The Sacrament of Confirmation

What is Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation confers special graces of the Holy Spirit upon the person being confirmed, just as graces were granted to the Apostles on Pentecost. This Sacrament can only be performed once, and Confirmation increases and deepens all of the graces granted at Baptism.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists five effects of Confirmation:

• it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation [as sons of God] which makes us cry, "Abba! Father!"
• 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;
• 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 Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross.

Because Confirmation perfects our baptism, we are obliged to receive it "in due time." Any Catholic who did not receive Confirmation at baptism or as part of his religious education during grade school or high school should contact a priest and arrange to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

How Do I Participate

The following guidelines have been established in the Diocese for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation:

1. An appropriate understanding of the Christian life. The candidate must understand and accept the life of Christ in their lifestyle.

2. A firm determination to live the Christian life to the best of their ability. The candidate must be a good steward, giving in Christian proportion of time, talent, and treasure.

3. Appreciation of the importance of worship and prayer in the life of the Church. The candidate must understand the importance of personal and communal worship.

4. Faithful participation in parish religious education program.

5. Commitment to further religious education by the candidate and parents or guardian. The candidate should be willing to be involved in parish religious education programs after Confirmation.

How Do I Qualify

Baptized Catholic youth who have reached the 9th grade are invited at the beginning of the year (September) to enter into preparation for Confirmation in St. Denis Parish. The program begins in September and concludes with the celebration of Confirmation. Included in this period is a time for retreat and opportunities for service. As with Baptism, preparation for Confirmation takes place within the context of the total parish community.

This period of sacramental preparation is the time for specific focus on Confirmation. This time should reflect a more faith-sharing, Scripture intense, conversion process similar to that of adults in our parish RCIA. This includes instruction in the doctrines of our faith, but in a way that differs from our regular catechetical sessions. Candidates are expected to participate in sessions verbally by sharing their faith experience. Instructors will guide candidates in their sharing and help them to reflect on the meaning of the Catholic faith experience in their lives.

The role of parents/guardians, sponsors and catechists are of special significance. As with the Sacrament of Eucharist, a Baptismal Certificate must be presented for Parish records.

The candidate may select his or her sponsor from members in good standing with St. Denis Catholic Church. It is recommended that in order to complete the cycle of the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptismal sponsors become Confirmation sponsors. Sponsors from outside St. Denis parish must obtain a written notification from the parish in which they are registered indicating that they are in good standing in their Church. The role of the sponsor in confirmation, like that of the sponsor in the total RCIA process, has become a vital part of the candidate's journey before, during, and after receiving this sacrament. Sponsors must be fully initiated (have received Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation), active Catholics. Sponsors must be over 18 years of age and cannot be the Candidate's parent. Only 1 sponsor per candidate as per Canon law.

Contact

For more information, contact Celia Flores at 909-861-7106 X243

Forms

Click here to find the forms you will need to print out, complete, and bring to the office.