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Confirmation is integral to the sacramental initiation of a
person into the Church, the People of God. In that sense, it is
not an optional sacrament. It is for the candidate both a
precious occasion of Grace and an opportunity for a moving
experience of faith. Parents, sponsors, priests, catechists and
community share the ministry of preparing the candidate for this
significant sacramental experience.
Careful planning and extended preparation will enhance for the
candidate this encounter with the Spirit. |
Candidates
for the Sacrament of Confirmation must be baptized Catholics, in the
seventh grade or older, and be involved in a structured preparation
program that is designed to deepen their faith commitment.
This preparation,
in a general fashion, includes:
The General Preparation: This includes all the formal and
informal catechetical formation provided to a child by parents and the
parish from baptism through the seventh grade.
The Formal Preparation Program:
This includes:
-
An information
session for parents and youth
-
The selection of
sponsors
-
A sponsor
Information and Training Session
-
A retreat
experience consisting of at least one day
-
Core content to
be presented in formal classes
-
Sponsor / Youth
sessions; Christian Service Project
-
Selection of
Confirmation name (may keep one's own)
-
An interview
with the confirmand by the pastor or delegate
-
Letter of
request by the confirmand to the Bishop
-
Opportunity to
celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation
-
Practice, as
needed, for the actual celebration
Adults desiring to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation should
contact the pastor. A special program of preparation will be worked out
according to each person's personal situation. |