And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:30
Very early, to better signify the gift of the Holy Spirit, an anointing with perfumed oil (chrism) was added to the laying on of hands. This anointing highlights the name “Christian,” which means “anointed” and derives from that of Christ himself whom God anointed with the Holy Spirit. Innocent III wrote: “The anointing of the forehead with chrism signifies the laying on of hands, which is otherwise called confirmation, since through it the Holy Spirit is given for growth and strength.”
This giving of the Holy Spirit conforms believers more perfectly to Christ for the building up of His body in faith and love. They are so marked with the character or seal of the Lord that the sacrament of confirmation cannot be repeated.
“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.” – CCC 1285
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the completion of the Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being Baptism and Eucharist. Through Confirmation we “share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit with which He is filled, so that our lives may give off ‘the aroma of Christ.’” (CCC 1294-1295)
When children of the age of seven or older or adults are baptized, they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at the same time as their Baptism and First Eucharist. This takes place through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) or RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children) programs.
For youth who were baptized as infants, the practice at St. Joan of Arc is that the Sacrament of Confirmation is administered when they are in the seventh grade or higher. It is expected that all the children and youth of St. Joan of Arc Parish will participate in our Faith Formation program throughout their grade-school and high-school lives.
Must have the Sacrament of Baptism and 1st Communion
Must complete Religious Education program (2-year program)
Have a confirmation sponsor
State issued birth certificate.
Certificate of Baptism (If not Baptized will receive the Sacrament while completing the Religious Education program.)
Certificate of 1st Communion (If have not received the Sacrament, will receive the Sacrament while completing the Religious Education program.)
Each person who is preparing for Confirmation must have a sponsor. A sponsor is a Catholic who is living his/her faith as best as she/he can through weekly attendance at Mass, regular participation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and a willingness to follow the teachings of the Catholic Church. A sponsor must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation, be at least sixteen years of age, not be the parent of the one to be Confirmed, and, if married, his or her marriage must be in accord with Catholic Church.
Must be 16 years or older.
Not be the parent of the person receiving the sacrament.
Be a practicing Catholic who attends Mass on a regular basis (Every Saturday or Sunday including days of obligation). Receive the Holy Eucharist regularly and frequently, making use of the Sacrament of Confession.
Be an active member of a Catholic church. (For example.)
Be registered at St. Catherine of Siena or at another church for 6 months or longer
Use the offertory envelope issued by the church
Participate in volunteer work at a church – for example in the choir, teaching catechism, usher etc.
Must be in good standing with the church
Received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion (Must provide a certificate of Confirmation.) AND
If married it must be in the Catholic Church – Individuals who are civilly married or living as a common law couple CANNOT be sponsors. (Must provide a certificate of marriage issued by a Catholic Church.)
If single cannot be cohabitating with another individual as a couple.