What is the goal of Confirmation classes?

[FrenzyJen]

I feel silly having to ask this, but I feel like whatever the point is, my confirmation preparation (years ago) completely missed it.

I’d like to know, if you could point me towards some sources, of what the student is supposed to take from confirmation classes.

 

[MichaelHowling]

I was a catechism teacher for a few years.

In my humble opinion…it’s supposed to do exactly what the word says…

It’s supposed to create an environment where you can be “confirmed” in what you’re about to do…to go before the bishop and declare before heaven, hell, purgatory and all of Gods people…that you choose God and to follow Him through the Catholic church. Not that you understand everything the church teaches, not to understand deep theological concepts…but to really be confirmed and lit on fire with a deep love for Jesus whom you’re promising to follow.

I have to say, I think MANY catechism classes have become weak and I’m sorry you’ve had a bad experience…

But it’s good to remember that the Catholic church is Jesus’s church and He is ultimately running the show and is able to deal with any searching soul who is sincere.

God bless
If you need any assistance with going farther, don’t hesitate to ask.

 

[1ke]

The goal of confirmation preparation is to prepare the confirmand to receive the sacrament.

I guess you’ll have to be more specific in what you are looking for and why you feel like you missed something.

 

[Vico]

I feel silly having to ask this, but I feel like whatever the point is, my confirmation preparation (years ago) completely missed it.

I’d like to know, if you could point me towards some sources, of what the student is supposed to take from confirmation classes.

Preparation aims towards “a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit” and catechesis is " to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ".

Bishop Robert J. Baker, S.T.D. of Birmingham wrote this:
Catechetical Guidelines

Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Catholic toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit; his actions, his gifts, and his biddings, in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end, catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ: to the universal Church as well as to the parish community. (CCC 1309)

• Preparation for Confirmation should be presented as one more step in the lifelong formation of a Catholic. It should not give the appearance of graduating from formation.
• Actual preparation time should be short, about eight or ten weeks.
• Prayer should be an important component of preparation.
• A retreat should be offered to all candidates; however, inability to participate in a retreat should not be used as a reason for delaying reception of the sacrament.
• All Confirmation preparation activities should be directly related to receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
• Candidates should write letters of anticipation to the Bishop only if the catechist feels this gesture would aid the candidate in his or her preparation to receive the sacrament. Spontaneity is appreciated.

 

[Neofight]

I feel silly having to ask this, but I feel like whatever the point is, my confirmation preparation (years ago) completely missed it.

I’d like to know, if you could point me towards some sources, of what the student is supposed to take from confirmation classes.

Attend your parish RCIA classes. You won’t be confirmed again, but you would be very welcomed.

 

[ELROD]

I was a catechism teacher for a few years.

In my humble opinion…it’s supposed to do exactly what the word says…

It’s supposed to create an environment where you can be “confirmed” in what you’re about to do…to go before the bishop and declare before heaven, hell, purgatory and all of Gods people…that you choose God and to follow Him through the Catholic church. Not that you understand everything the church teaches, not to understand deep theological concepts…but to really be confirmed and lit on fire with a deep love for Jesus whom you’re promising to follow.

I have to say, I think MANY catechism classes have become weak and I’m sorry you’ve had a bad experience…

But it’s good to remember that the Catholic church is Jesus’s church and He is ultimately running the show and is able to deal with any searching soul who is sincere.

God bless
If you need any assistance with going farther, don’t hesitate to ask.

I had kind of a sarcastic, silent chuckle at the “lit on fire” part. The other day at mass we had about 9 or so youth confirmed. The next Sunday not one of those showed up for mass. Uncharitable of me I know.

 

[MichaelHowling]

lol, yea…it’s the current state I’m sad to say.

they need an authentic witness to our faith. It’s tough. you can do all u can as a catechism teacher…but you only have them for like 1.5 hours a week…then they go back home. is the faith REAl at their house ? if not, they probably won’t actively practice.