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.

 Bishop (or the pastor):                      Your Name, _____, be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.  (You will be anointed with the sacred chrism or holy oil and make a sign of the cross on your forehead.)
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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