Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church at 4865 11 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341 US - Confirmation (Updated)
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Confirmation (Updated) |
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“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.” (CCC 1326)
The Sacrament of Confirmation makes present the same grace that was showered upon the Apostles fifty days after the Resurrection of Christ. The reception of this sacrament is an indispensable moment in the life of all Catholics, and its celebration is of vital importance for the Church.
Among the various stages of our life, adolescence (widely know as "the teenage years") can be a time of extra confusion and conflict. During this time of life young people experience both physical and emotional changes and begin to learn the real nature of individual responsibility. Given the challenge this time of life presents for our young people, there is no more appropriate time for them to take another step forward in their relationship with God so that they can draw on God's love, strength, wisdom and courage. They are now at an age when they are invited to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Through this Sacrament the young person will receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, upon whom he or she may draw as a source of strength for the life that lies ahead of them.
Within the Diocese of Grand Rapids, a great deal of emphasis is put on the responsibility for the preparation for the Sacraments being shared by parents, Catholic schools, Faith Formation ministries and the whole parish. This calls for cooperation, involvement, and a concerted effort on the part of all of us.
For those whose children who attend Our Lady of Consolation School, as well as for those who attend a public school or who are being home-schooled, the parish will provide a series of sessions that will assist them to prepare for Confirmation. These sessions begin in February 2010 (preparation schedule / calendar available here). These sessions (except the first session) will not require parental presence but just that of your child and their sponsor. Your child's readiness for this Sacrament will only be as complete as the effort put into preparing; failing to prepare deprives no one but your child.
Students should complete a Candidate Information Sheet and return it to the Faith Formation Office, or bring it to the February meeting.
Your son or daughter will need to choose a sponsor. The sponsor at Confirmation acts as a witness to the reception of this Sacrament and encourages the candidate to live their commitment as a Catholic to its fullest. It is advised that sponsors be the same person that was present at Baptism, but that may not be practical in your family. When choosing a sponsor that person must be a 16 year old Confirmed, practicing Catholic (please read Sponsor Requirements here).
The actual date for the celebration of the Sacrament is not yet established. Bishop Walter Hurley, Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, will be celebrating the Sacrament at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew next fall and we are awaiting the confirmation from his office of the date our parish is invited to participate.
Further questions about Confirmation preparation for 8th grade students can be directed to Amy Pereira, 866-2577, ext 220.
Important forms, etc.: