Help Confirmation

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I will be getting confirmed during this coming easter vigil and I am not really sure how it works. I’m sure as the time draws nearer my priest will let me know but I thought I might ask here ahead of time what I should expect.

Thanks for your time

God Bless.
 
I will be getting confirmed during this coming easter vigil and I am not really sure how it works. I’m sure as the time draws nearer my priest will let me know but I thought I might ask here ahead of time what I should expect.

Thanks for your time

God Bless.
Since you mention the Easter Vigil I will assume that you are a non-Catholic Candidate in the RCIA process. Your RCIA leaders will go over the Sacraments in a general way at least before the Easter Vigil.
 
Since you mention the Easter Vigil I will assume that you are a non-Catholic Candidate in the RCIA process. Your RCIA leaders will go over the Sacraments in a general way at least before the Easter Vigil.
If the poster was speaking about what actually happens at the Vigil, many like to keep that part a “secret.” We do not rehearse our catechumens and candidates before the Vigil. Sure we tell them the questions they will be asked and give them a general idea of when things will happen and what will happen. (ie, you will have water poured over you at the font, then you will go into the sacristy to dry off and put on a white garment then the priest will annoint you with oil) but we don’t rehearse them. I like to have them experience first and then we break open what happened. Of course they have learned the meaning and theology of the sacraments before hand but we don’t like them to really know what is going to happen at the Vigil. Our team members guide them through the entire Vigil. We have found this to be a very emotional time when it actually happens. I know some parishes have elaborate rehearsals, but it really isn’t necessary as long as someone is there to lead them where to go during the rites.
 
Interesting. It’s the format that the “RCIA: Beginnings and Beyond” used to train/show us how to implement the RCIA. I was one of those kept in the dark. All it did was make me angry & stressed out. While I don’t think elaborate rehearsals are necessary (we don’t do that with kids being confirmed) I think adults should be given the information they seek. Some may be quite happy with the ‘surprise’ aspect of the whole thing but others respond much better when they know in detail what to expect.
 
Interesting. It’s the format that the “RCIA: Beginnings and Beyond” used to train/show us how to implement the RCIA. I was one of those kept in the dark. All it did was make me angry & stressed out. While I don’t think elaborate rehearsals are necessary (we don’t do that with kids being confirmed) I think adults should be given the information they seek. Some may be quite happy with the ‘surprise’ aspect of the whole thing but others respond much better when they know in detail what to expect.
I agree. Personally, as an adult, I don’t like “surprises” and would not wish to have my emotions on display. Would not make me happy at all . . .
 
the vigil begins with lighting the Pachal flame, procession, where we invoke Christ our Light, readings (there may be as many as 9, but at least 3 OT readings on high points of salvation history) and homily, blessing of the baptismal water, rite of baptism, actual logistics at this time depend on the number of elect and candidates, layout of church, but in general while the newly baptized are getting dressed, those to be confirmed make profession of faith, (newly baptized have done this in the rite), baptized receive candle, all are confirmed. then Mass proceeds as usual, and all the newly received receive first communion, usually before the rest of the congregation.

actual rite of Confirmation consists of invocation of the Holy Spirit, laying on of hands, and anointing with Holy Chrism oil.

you will no doubt have some kind of “rehearsal” or at least a walk-through sometime during Holy Week, so you know what to wear, where to sit and stand, when to come forward, what to respond etc.

in RCIA we tend to take it as it comes, and prepare you for one thing at a time, since to go over in great detail before the event can be confusing and overwhelming, we are not trying to be secretive simply using good teaching methods.

if you are already baptized you will also be prepared for and make your first Confession sometime before your confirmation. If you feel ready now and don’t want to wait, talk to the priest.
 
Tell you the truth I was confirmed via RCIA (was baptised in the dutch reformed church) route 6 years ago and saddly I cannot for the life of me remember the confirmation ceremony. Zippy. Don’t remember if it was at the cathedral or not. So don’t stress out.
 
well I am already baptized I was raised catholic liberally and now as a college student was given the opportunity to be confirmed. I have already done confession many times so thats no big deal. I just wanted to know like stuff about choosing a saint name and things I should I should know that I might have to say or read. or can God parents also be your sponsor for confirmation and such?
 
your questions should be answered in your class, if they haven’t talked about it yet, do ask (we actually do love it when you guys ask questions). Yes if you are CAtholic the baptismal godparents should be the Confirmation sponsors if possible and if they still qualify (haven’t undergone major lifestyle changes that remove them from communion with the faith). You may choose a new sponsor, you only need one, male or female, if you have two, must be one of each, same qualifications as baptismal godparents: fully initiated Catholic adult living in accord with Catholic faith and practice, including Church laws on marriage, not a parent, not under canonical bar, and willing to undertake the responsibility, and able to participate in the ceremony (even then a proxy may be possible.)

in this diocese priests do NOT have the faculty to confirm previously baptized CAtholics at the Easter Vigil, so our adult candidates will be confirmed at a special celebration on Pentecost Sunday with the bishop, and teens at the regular time the bishop visits our parish. The bishop reserves this to himself.

Confirmation saint name is completely optional, that is, choosing a new one, your patron saint is your baptismal saint(s).
 
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