What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?
Confirmation is the Sacrament in which one is enriched by the gift of the Holy Spirit and bound more perfectly to the Church. It strengthens us and obliges us to be witnesses to Christ by word and deed and to spread and defend the faith. It is the Sacrament in which one enters into full membership in the Catholic Church. Confirmation, like Baptism, imprints a spiritual mark or indelible character on the Christian soul; for this reason one can receive this sacrament only once.
What are the Confirmation Process Requirements?
Saint Anthony Confirmation 2-Year Process Participation Requirements
•Catechetical Courses:
•Service Involvement:
•Fellowship:
•Prayer and Worship:
•Faith Sharing:
•Saint’s Report/Letter to the Bishop: Prior to acceptance as a Confirmation Candidate all youth of our parish are required to complete a Saint’s Report (at least one page, typed, 12 font and single spaced). A Letter to the Bishop is also required and should follow the previous report’s requirements (i.e. one paged typed, 12 font)
•Christian Behavior: Prior to acceptance as a Confirmation Candidate all the youth of our parish are required to follow the Christian Code of Conduct: Display Christian Behavior, Exceed no more than (3) absences or tardies (see Conduct Pledge) AND attend all mandatory orientations.
Goals for our Confirmation Program
Goal 1: That our parish community, on all levels, receives appropriate guidance to celebrate the sacrament effectively with our candidates.
Goal 2: That the candidates experience the meaning of initiation into a welcoming community here at St. John the Baptist.
Goal 3: That the candidates have a reasonable understanding of the person, mission, and message of Jesus.
Goal 4: That the candidates understand the basic meaning of the church and comprehend the significance and role of the sacraments in the church’s life and in their own life.
Goal 5: That the candidates recognize and appreciate the role and activity of the Holy Sprit in their life and the life of the church.
Goal 6: That the candidates through their own choice understand and accept the Rite of Confirmation and prepare to celebrate it in a meaningful way.
Goal 7: That each candidate come to a better understanding in our Catholic faith and recognition of their God given gifts.
Goal 8: That the candidates have a solid foundation and confidence in their Catholic Identity.
Goal 9: That each candidate plan the next steps in the growth of their spiritual journey after Confirmation; especially by making a personal commitment to choosing a ministry in which to use their gifts.
What are the Parent’s Responsibilities?
Parents:
•Are the primary educators of their children
•Are responsible for initiating their children into the sacramental life
•Serve as models for their child by being committed Christians
•Worship with their families regularly
•Nurture their child in faith
•Should encourage their child to reflect and thoughtfully consider the decision to receive the sacrament of Confirmation
•Are asked to attend meetings, programs, and prayer services that are planned to help their child prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation
•Are no longer permitted as Confirmation sponsors for their own child
•Are asked to assist their child with the immediate preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation through prayer, study and Christian Service.
•Can emphasize the importance of the sacrament of Confirmation by taking an active part in the celebration of Confirmation
•Should stress the initiation aspect of the sacrament by encouraging their children to continue learning more about their faith
•Should help their child in understanding that the Confirmation service project is the beginning of a life committed to Christian service
Contact Mr. Timothy K. Rodrick, OPL if you have questions regarding the High School Confirmation program at 310-322-4392 Ext. 444.