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The Sacrament of Confirmation For Youth

Confirmation is the sacrament through which the Holy Spirit comes to us in a special way to bind us more closely to the Church, make us more like Christ, and strengthens us to conserve, defend, live up to and share our faith as witnesses and apostles to Christ.  Confirmation means, "strengthening."  Confirmation strengthens the work of the Spirit begun in us at Baptism so that we may be true Christians and apostles.

Preparation for this sacrament in the Galveston/Houston Diocese is based on the theological position that Confirmation should be celebrated during middle adolescence (the high school years) because the adolescent will be completing the process of initiation into the Church, a process begun at baptism.  This is the adolescent's opportunity to say "yes" to his/her baptismal promises and publicly commit to a belief in Jesus Christ in the Catholic faith-tradition.
 

CONFIRMATION GUIDELINES: 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that “From that time on the apostles, in fulfillment of Christ’s will, imparted to the newly baptized by the laying of hands the gift of the Spirit that completes the grace of Baptism… The imposition of hands is rightly recognized as the origin of the sacrament of Confirmation, which in a certain way perpetuates the grace of Pentecost in the Church” [(CCC):1288].  The Catechism notes that “Very early [in the life of the Church], 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.”…In the West, Confirmation suggests both the ratification of Baptism, thus completing Christian initiation, and the strengthening of baptismal grace- both fruits of the Holy Spirit” [(CCC): 1289] 

Qualifications of Candidates:

Each baptized Catholic has the right and the obligation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, but the candidate has the responsibility to personally choose to complete initiation into the faith life of the Church.  The candidate may request the sacrament if he/she:

a.        Is baptized and able to renew Baptismal promises, unless a grave reason suggest otherwise.

b.        Exhibits an active faith life and knowledge of the Church.

c.        Participates in the sacramental life of the Church, especially Eucharistic liturgies.

d.        Is willing to commit to active involvement in the parish Confirmation catechesis.

e.        Is willing to respond to the call to active ministry.

f.          Is willing to continue to learn and grow in faith following Confirmation and throughout his/her lifetime.

Age of Candidate:

In our parish we confirm in the eleventh grade.  Once the ninth and tenth grade are completed in life long faith formation then in the 11th grade the youth will be confirmed. The year of formal preparation for the sacrament is best seen as a continuation of the years of catechesis though childhood.  Therefore it is recommended that a young person who has had little or no formal catechesis attend Youth Group Meetings which are available on Monday nights.  Regular attendance at the scheduled Monday night meetings is required. 

All paperwork as listed in the Confirmation Handbook must be turned in by the February Confirmation Retreat. 

Sponsors:

Sponsors represent in a personal way the witness and support of the parish community.  Opportunities for catecheses should be offered to the sponsors in order to assist them in fully understanding their role in the ongoing formation of the candidate.  The sponsor should participate with the candidate in his/her preparation, as well as the celebration.

To perform the role of the sponsor, it is necessary that a person fulfill the conditions stated in the Code of Canon Law #874:

1.       Be designated by the one to be baptized (confirmed), by the parents or the one who takes their place or, in their absence, by the pastor or minister and is to have the qualifications and intention of performing this role;

2.       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;

3.       Be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the sacrament of the Eucharist and leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken;

4.       Not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared (e.g. if married, marriage must be recognized by the Catholic Church as valid).

5.       Not be the father or the mother of the one to be baptized. (confirmed)

I have also sent an insert of our handbook if there can be a link to get it offline would be good.

 

Important 2005 Confirmation Dates
 

To be announced

 

Any adult wishing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation should contact the CCE office.  The adult classes will begin on a date TBA.

SACC News



Our Lifelong Faith Formation Handbook is now available  online. Click here to view it.


 
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5560 Laurel Creek Way
Houston, Texas  77017
(713) 946-8968

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