Confirmation
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Act 2:1-5)
Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of initiation into the Church, together with Baptism and Eucharist. The Bishop completes or confirms the Grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which seal or “confirm” the baptized in union with Christ and equip them for active participation in the worship and apostolic life of the Church. (CCC 1285)
The understanding of Confirmation comes from reviewing the rituals of Baptism.
Our Diocese makes the following recommendations:
Children in our Catholic schools are normally prepared for Confirmation and celebrate the sacrament in grade 6, or at about age 11.
Preparation
Children attending a Catholic school will be prepared by their teachers at school. Children who do not attend a Catholic school are prepared at St Joseph Church in the Parish-Based Program. Parents are required to attend the 6 sessions with their child.
Parent Sacramental info night:
Parents will be asked to attend an information zoom meeting. The link to the meeting will be emailed the day of the meeting. Parents will learn more about the sacrament of Confirmation and on how they can support their children as they journey to receive this sacrament.
Presentation of students preparing for Confirmation:
During Mass on:
Families are invited to come at any of the Masses of this weekend. The children will be called forward with a parent, Godparent or Guardian to the front of the church to be presented to the parish community. The parish community will welcome and pray for these children and families as they continue their preparation to receiving the sacrament of Confirmation.
Celebrations:
Depending on the school where your child was prepared, Confirmations will happen during a 7 pm Mass, here at the church.
Choosing a sponsor
Since a sponsor will support the candidates in their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, choosing a sponsor is an important choice. They should select someone whose Catholic faith they admire, who is willing and able to become personally involved in their preparation, and who will model a strong Catholic life for them. A sponsor can make an enormous difference in the preparation of a candidate for the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is important, therefore, that the candidates are encouraged to choose sponsors who are well suited to the role and who will be integral to the preparation process. Godparents can also be chosen as Confirmation sponsors. This is a great opportunity for them to be engaged in the child’s faith journey.
A Sponsor should:
Be Baptized and confirmed Catholic.
Be at least sixteen years of age.
Have a personal faith and prayer life centered in the Eucharist.
Please note: parents CANNOT be sponsors.
If the sponsor can’t be present at the Confirmation, a parent or any one else can act as proxy.
Resources
Catholic Central – Confirmation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v-FLo7bcTE
Registration
All children need to be registered online. Registrations will open in September 2023.
For more information, please contact Beatriz at SJC-Sacraments@gpcsd.ca or call 780-532-2351, ext. 228.