Confirmation

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

Life in the Spirit

From the Diocese of Rochester – Policies for the Administration of the Sacraments, 3:

In Baptism, people are incorporated into Christ and become part of God’s  people. This first Sacrament makes us a “new creation through water and  the Holy Spirit.” (Christian Initiation, Introduction, no. 2). By the signing at  Confirmation they are strengthened in the image of the Lord and are sealed with  the gift of the Holy Spirit.  This renewed gift of the Holy Spirit at Confirmation endows the candidates  “with special strength” (Lumen Gentium, no. 11) to speak the Gospel and bear  witness for Christ in the world. This coming of the Holy Spirit “conforms  believers more fully to Christ and strengthens them so that they may bear witness  to Christ for the building up of His Body in faith and love.” (Rite of Confirmation,  no. 2).  Confirmation brings to fullness that life in the Holy Spirit into which God’s  sons and daughters were first initiated at Baptism.

Preparation

  • Proximate preparation for Confirmation is a two-year process beginning in the fall of the eighth grade. Each year should include 25 hours of classroom instructions, as well as opportunities for retreat and service.
  • Proximate preparation should parallel the period of the catechumenate of the RCIA including opportunities for candidates to deepen their knowledge and understanding  of the Gospel message, an integral and systematic catechesis; for deepening their relationship with the Christian community; for exercising the Christian apostolate; and for participating in the prayer life of the community. (Based on NDC, 35.D; RCIA no. 75). 
  • Content and Process for Proximate Preparation for Confirmation should include the following:
      • The Catechetical Topics (Cf. ADDENDUM 5);
      • Liturgy, Scripture, and one day retreats;
      • Attendance at Holy Mass should be considered as the heart of all programs and the source and summit to and from which programs acquire their relevance and importance;
      • Components of Christian Service experiences of reasonable hours directed and evaluated  by a parish staff member (Cf. ADDENDUM 5);
      • Regular meetings of all candidates throughout the year;
      • Information on the requirements for and role of sponsors in the process;
      • Formation of the parents throughout the year(s) on the meaning and theology of the Sacrament of Confirmation, and offered opportunities to grow in their own faith; and
      • The celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation should be an integral part of the  program.

    Sponsors

  • Prior to the actual selection of a sponsor, both candidates and parents should be instructed on the role and responsibility of a sponsor. This catechesis should occur early in the two-year parish program for sacramental preparation.
      • It is desirable that the sponsor (godparent) at Baptism be chosen as sponsor for Confirmation, if they still meet the qualifications. (Cf. CIC, c. 893, §2; RC, no. 5);
      • Sponsors who are not members of the parish should provide a letter from their pastor attesting to their suitability to serve as sponsors.
  • Prerequisites for Sponsors: 
      • To take on the function of sponsor, a person must have the aptitude and intention of fulfilling this function and must have completed the sixteenth year of age, unless the pastor or minister has granted an exception for a just cause. (Cf. CIC, c. 874, §1, 2°).
      • The sponsor/godparent should be a fully initiated Catholic (having received  Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) who leads a life of faith, is not bound by any canonical penalty, and is not the father or mother of the one to be confirmed. (Cf. CIC, c. 874, §1, 3°-5°).

    Confirmation Sponsor Eligibility Agreement

    For more information, please contact the Director of Faith Formation.