Confirmation
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."
Many people think of the laying on of hands, which signifies the descent of the Holy Spirit, as the central act in the Sacrament of Confirmation. The essential element, however, is the anointing of the confirmandi (the person being confirmed) with chrism (an aromatic oil that has been consecrated by a bishop), accompanied by the words "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit". This seal is a consecration, representing the safeguarding by the Holy Spirit of the graces conferred on the Christian at Baptism. Confirmation is the third Sacrament of Initiation.
Many people think of the laying on of hands, which signifies the descent of the Holy Spirit, as the central act in the Sacrament of Confirmation. The essential element, however, is the anointing of the confirmandi (the person being confirmed) with chrism (an aromatic oil that has been consecrated by a bishop), accompanied by the words "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit". This seal is a consecration, representing the safeguarding by the Holy Spirit of the graces conferred on the Christian at Baptism. Confirmation is the third Sacrament of Initiation.
Confirmation Preparation
The Sacrament of Confirmation involves a reaffirmation of one's Baptismal vows. Candidates for Confirmation are required to enter into a consecutive three year program of preparation - Grade 6 - Old Testament Scripture, Grade 7 - New Testament Scripture, Grade 8 - Review of Catholic Tradition and intense preparation for reception of Confirmation. Reception of Confirmation precludes reception of Baptism, Reconciliation and Eucharist. In Grade 7, students and parents are asked to participate in a Family/Clergy Interview before acceptance as a Confirmation Candidate. Preparation for Confirmation requires desire and serious reflection by the candidate, completion of a study program of basic Catholic doctrine previous to Grade 8, involvement in and satisfactory completion of the Confirmation Program including: participation in a Family Interview with Clergy Staff, study of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, attendance at all class sessions and three Sunday experiences, and active participation in service projects which reflect the candidates intent toward ministering to God's people. Candidates must show evident signs of faith development and will again participate in an interview with the Pastor or Clergy Staff prior to reception of Confirmation. Candidates will also attend a Day of the Spirit Retreat as part of the preparation requirements.
The Archdiocese of Chicago assigns the date for the reception of Confirmation. Usually we receive the date in late Summer. Customarily, Confirmation has been celebrated here in early to mid March of Grade 8.
For more information about the program, please contact Religious Education Office at (708) 748-6090 x114 or religiouseducation@slotoole.org.
The Archdiocese of Chicago assigns the date for the reception of Confirmation. Usually we receive the date in late Summer. Customarily, Confirmation has been celebrated here in early to mid March of Grade 8.
For more information about the program, please contact Religious Education Office at (708) 748-6090 x114 or religiouseducation@slotoole.org.
