that before we can really know God and serve other, we must learn to accept ourselves.

¨ To look at self acceptance and self worth This is done through listening and telling our stories.

Jesus

¨ To reflect on the Person of Jesus as seen in Scripture.

¨ To reflect on Jesus as a Man of Prayer.

¨ To reflect on Jesus as the Son of God.

¨ To reflect on Jesus as the Model of Friend

¨ To reflect on Jesus as the Model of Forgiveness.

¨ To reflect on Jesus as the Model of Service.

¨ To reflect on Jesus as the Model of Moral Behavior.

¨ To reflect on the Death on Resurrection of Jesus as the central event in our Christian life.

The Call to Follow Jesus

¨ To see Scripture and Church call faithful to discipleship a deeper meaning of Confirmation.

¨ To reflect on being called by name

¨ To help the candidates realize the on-going responsibility to live by God’s Word as their response in faith because of their commitment to the Catholic Church (Confirmation not an ending, but a new beginning).

Year 1 Catechetical/ Community Building Stage– December through June (approximately) The emphasis during the Catechetical/ Community Building Stage is continued to help the candidates to grow in an understanding of what it means to live the Catholic Christian faith. The following faith themes are addressed; and the foundation for themes are drawn Scripture and tradition of the Church:

Church

¨ To reflect on Church heroines- saints. This can include people of today and of recent history who exemplify values worth living,

¨ To learn what it means to be Church. This includes study-of past, present, and future.

¨ To introduce various models of Church.

Morality/ Decision-Making.

¨ To define sin by looking at moral issues facing high school youth.

¨ To explore Scripture to understanding Jesus’ message of sin and forgiveness.

¨ To help youth make informed and reasoned judgments regarding their responses to the influence of media (sex, violence, substance abuse, etc.)

¨ To grow in awareness of Jesus as Model or moral behavior.

¨ To become more aware of personhood and the value and dignity of human life- conception to death.

¨ To help youth learn to make good moral decisions based on Scripture of Catholic values.

Liturgy & Liturgical Seasons, Worship and Prayer

¨ To reflect on the various forms of prayer.

¨ To reflect on the Eucharistic Liturgy as the height of prayer.

¨ To reflect on the Jesus as Model of prayer.

¨ To reflect on the meaning of the season of Advent.

¨ To reflect on the meaning of Christmas.

¨ To introduce Lent a as a season of preparation relating to the Confirmation Preparation Process.

¨ To reflect on the meaning of Pentecost.

Scripture

¨ To introduce the Christian Scriptures as a biased account of the faith community. To understand the importance of Jesus’ story in living now.

¨ To introduce the infancy narratives.

¨ To teach Mary’s role as Mother of Jesus.

¨ To introduce how the Gospel Portrait of Jesus is a Message of Faith today.

¨ To look at the parables and miracles of Jesus as recorder in the Scripture.

¨ To explore the relevancy of the parables and miracles in the life of a teen.

YEAR II – CONFIRMATION-YEAR II– September through June (approximately.)

The emphasis during the Catechetical/ community Building Stage is continued to help the candidates to growing an understanding of what it means to live the Catholic Christian Faith. The following faith themes are addressed; and the foundation for these themes are drawn from Scripture and tradition of the Church.

Faith Themes for Year II

Justice and Service

¨ To teach the principles of social Justice as reflected in Catholic tradition.

¨ To build awareness of the need to respect the environment as God’s gift to humankind.

¨ To explore the role of service in the Catholic Christian.

¨ To realize Jesus is the model of service.

Human Sexuality

¨ To teach sexuality and dating from a mature perspective, reflecting Catholic values.

¨ To show how media affects our sexual attitudes.

¨ See Human Sexuality Guidelines.

Catholic Belief & Practices

¨ To learn the meaning of symbols in the Catholic tradition.

¨ To review discipleship, service, and worship as part of the life of a mature Confirmed Catholic way of life.

¨ To define commitment to the Church.

¨ To discuss the Creed as basis of beliefs

YEAR II- Sacramental Preparation Stage– March through May (approximately)

The emphasis during the sacramental preparation stage is on understanding and preparing for the Rite of Confirmation. At this time, the candidates continue to study the sacrament of Confirmation

Faith Themes for Sacramental Preparation Stage

Theology of the Sacraments with a Special Emphasis on Confirmation

¨ To teach the meaning of Baptism, sacrament of belonging, and its relationship to being

¨ Church today.

