Confirmation

Confirmation (also called Chrismation)


Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the "sacraments of Christian initiation," whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For "by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.

 

The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation. The celebration of this Sacrament is the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit on those who receive it. It makes us more aware of our relationship with the Father, unites us more closely to Christ, increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us, strengthens and makes more perfect our bond with the Church, and obliges us, with increased courage and without shame, to defend the faith by word and deed as true witness of Christ. Thus, it deepens and completes the grace received at Baptism. (see Catechism of the Catholic Church Article 2, para.1285)

 

The program is designed for youth in the 6th - 8th Grade, with the Sacrament of Confirmation being received in the 8th grade. The components are Faith information (course content), Faith expressed in service and Faith expressed in living the Spiritual life of prayer. Service projects, retreats, prayer experiences and classes are required throughout the year for those indicating a desire to prepare for the Sacrament. A packet of detailed information and events will be distributed at the  Parent/Youth Confirmation Day Retreat with Mary Lee Becker on Sunday, October 3rd, 2010 from 1:30pm-7:30pm in Fellowship Hall (Mass and Dinner included).

 

Confirmation Related Important Dates - All Dates and Times are Subject to Change

  • September 12, 2010 3:15pm-4:30pm in Fellowship Hall:  6th, 7th & 8th graders and Parents - Virtus Training and Confirmation Information Meeting
  • October 3, 2010 1:30pm-7:30pm in Fellowship Hall: Parent, Youth & Sponsor (if availiable) Confirmation Day Retreat with Mary Lee Becker
  • October 8-10, 2010:  Optional 7th & 8th Grade Overnighter at The Pines (additional cost $125)
  • October 31, 2010 9:30am-11:30am in Fellowship Hall:  Presentation of Saint Reports
  • November 7, 2010 3:15pm  - 4:45pm in Fellowship Hall:  Parent, Youth & Sponsor (if availiable) Confirmation Preparation Meeting
  • November 8, 2010:  Deadline to hand in Sacrament Forms & Fees, Baptismal Certificates and Letter of Good Standing for Sponsor
  • February 4 - 6, 2011:  Mandatory Confirmation Youth Retreat at the Pines, dismissal following 5:00pm Teen Mass
  • February 6, 20113:15pm - 4:45pm in Fellowship Hall: Parent & Sponsor (if availiable) Confirmation Preparation Meeting
  • March 6, 2011 12:30pm in the Sanctuary:  Teaching Mass
  • March 1 & 8, 2011 6:30pm-8:30pm in Kamel Life Center:  Discernment Interviews conducted by appointment contact Donna Ross dross@allsaintsdallas.org beginning in February 2011
  • March 25, 2011:  Confirmation Discernment Interviews and Paperwork Due
  • March 25, 2011 4:00pm - 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall: Lenten Dinner Stone Soup Youth Service Project
  • April 17, 2011 3:15pm- 4:45pm in Fellowship Hall:  Parent, Youth & Sponsor (if availiable) Confirmation Preparation Meeting
  • May 19, 2011 6:30pm in the Sanctuary: Confirmation Practice  Youth and Parent or Sponsor
  • May 21, 2011 Confirmation in the Sanctuary 5:00pm...reception immediately following in the Fellowship Hall  Confirmation Candidates and Sponsors report to the Gym at 4:00pm!!

 Helpful Confirmation Student Checklist 2010-2011 (Family use only)

  • Confirmation Information Form, Copy of Baptismal Certificate and Sponsor Letter of Good Standing (if needed) due to RE Office by November 8, 2010 - no exceptions!
  • Confirmation Program Candidate and Parents Enrollment Contract - signed
  • Attend Confirmation Retreat and Retreat Reflection Sheet
  • Saint Report Due October 24th.  Presentation in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, October 31, 2010 9:30-11:30am.
  • Class Attendance (75%)
  • 100% Attendance at the 4 Parent/Youth Prepartion Meetings
  • Journal minimum of 10 entries (6 in class & 4 outside class) and the Journal Reflection
  • Letter to the Bishop  due at time of Interview
  • Service Experience Log and Service Reflection
  • Discernment Interview in March with Priest or Deacon by March 25th, 2011. 

 

 

  HOW TO BE CONFIRMED

Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments by which a baptized Christian is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and is bound more closely to the Church; one of the sacraments of initiation. Confirmation obliges one to love, study, defend, and spread the faith.

 

THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

Welcomes us and deepens our belonging to the faith community.

Deepens our relationships to God, as Creator, Redeemer and Spirit.

Strengthens us as disciples.

 

In Confirmation, the signs we will celebrate include getting anointed with oil and the laying on of hands as we remember the water of Baptism and the nourishment of Eucharist.

 

Rite of Confirmation within the Mass

 

     I.     Liturgy of the Word

     II.    Sacrament of Confirmation

            a.  Presentation of the Candidates

            b.  Homily

            c.  Renewal of Baptismal Promised

            d.  Laying on of Hands

            e.  Anointing with Chrism

            f.  General Intercessions

     III.  Liturgy of the Eucharist

           Blessing and Prayer over the People