What to expect on Confirmation day? Session 23
What to expect on Confirmation day?
Happy Feast of the Annunciation! Today we celebrate the
memory of the Archangel Gabriel appearing to Mary and announced that she was
chosen to be the Mother of our Lord. Her Yes or to put it more exactly, “Let
it be done according to your word” is an example of our response to God
when we celebrate the Sacraments, especially Baptism, Confirmation and the
Eucharist.
Continuing the discussion on Catholic Practices & the
How To’s, in this session we will discuss the topic of what to expect on
Confirmation Day.
If you are in First Communion program and received your
Confirmation as a baby, these steps will give you some idea of how the rite was
celebrated when you were a child. Yes, and as I’ve explained before, in the
past baptism and confirmation were celebrated together. This for most this is
no longer the practice today. Apart from the RCIA program, you will receive all
three sacraments at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. I will explain some
slight differences for those who are receiving confirmation only but focus more
on this rite.
On your Confirmation Day, the celebration will begin as a
Mass as normal; this is the same when celebrating First Communion, Marriage
(most of the time), & Holy Orders.
The Mass: “At a Glance”
(aka Liturgy)
I. Introductory Rite
a. Gathering
/ Procession
In
celebrating the Sacraments, the candidates process in with their sponsors.
II. Liturgy of the Word
a. First
Reading. Responsorial Psalm, Second Reading, Gospel
b. Homily:
i.
During Confirmation it will be given by
the bishop/ other times by the pastor of the parish.
c. CREED
i.
Most Sacraments are celebrated during this
time, except First Communion.
ii.
Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated
after the CREED
iii.
See below for more information
III. Liturgy of the Eucharist / Mass is
continued as usual
IV. Communion Rite
a. Reception
of Communion / First Communion is celebrated during this part of the Mass.
V. Concluding Rite
a. Final
Prayer: A prayer over all gathered.
b. Send
Off
THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION
PRESENTATION OF THE CANDIDATES
The homily will be given by the Bishop, then the Rite of Confirmation begins. The pastor or a Religious Ed Coordinator will
announce and present the names of the candidates who will be Confirmed to the
bishop. For Catechumens on Holy Saturday, the pastor will announce the names of catechumens; usually during his Homily.
CREED: RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL PROMISES
·
On
Holy Saturday, the pastor will use a similar form of “Renewal of Baptismal Promises”
and ask this of the community gathered. We
renew our Baptismal Promises together.
·
During
Confirmation which can be celebrated any time with the Bishop, he may use the
proper form as follows:
Bishop (or the
pastor):
Do you reject Satan and all his
works and all his empty promises?
Candidates (or
the Catechumen):
I do.
Bishop (or the
pastor):
Do you believe in God the Father
almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
Candidates (or the Catechumen): I do.
Bishop (or the
pastor):
Do you believe in Jesus Christ,
his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the virgin Mary, suffered death and was
buried, rose gain from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father?
Candidates (or
the Catechumen):
I do.
Bishop (or the
pastor): Do you believe in
the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who came upon the apostles at
Pentecost and today is given to you sacramentally in Confirmation?
Candidates (or
the Catechumen):
I do.
Bishop (or the
pastor):
Do you believe in the holy
catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the
resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
Candidates (or
the Catechumen):
I do.
Bishop (or the
pastor):
This is our faith. This is the
faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus our Lord.
All: Amen.
THE LAYING ON OF HANDS
·
On
Holy Saturday, the Catechumen and his/her sponsor walk up to face the pastor so
he can extend his hands over the Catechumen and says a prayer. Then the anointing
begins.
·
During
Confirmation of the Candidates, the Bishop will extend his hands over the group
of candidates and says a prayer.
ANOINTING WITH CHRISM
· The Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred through the anointing with chrism oil on the
forehead, which is done through the words “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy
Spirit.” The Candidate & Sponsor walk up to the Bishop, to be anointed.
· This
form is the same with those who will be Confirmed on Holy Saturday.
Candidates (or
the Catechumen):
Amen.
Bishop (or the
pastor):
Peace
be with you.
Candidates (or the Catechumen): And with your spirit.
KEEP IN MIND!
·
Some Bishops love to speak to the Candidates
and their Sponsors individually. This happens when the Candidates along with
the Sponsor walk up to the Bishop to be anointed. He may ask, “So why do
you feel you’re ready?” or “Why did you choose Saint Name?” or ask your
Sponsor a question. But do not be too concerned this is not meant to be pass or
fail questions just a simple dialogue.
·
Please let someone else hold your cell phone, purse
or other personal belongings with a family member or friend you have invited. There’s
no guarantee that you will return to the exact same seat. Plus, you do not want
anything in your hands that will distract you from the celebration. This also
applies to your sponsor.
·
Dress modestly. There’s no guarantee that you will
have a Confirmation Alb.
These are the just basics of what to expect. During the
practices, you will be informed of more information.
I hope this has been helpful and that you are all well. Please
stay safe. I will contact you and let you know when we will meet again for our
last class. Please expect for more than one-hour session. This will be a
complete overview of what we have learned together, additional information
about practices and celebration of the Sacraments.
On a last note, it wouldn't be a class without a video :)
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