¨ To introduce Confirmation and its relationship to Baptism

¨ To introduce the meaning of sponsorship.

¨ To teach the meaning and rites of celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation

¨ To review the history of Confirmation and recall the meaning and connection to of

witnessing to Jesus.

¨ To teach the Gifts of the Holy Spirit as they relate to high school youth and their life experiences.

¨ To introduce the symbols of Confirmation.

¨ To examine Eucharist as central sacrament in our Catholic tradition. (A Scripture Study of Last Supper reading is appropriate.)

¨ To illustrate to youth how we, as Church, celebrate God’s loving forgiveness in the

Sacrament of Reconciliation.

¨ To teach the meaning of the sacrament of Matrimony

¨ To teach the meaning of the sacrament of Holy Orders

¨ To teach the meaning of the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

Discipleship Stage– begins at Confirmation and is ongoing – Youth connects with Youth Ministry.

Essential References for a Confirmation Process

The Catechism of the Catholic Church [ISBN: 978-1-57455-110-5]

The Catechism is a text which contains the essential and fundamental content of the Catholic faith and morals in a complete and summary way. It presents what Catholics throughout the world believe in common. It presents these truths in a way that facilitates their understanding. The Catechism is intended to assist those who have the duty to catechize, namely promoters and teachers of catechesis. The Catechism is not intended for direct use by young people or children, Pope John Paul II said that the Catechism “is offered to all the faithful who want to understand better the inexhaustible riches of salvation.” To purchase visit: http://www.usccbpublishing.org/

General Directory of Catechesis [ISBN: 978-1-57455-225-6]

An essential companion to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the General Directory for Catechesis (GDC) provides religious educators, teachers, and catechists with a single point of reference for all aspects of catechetical instruction, for content and pedagogy, as well as for methodology. Beginning with an introductory reflection of how contemporary human and ecclesial conditions have impacted the preaching of the Gospel, the Directory moves through a detailed presentation of the goals and essential elements of catechesis, from its role in the Church’s mission of evangelization, to norms and guidelines for its presentation, to adaptations for various groups and situations. To purchase visit: http://www.usccbpublishing.org/

National Directory of Catechesis [ISBN: 978-1-57455-443-4]

After years of collaboration, study, and writing, The National Directory for Catechesis is now available. A companion to the General Directory for Catechesis (GDC), the National Directory for Catechesis builds on some of the core themes of the GDC, like catechesis’s relationship to evangelization and worship, and provides practical tools for doing catechesis well. This is a “must-have” for anyone in catechesis or Catholic education-teachers, principals, directors, and coordinators of religious education and youth ministry, catechists, and students in the field. The NDC was approved by the bishops of the United States in June 2003. To purchase visit: http://www.usccbpublishing.org/

Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry

A small manual written by the United States Conference for Catholic Bishops that is a blueprint for the continued development of ministry with adolescents. To purchase visit: http://store.nfcym.org/shop/pc/home.asp

National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry Documents

This Federation has produced documents ranging from Evangelization, Catechesis, Worship and Prayer, to Pastoral Care dealing specifically with young people. For a listing of documents visit: www.nfcym.org or call 202-636-3825.

Archdioceses of Los Angeles Ministry with Young People & Confirmation Preparation Process Guidelines

To view both documents visit: http://archla.org/youth

Coordinator’s Handbook

A notebook produced by the Youth Ministry Team that has information about the Archdiocese, creating a job description, important insurance forms and procedures, how to create a program handbook, and much more. (Contact Youth Ministry Office for a copy).

Confirmation Preparation Process Resources

A resource produced by the Youth Ministry Team that gives ideas, suggestions and resources for people who coordinate the confirmation process at a parish. The latest edition was published in 2001. To download visit:

http://archla.org/youth

Archdiocese of Los Angeles Confirmation Rite Guidelines

A resource that contains guidelines and instructions for celebrating the Rite of Confirmation in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. These suggestions and resources are intended to assist priests, catechists, confirmation candidates, liturgical planning teams, and the entire parish community in fulfilling their pastoral responsibility in celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation. To download visit: http://archla.org/youth

Archdiocese of Los Angeles Catholic Directory

Annual directory produced by the Archdiocese listing parishes, priests, retreat centers, and other resources to help anyone in ministry. For more information as to how to purchase a copy visit http://www.la-archdiocese.org/Pages/Publications/ArchdiocesanDirectory.aspx or contact (213)-637-7378.