Confirmation Clarification

[jmcrae]

While it is true to say that “we are not confirming anything, the Holy Spirit is Confirming us”, it would be silly to suggest that no type of preparation was needed.

I think that the focus of the learning should be on the 7 gifts and 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit, together with an exposition of the meaning of the anointing with oil and the laying on of hands. If the children choose to take a Saint’s name for this Sacrament, it should be explained to them what the Communion of Saints is, and how they fit into it, as well as the meaning behind taking a new name.

Unfortunately the CCD programs idea of preparation involves service, service and more service. Doing acts of charity is wonderful but not sufficient as preparation for reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation.

I agree. While I think service projects are a great idea, I certainly wouldn’t want to focus on them to the exclusion of what I would consider to be more important things.

If the child is not attending Mass and Confession regularly they haven’t got a clue.

If the parents don’t bring them, it’s hard for them to come. This is where educating the parents comes in.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

While it is true to say that “we are not confirming anything, the Holy Spirit is Confirming us”, it would be silly to suggest that no type of preparation was needed.

It is a fact that no preparation is needed. It is required in the Latin Church as a matter of discipline.

I say this because in the Byzantine Catholic Churches infants are confirmed, or chrismated as we would say.

All of the Sacraments of Initiation are performed at the same time for infants in the East, Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation), and First Eucharist.

 

[Lisa_Mladinich]

Hey, everybody! I just want to write and thank you all for this spirited and enriching response to my original cry for help. I thank God for such a precious community of friends in Christ.