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The candidate for Confirmation must choose a sponsor. The sponsor must be a confirmed practicing Catholic who is at least 16 years of age. To qualify as a sponsor, one must be attending weekly Mass, have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist, and, if married, be in a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church. Sponsors from other parishes must receive a Letter of Recommendation from their parish priest. Letters of Recommendation for a sponsor in another parish can be issued to only registered members of Ascension Parish. Regular use of the Sunday envelopes (even if empty) indicates regular attendence at Mass. In addition, they must either attend or have their children attend a Catholic School or Religious Instruction Classes (Grades 1-12). The sponsor may not be the father or mother of the candidate. We urge the candidate to choose someone who is a good role model and who lives close by so he or she can participate in the program with the candidate and lend spiritual support to the candidate. A candidate must choose a Confirmation name. This name must be the name of a canonized saint. The candidate is required to research their saint and fulfill assignment regarding same.
Prior to the Rite of Confirmation, the following must be completed:
- * Candidates, parents & sponsors attend an orientation meeting in October and a Mass of Commitment.
- * The candidate participates in an interview with clergy to exploree the person's readiness for Confirmation.
- * Successfully complete confirmation projects with sponsor.
- * Completes four courses in the High School Religious Program (for those in public school).
- * Register to make a commitment of service throughout their 9th and 10th grade years.
- * Participate in Confirmation retreats and attend Chrism Mass in 10th grade.
- * Attend the rehersal for the Confirmation ceremony with sponsor.
*Students attending Catholic High Schools are not required to attend the four courses outlined in number 4, however they are required to complete everything else.
The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the Sacrament of Baptism. If Baptism is the sacrament of re-birth to a new and supernatural life, confirmation is the sacrament of maturity and coming of age. The real confession of Christ consist in this "that the whole man submits himself to Truth, in the judgment of his understanding, in the submission of his will and in the consecration of his whole power of love . . . To do this, poor-spirited man is only able when he has been confirmed by God's grace." This confirmation in the power of the Holy Spirit leading to a firm profession of faith has always been the particular effect which Catholic tradition has ascribed to the sacrament. It is effect which complements and completes that of baptism.
THE CHURCH THUS TEACHES: Confirmation is a true sacrament instituted by Christ and different from baptism. It is administered by laying-on of hands and anointing with chrism accompanied by prayer. The chrism is blessed by the bishop and the bishop administers the sacrament. All baptized persons can and should be confirmed. The effect of the sacrament of confirmation is to give strength in faith and for the confession of faith and to impress an indelible character.
5/9/02