FAQ's
"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a
sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were
sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of
them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit...."
Acts of the Apostles 2:1-3
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following are responses to several frequently asked questions about the Sacrament of
Confirmation.
>> What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?
Confirmation is the Sacrament in which one is enriched by the gift of the Holy Spirit and bound more
perfectly to the Church. It strengthens us and obliges us to be witnesses to Christ by word and deed
and to spread and defend the faith. It is the Sacrament in which one enters into full membership in the
Catholic Church.
Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives us the Holy Spirit in order to
root us more deeply as children of God, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond
with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us to bear witness to the
Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.
Confirmation, like Baptism, imprints a spiritual mark or indelible character on the Christian soul; for
this reason one can receive this sacrament only once.
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>> Why do we need the sacrament of confirmation?
A Christian does not live as a child of God through his or her own efforts alone, but through the grace
of God. We see this in a practical way when we look back on our own lives and the lives of others,
even the lives of saints. Therefore, it is our duty to seek the grace that God offers us in order to live
our lives as Christians in the way that God intends.
Back to Top
>> Who can receive the sacrament of confirmation?
Canon 889 - §1. All baptized persons who have not been confirmed and only they are capable of
receiving confirmation.
§2. Outside the danger of death, to be licitly confirmed it is required, if the person has the use of
reason, that one be suitably instructed, properly disposed, and able to renew one’s baptismal
promises.
“Suitably instructed” means, in the local Parish, that a person has completed any of several programs
which prepare young people, or older people, for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Back to Top
>> Who administers the sacrament of confirmation?
The Confirmation of teens entering the Catholic Church is normally celebrated in the spring when the
catechumen or candidate is received into the Church. The minister is the bishop presiding at a Mass
scheduled for this special occasion.
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>> How is the sacrament of confirmation celebrated?
Confirmation is always celebrated at a mass. The priest or bishop first lays hands on the head of each
confirmand, and then anoints each confirmand with Sacred Chrism while addressing each confirmand
by name and saying, “Be sealed with the Holy Spirit.” While this is happening, the confirmand’s
sponsor places his or her hand on the confirmand’s right shoulder.
The name by which the confirmand is addressed may be any saint’s name that the confirmand has
selected. As Confirmation marks a major event in the confirmand’s life, the confirmation name need
not be a name previously given to, or used by, the confirmand.
Canon 892 states: “As far as possible a sponsor for the one to be confirmed should be present; it is
for the sponsor to see that the confirmed person acts as a true witness to Christ and faithfully fulfills
the obligations connected with this sacrament.”
A sponsor must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic at least 16 years of age. It is desirable that the
sponsor for confirmation be one who was a sponsor for the confirmand’s baptism. [See canons 874
and 893]
Back to Top
>> Is Confirmation a Graduation?
Confirmation is not a graduation but it is a commencement. Our faith journey is never ending. Teens
who receive the Sacrament of Confirmation take the next step of their journey to serve God much like
the disciples in the Book of Acts. Youth are the future and hope of our church, but, more important,
they are the young church of today. Teens are expected to share their gifts and live out the Gospel
through the Holy Spirit.
Back to Top
>> What are the Parent's Responsibilities?
Parents:
Back to Top
>> What are the teens expected to know?
The following topics should already be mastered by anyone entering a Confirmation preparation
program. Parents and Sponsors should assist candidates in reviewing this material.
The Commandments
Sacraments
Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit help Christians live their lives more fully committed to Christ. The gifts are:
Corporal Works of Mercy
Spiritual Works of Mercy
>> How does a Confirmation Candidate Prepare for the Sacrament?
Candidates:
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>> What is the Role of a Sponsor?
Sponsors:
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>> What is the Rite of Enrollment?
The Rite of Enrollment is a ceremony in which the candidates who choose to enter into the immediate
preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation and make their commitment official. Prior to the Rite of
Enrollment candidates are asked to seriously and prayerfully think about what will be required of them
during this time of preparation.
Back to Top
>> What is the Rite of Confirmation?
The Sacrament of Confirmation:
Back to Top
>> What is the Christian Commitment to Service?
Jesus came “not to be served, but to serve.” (Mt 20: 28) The Church is a servant community and all
those accepting full membership in the church are also accepting the responsibility to serve.
Candidates for the reception of Confirmation are asked to select service projects which are geared to
their own special talents and abilities. Candidates are asked to perform 30 hours of Christian service
to others as part of their preparation for Confirmation. The service should be performed freely and
willingly. It could help the parish, neighborhood, or local community. This service project is meant to
represent the candidates’ intention of becoming full members of this service community, the church,
and special followers of Christ-Christians.
Back to Top
>> How Can I Get More Information?
Please call Mike Peterson at 973-838-0031 ext. 5.
