Faith Formation
Confirmation
WHAT IS CONFIRMATION?
- When you're born you receive the Baptism, but you are so small you do not really understand what's going on. With the sacrament of CONFIRMATION, THE PERSON VOLUNTARILY ACCEPTS THE CHRISTIAN FAITH. This means that when you're older and you are confirmed, you agree to be Catholic. - The CONFIRMATION is a sacrament in which GOD GIVES HIS HOLY SPIRIT. |
WHEN DID CONFIRMATION BEGIN?
Fifty days after Christ died and rose again, the eleven apostles were gathered. All were very afraid. Then the Holy Spirit of God came down upon them in the form of tongues of fire. At that time their weakness and fear became superhuman strengths enabling them to go to teach and defend before all what Christ had taught them. - This day is called Pentecost ¨ ¨.
- In the Bible, specifically in the book called the Acts of the Apostles, we are told that they LAID THEIR HANDS OVER THE OTHER (imposition of hands over the head) to receive the HOLY SPIRIT. So began the first confirmations. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE ARE CONFIRMED? - We said that in the CONFIRMATION, GOD GIVES HIS HOLY SPIRIT. |
What happens when we receive the Holy Spirit?
1) WE GROW IN OUR SPIRITUAL STRENGTHS. The same happened to the apostles, is our faith grows stronger. The sacrament of confirmation is as a Pentecost for each of the baptized. 2) WE BECOMESOLDIERS OF CHRIST. This does not mean that we fight and kill for Christ. Jesus did not teach us violence. Being a soldier of Christ means that: a) We are loyal to Christ our King, teach without fear of all, we're Catholic. b) We defend when someone speaks ill of him or his religion. c) To serve, trying to extend his kingdom of love among all. 3) WE BECOME MORE UNITED TO CHRIST AND THE CHURCH:
Because of our own will, we decided to become member of Christ's body, the Church. |
HOW IS CONFIRMATION DONE?
- The CONFIRMATION should be done by the Bishop or his delegate (someone who has been given special permission to do so). Just in case there is danger of death any priest can confirm - The Bishop anoints the HOLY CHRISM by tracing a cross on the of the person. The holy oil is a special oil that Bishop blesses each year in the Mass of Holy Thursday. - After the Bishop lays hands, and says: ¨ RECEIVE THIS SIGN THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ¨ The CROSS that is traced on the forehead is a powerful symbol if we really understand it.
Do I live every day as if carrying a cross of Christ my King marked on my forehead? |
Then let us think:
WHAT DOES BEING CONFIRMED DEMAND OF US? - Upon confirmation we are called to: 1) Try to have a GOOD RELIGIOUS CULTURE, to defend the faith against its enemies. You must know and study about your Catholic faith. Do not read just once, study them, take them to heart and put them into practice.2) that when you talk about your Catholic faith, do not mind what others think of you. Remember, we are courageous soldiers of Christ. 3) To DO APOSTOLATE - this is to work to help other people in their human needs and to make Christ known and all his teachings. 4) try to LIVIE IN GRACE, that is, to live without sin in our soul. MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CONFIRMATION 1) What is needed to be confirmed ? To confirm you need: a) To have the use of reason, that is, old enough to think and decide . b ) profess the Catholic faith and be baptized. c ) Want to receive the sacrament. d ) To be in grace, that is, not having any sin . e) Be prepared to be a witness of Christ. 2) Are there GODPARENTS in Confirmation ? No. However, there is a sponsor confirming and can be either a man or a woman. The sponsor must be a Catholic who lives as such and is already confirmed. The sponsor must make every effort to help his/her confirmand live a full Catholic life . |
PURPOSE OF THE MONTH:
- In our time there are so many false religions and sects that try to confuse us. How important it is to have strong faith to defend what we believe! Make the purpose of studying and knowing more about your religion be your goal! If you were baptized when you were born and you are not confirmed, ask the priest to find out what you can do to receive Confirmation. |