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Confirmation is the second sacrament of Christian initiation. It is called Confirmation because it confirms and strengthens baptismal grace." It is conferred by "the anointing with Sacred Chrism (oil mixed with balsam and consecrated by the bishop), and the laying on of the hand of the minister, marking the recipient with the seal of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation strengthens and deepens the graces already received at Baptism.
Canon law acknowledges the (arch)bishop as the ordinary minister of the sacrament of confirmation and also allows him to appoint priests of the diocese to administer the sacrament in his place.
St. Luke Parish operates under the following guidelines of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for celebrating Confirmation.
Requirements for sponsors:
Any sponsor must be 16 years old and a practicing Catholic who has been fully initiated (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation). Any sponsor who is not a registered member of St. Luke Parish must obtain a written letter from the pastor of his/her Catholic Church verifying that he/she is a practicing member of that parish. The letter should accompany the sponsor form. The above guidelines are to be followed for a proxy as well.
Requirements for the candidates:
- Confirmation Prep Night is required for the parent(s)/guardian.sponsor and the child receiving the sacrament on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM at Kramer Hall.
- All forms (Baptismal Certificate, Sponsor Form & Confirmation name) must be in Jansen Center within the first week of December.
- Interview with a Pastoral Staff inorder for the candidate to request the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- Reflection papers will be required and will be discussed at the Confirmation Prep Night
- The four-fold dimension is incorporated into the Confirmation program:
MESSAGE - The young person must be baptized and attend PSR/Catholic School regularly (no more than two absences per semester for PSR) and actively participate in a two-year preparation period. Immediate preparation is during the 8th grade.
COMMUNITY – Attendance at a Retreat is required.
SERVICE - Christian Service is an integral part of the formation period. Faithfulness to one's commitment is essential.
WORSHIP -Active participation in prayer, regular attendance at Sunday Mass.
CRITERIA FOR READINESS:
The candidate:
1. Verbally expresses desire to be confirmed to the interviewer.
2. Participates weekly in the Liturgy of the Eucharist with an awareness of what he/she is doing.
3. Gives evidence of being a person of integrity and responsibility.
4. Gives evidence of a commitment to his/her beliefs, regardless of personal cost.
5. Gives evidence of an understanding and appreciation of his/her Catholic beliefs and traditions.
It is also possible for a student to choose to be confirmed as an adult or during later adolescence.
Confirmation classes for high school youth and young adults are scheduled each year through the RCIA program.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is scheduled for March 8, 2011 at 7:00pm. Archbishop Schnurr will be presiding.
Contact the Jansen Center 427-1733 x 301 for information.
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