These responses may have raised more questions and feelings within you and your teen. Talk about
those questions and feelings with your parents, sponsor, youth minister or one of our Friars. The
Confirmation staff at St. Anthony's wants to know what you are thinking and feeling. Each parish will
vary in some of the aspects of this initiation process. It is always better to bring up your concerns
early on in the process than to keep them inside you. Finally, get ready for one of the greatest
blessings of your life. St. Anthony's Youth Ministry looks forward to sharing in the gifts you bring and
the journey ahead of you.
Back to Top
"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a
sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were
sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of
them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit...."
Acts of the Apostles 2:1-3
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following are responses to several frequently asked questions about the Sacrament of
Confirmation.
- What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?
- Why do we need the sacrament of confirmation?
- Who can receive the sacrament of confirmation?
- Who administers the sacrament of confirmation?
- How is the sacrament of confirmation celebrated?
- Is Confirmation a Graduation?
- What are the Parent’s Responsibilities?
- What are the Teens expected to know?
- How does a Confirmation Candidates Prepare for the Sacrament?
- What is the role of the Sponsor?
- What is the Rite of Enrollment?
- What is the Rite of Confirmation?
- What is the Christian Commitment to Service?
- How Can I Get More Information?
>> What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?
Confirmation is the Sacrament in which one is enriched by the gift of the Holy Spirit and bound more
perfectly to the Church. It strengthens us and obliges us to be witnesses to Christ by word and deed
and to spread and defend the faith. It is the Sacrament in which one enters into full membership in the
Catholic Church.
Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives us the Holy Spirit in order to
root us more deeply as children of God, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond
with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us to bear witness to the
Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.
Confirmation, like Baptism, imprints a spiritual mark or indelible character on the Christian soul; for
this reason one can receive this sacrament only once.
Back to Top
>> Why do we need the sacrament of confirmation?
A Christian does not live as a child of God through his or her own efforts alone, but through the grace
of God. We see this in a practical way when we look back on our own lives and the lives of others,
even the lives of saints. Therefore, it is our duty to seek the grace that God offers us in order to live
our lives as Christians in the way that God intends.
Back to Top
>> Who can receive the sacrament of confirmation?
Canon 889 - §1. All baptized persons who have not been confirmed and only they are capable of
receiving confirmation.
§2. Outside the danger of death, to be licitly confirmed it is required, if the person has the use of
reason, that one be suitably instructed, properly disposed, and able to renew one’s baptismal
promises.
“Suitably instructed” means, in the local Parish, that a person has completed any of several programs
which prepare young people, or older people, for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Back to Top
>> Who administers the sacrament of confirmation?
The Confirmation of teens entering the Catholic Church is normally celebrated in the spring when the
catechumen or candidate is received into the Church. The minister is the bishop presiding at a Mass
scheduled for this special occasion.
Back to Top
>> How is the sacrament of confirmation celebrated?
Confirmation is always celebrated at a mass. The priest or bishop first lays hands on the head of each
confirmand, and then anoints each confirmand with Sacred Chrism while addressing each confirmand
by name and saying, “Be sealed with the Holy Spirit.” While this is happening, the confirmand’s
sponsor places his or her hand on the confirmand’s right shoulder.
The name by which the confirmand is addressed may be any saint’s name that the confirmand has
selected. As Confirmation marks a major event in the confirmand’s life, the confirmation name need
not be a name previously given to, or used by, the confirmand.
Canon 892 states: “As far as possible a sponsor for the one to be confirmed should be present; it is
for the sponsor to see that the confirmed person acts as a true witness to Christ and faithfully fulfills
the obligations connected with this sacrament.”
A sponsor must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic at least 16 years of age. It is desirable that the
sponsor for confirmation be one who was a sponsor for the confirmand’s baptism. [See canons 874
and 893]
Back to Top
>> Is Confirmation a Graduation?
Confirmation is not a graduation but it is a commencement. Our faith journey is never ending. Teens
who receive the Sacrament of Confirmation take the next step of their journey to serve God much like
the disciples in the Book of Acts. Youth are the future and hope of our church, but, more important,
they are the young church of today. Teens are expected to share their gifts and live out the Gospel
through the Holy Spirit.
Back to Top
>> What are the Parent's Responsibilities?
Parents:
- •Are the primary educators of their children
•Are responsible for initiating their children into the sacramental life
•Serve as models for their child by being committed Christians
•Worship with their families regularly
•Nurture their child in faith
•Should encourage their child to reflect and thoughtfully consider the decision to receive the
sacrament of Confirmation
•Are asked to attend meetings, programs, and prayer services that are planned to help their
child prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation
•Are asked to assist their child with the immediate preparation for the sacrament of
Confirmation through prayer, study and Christian Service.
•To emphasize the importance of the sacrament of Confirmation by taking an active part in the
preparation and celebration of Confirmation
•Should stress the initiation aspect of the sacrament by encouraging their children to continue
learning more about their faith
•Should help their child in understanding that Confirmation service projects are the beginning
of a life committed to Christian service
Back to Top
>> What are the teens expected to know?
