Confirmation

In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Apostles and the Bishops, who are their successors, hand on to the baptized the special gift of the Holy Spirit, promised by Christ the Lord and poured out upon the Apostles at Pentecost. Thus the initiation in the Christian life is completed so that believers are strengthened by power from Heaven, made true witnesses of Christ in word and deed, and bound more closely to the Church.” Decree of Pope Paul VI, 8/22/71 The rites, Rite of Confirmation p. 289

Confirmation preparation begins in the 10th grade, as diocesan norms indicate. However, any Catholic adult or one being received in the Church may also receive the sacrament. An adult wishing to be confirmed, may do so as part of our RCIA program.

PERTINENT INFORMATION:
How to start? Confirmation preparation begins with an invitation which is extended prior to a student's sophomore year in high school. If you or your student feel you were missed in this invitation, please contact Deb Mlsna or Fr. Barry.
Once committed, confirmation students will both prepare to celebrate the sacrament and continue in their on-going faith formation by participating in Religious Education classes or Catholic School. Confirmation preparation is separate from ongoing catechesis, which needs to continue throughout our lives.

What happens at Confirmation?  In the Sacrament of confirmation, the Apostles and the Bishops, who are their successors, hand on to the baptized the special gift of the Holy Spirit, promised by Christ the Lord and poured out upon the Apostles at Pentecost. Thus the initiation in the Christian life is completed so that believers are strengthened by power from Heaven, made true witnesses of Christ in word and deed, and bound more closely to the Church.”
Decree of Pope Paul VI, 8/22/71 The rites, Rite of Confirmation p. 289

The Role of PARENTS:     “The initiation of children (youth) into the Sacramental life is for the most part the responsibility and concern of Christian parents. They are to form and gradually increase a spirit of faith in their children, and, with the help of catechetical institutions, prepare them for the fruitful reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. The role of the parents is also expressed by their active participation in the celebration of the Sacraments.”
The Rites, p. 298

Parents will be expected to aid their son/daughter in preparing for the Sacraments of Confirmation.

Please pray with/for you son or daughter and all of the other candidates.
Discuss with your son or daughter the Sacrament of Confirmation, their willingness to devote themselves to preparation for the Sacrament.
Make your life as a Catholic an example for your son or daughter, and be available to assist in his/her preparation by offering your full support, (forms, providing aid in service projects, serving as an advisor or chaperone, etc.).
Be aware of the Confirmation program guidelines and feel free to contact us with your comments, questions, etc. We hope you will become acquainted with his/her teachers and mentors.
Help you daughter/son choose a Confirmation name and sponsor.

The role of CANDIDATES:  This can be one of the most exciting times along your faith journey! For this to happen, be open to the Holy Spirit by praying daily. You will also be participating in a retreat which immerses you into Christ and His Church, various activities which allows you to live out the Works of Mercy, and growing in your knowledge of and hopefully love for Christ.

The role of the SPONSORS:  A sponsor has the privilege of guiding the candidate to a closer relationship with Christ and the Church he founded—the Roman Catholic Church. He or she must belong to the Catholic Church and have been initiated in the three Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, be 16 years of age and may not be a parent.
If you wish, one of your Baptismal sponsors may be chosen to be your Confirmation sponsor, provided a Christian relationship exists. This situation is most appropriate, and would stress the Sacraments of Initiation, and the relationship between Baptism and Confirmation.
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1311; Code of Canon Law, , # 893
Sponsors need to be involved from the beginning of the preparation process and we ask them to make a commitment to PRAY DAILY for their candidate!

Our program will include but is not limited to:

Discipleship Packets: Candidates will need to complete and turn in a brief packet which helps them become familiar with key Catholic teachings and formation as a Catholic in the following areas:

a) Works of Mercy & Virtue: Candidates will review the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy and moral virtues. During the course of preparation, candidates will need to share how they have become more like Christ by practicing the works of mercy and growing in virtue.

b) Homily Notes: Candidates will be asked to take notes on a given homily. This is to help the candidate to focus on the message of the homily given at Mass. It is encouraged to ask clarifying questions of the priest following Mass if needed.

c) YouCat Review: Pope Benedict gave to youth in 2011 a wonderful engaging Catechism. Candidates will answer questions from this book.

d) Prayer Notes: Each candidate is asked to spend intentional time in prayer each day, during this preparation process and to answer some questions about their experience. They may discuss this monthly with their sponsor.

Holy Hour (x2): It is so important for us to spend time with Christ and realize the gift of Himself He has given to us. A devotion dating back to the earliest of time is Adoring Christ in the Blessed Sacrament for an extended period of time. During the Holy Hour of Adoration, you have the opportunity to simply be still and LISTEN to God. It is “Speak Lord, your servant is listening” and NOT “Listen Lord, your servant is speaking.” Candidates need to complete two Holy Hours as part of their preparation.

Retreats: Throughout history, retreats have proven to be a very effective means of helping people draw closer to Christ, thus there are two retreats for all candidates during the year immediately prior to Confirmation.

Confirmation Name Report: Candidates will choose a name for Confirmation (which may be the same as Baptism) as a new identity in Christ. They will write a one page report on the name they choose including information about the saint and why the name was chosen.


Confirmation Coordinator: Deb Mlsna
715-659-4480 Ext. 3

Confirmation preparation links for 2021 Candidates

Preparation checklist (2020-21)

Materials:
Printed copies are given to the candidates with extra copies available in class or from Deb. The online copies are below, the documents for the corporal and spiritual works of mercy are formatted with two per page.

Corporal Works of Mercy

Spiritual Works of Mercy

Disciple packet #1 - due November 4

Disciple packet #2 - due December 9

Disciple packet #3 - due February 3, 2021