Sacrament
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. CCC 1285
Sacramental Preparation for First Communion, First Reconciliation & Confirmation
At St. Cecilia Parish, we celebrate these sacraments in what is called the Restored Order. This approach offers the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist when children reach the age of reason. Children will now prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and begin going to Confession in Second Grade. The following year, they will prepare for Confirmation and First Eucharist and receive both Sacraments at the same Mass in Third Grade.
We utilize a family catechesis model to partner with you and your family during this sacramental formation year. Families work through curriculum at home with their children, and then participate in family formation nights alongside other families. On these evenings, dinner will be provided.
- 3rd & 4th graders will attend the Family Faith Formation nights on 2nd Wednesdays from 6pm-7:30pm each month.
- 9th - 12th graders will attend the Family Faith Formation nights on 3rd Wednesdays from 6pm-7:30pm each month.
Parents
Parents are the primary spiritual leaders in the lives of their children. Parents are always encouraged to discuss meeting topics with the Confirmandi.
Confirmation increases and deepens the Catholic faith. (CCC 1303) It is not a “graduation” from the Catholic faith; therefore, our confirmation date is not the end of our confirmation program. The program is two parts- Sacramental preparation and an intentional integration into the life of the Church. Deciding to be confirmed means you commit to life a Christian life as set forth in the Gospels.
Sponsors
The primary responsibility of the sponsor is to provide the candidate prayerful support and guidance in his or her Christian walk and to “take care that the confirmed person behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the obligations inherent in this sacrament” (Canon 892).
Being a sponsor is a lifelong commitment. A sponsor takes on the role of a spiritual parent who “brings the candidate to receive the sacrament, presents him to the minister for the anointing, and will later help him to fulfill his baptismal promises faithfully under the influence of the Holy Spirit” (Rite of Confirmation 5).
Confirmandi should choose a sponsor who is:
- A practicing Catholic
- Confirmed
- Not an immediate family member
- Someone with whom they feel comfortable talking to and someone who is available to attend meetings.
- Sponsors should plan on attending sessions with the Confirmandi. If they are out of town or unavailable, a proxy can come in their stead.
Register
Register Online
You can also register in person at the parish office.
Contact Information
Faith Formation Office 918-341-4238