The following topics should already be mastered by anyone entering a Confirmation preparation
program. Parents and Sponsors should assist candidates in reviewing this material.
The Commandments
- 1. I am the Lord, am your God. You shall not have other gods besides me.
2. You shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain
3. Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day
4. Honor your father and your mother
5. You shall not kill
6. You shall not commit adultery
7. You shall not steal
8. You shall not bear false witness
9. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife
10. You shall not covet your neighbor's goods
- •You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, and with your whole soul, and with
your whole mind.
•You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Sacraments
- •Baptism
•Eucharist
•Reconciliation
•Confirmation
•Marriage
•Holy Orders
•Anointing of the Sick
Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit help Christians live their lives more fully committed to Christ. The gifts are:
- •Wisdom
•Understanding
•Right Judgement
•Courage
•Knowledge
•Reverence
•Wonder & Awe
- •Charity
•Joy
•Peace
•Patience
•Kindness
•Goodness
•Faith
•Modesty
•Love
•Chastity
- •Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
•Blessed are the meek: for they shall posses the land.
•Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted.
•Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
•Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
•Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.
•Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
•Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Corporal Works of Mercy
- •Feed the hungry.
•Give drink to the thirsty.
•Clothe the naked.
•Shelter the homeless.
•Visit the sick.
•Visit the imprisoned.
•Bury the dead.
Spiritual Works of Mercy
- •To instruct the ignorant;
•To counsel the doubtful;
•To admonish sinners;
•To bear wrongs patiently;
•To forgive offences willingly;
•To comfort the afflicted;
•To pray for the living and the dead.
- •The Our Father
•The Hail Mary
•The Apostle’s Creed
•Glory be to the Father
•An Act of Contrition
>> How does a Confirmation Candidate Prepare for the Sacrament?
Candidates:
- •Must freely choose to be confirmed and make their desire known
•Must be in the state of grace
•Must have adequate knowledge of the Catholic faith and have participated in required
learning sessions
•Must be practicing their faith
•Should attend Mass and receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation regularly
•Are responsible for completing all required assignments and service projects
•Must be willing to participate in the Confirmation program of prayer, retreat, service
classroom, and the celebration of weekly mass.
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>> What is the Role of a Sponsor?
Sponsors:
- •Support the person to be confirmed in their commitment to a Christian life
•Must know the candidate and be willing to serve as a strong and long-lasting Christian
influence on the candidate
•Must belong to the Roman Catholic Church and be fully initiated themselves, having received
Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist
•Should be sufficiently mature in their own faith commitment
•May be either male or female for any candidate
•Must obtain a statement of eligibility from the pastor of their local parish
•May be a baptismal Godparent, thus emphasizing more clearly the relationship between
Baptism and Confirmation
•May assist the candidate in choosing and carrying out the candidate’s service project
commitment
•Should help and support help the candidate prepare for Confirmation
•Must be reasonably informed on current church teachings
•May accompany the candidate to special liturgies and preparation programs
•May not be a parent of the candidate
•Can encourage the candidate by growing in a faith relationship
•Present the candidate to the minister of Confirmation
Back to Top
>> What is the Rite of Enrollment?
The Rite of Enrollment is a ceremony in which the candidates who choose to enter into the immediate
preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation and make their commitment official. Prior to the Rite of
Enrollment candidates are asked to seriously and prayerfully think about what will be required of them
during this time of preparation.
Back to Top
>> What is the Rite of Confirmation?
The Sacrament of Confirmation:
- •Is celebrated during Mass
•Begins after the Liturgy of the Word
•Is presided over by the bishop or an designated auxiliary or pastor
- •Renewal of baptismal vows
•Laying on of hands
•Anointing with oil
•Sign of Peace
Back to Top
>> What is the Christian Commitment to Service?
Jesus came “not to be served, but to serve.” (Mt 20: 28) The Church is a servant community and all
those accepting full membership in the church are also accepting the responsibility to serve.
Candidates for the reception of Confirmation are asked to select service projects which are geared to
their own special talents and abilities. Candidates are asked to perform 30 hours of Christian service
to others as part of their preparation for Confirmation. The service should be performed freely and
willingly. It could help the parish, neighborhood, or local community. This service project is meant to
represent the candidates’ intention of becoming full members of this service community, the church,
and special followers of Christ-Christians.
Back to Top
>> How Can I Get More Information?
Please call Mike Peterson at 973-838-0031 ext. 5.
These responses may have raised more questions and feelings within you and your teen. Talk about
those questions and feelings with your parents, sponsor, youth minister or one of our Friars. The
Confirmation staff at St. Anthony's wants to know what you are thinking and feeling. Each parish will
vary in some of the aspects of this initiation process. It is always better to bring up your concerns
early on in the process than to keep them inside you. Finally, get ready for one of the greatest
blessings of your life. St. Anthony's Youth Ministry looks forward to sharing in the gifts you bring and
the journey ahead of you.
Back to Top
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