Confirmation Norms of

the Diocese of Raleigh

An In-Service for Catechetical Leaders and

Youth Ministers

Words of Pope Francis

Confirmation April 28, 2013

The Holy Spirit is truly transforming us, and through us he also wants to transform the world in which we live. Let us open the doors to the Spirit, let ourselves be guided by him, and allow God’s constant help to make us new men and women, inspired by the love of God which the Holy Spirit bestows on us!

Sacraments of

Initiation

• Baptism Baptism initiates one into the

Paschal life and makes one part of the Body of Christ

It pardons sin and its punishment It bestows the dignity of being a child

of God

• Confirmation Strengthens and seals this immersion

and incorporation by the grace of the Holy Spirit

• Holy Eucharist Nourishes the baptized so they may

mature in faith and be strengthened for their mission as People of God

Confirmation

• RCIA as a lens for Confirmation

▫ Begins with evangelization

▫ Is the responsibility of the community

▫ Catechesis leads to the sacramental celebration

▫ Mystagogy follows the sacramental celebration

Development of

Confirmation

• History ▫ Patristic Period (100-450) Baptism & Confirmation 2 sides of

same coin where Confirmation immediately follows Baptism

Holy Eucharist sustained the initiated & strengthened the gifts received in Baptism & Confirmation

▫ Scholastic Period (1100-1500) More linear understanding &

Sacraments seen as sequential Since infant Baptism the norm,

bishop could no longer confirm everyone due to large numbers

Growing theological distinction between Baptism & Confirmation

Holy Eucharist still third sacrament

Development of

Confirmation (con’t)

• History (con’t) ▫ 1910 St. Pius X

Lowers the age of reason

Encouraging frequent Communion as integral part of Mass

Confirmation becomes 3rd sacrament

▫ Vatican II (1965)

Wide range of pastoral circumstances with those not baptized as infants

RCIA restores the order for these

Two Traditions

▫ Ancient Practice:

Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion

▫ Current Practice: Baptism, Holy Communion,

Confirmation

Holy Spirit

▫ All formation should have an explicit treatment of the Holy Spirit as part of the Holy Trinity

as a distinct person within the Trinity

as the Holy Spirit relates to the baptized Christian and the Body of Christ

Areas of importance regarding the Holy Spirit Scripture

Tradition

The Five Celebrations

of Confirmation in the

Roman Rite

• Celebration I: An unbaptized adult or child of catechetical age ▫ Follow the RCIA/RCIA adapted for

children

• Celebration II: A baptized but previously uncatechized adult or child baptized in a separated ecclesial community Prepare for profession of faith,

Confirmation and Holy Communion

Celebrate the Rite of Reception within Mass from the RCIA

The Five Celebrations

of Confirmation in the

Roman Rite

• Celebration III: A baptized but previously uncatechized Roman Catholic adult or child of catechetical age ▫ Prepare for Confirmation and Holy

Communion with age-appropriate formation

• Celebration V: A Roman Catholic

adult who has been baptized in infancy and has received Holy Communion ▫ Prepare for Confirmation with

appropriate formation of flexible duration

▫ The minister of Confirmation is the Bishop

Celebrations in Other

Circumstances

• Confirmations celebrated in the Eastern Rite Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches are valid

• Special needs—formation as to the capability of the candidate

• Danger of death requires no formal formation

The Five Celebrations

of Confirmation in the

Roman Rite

• Celebration IV: A child of catechetical age who has been baptized in infancy as a Roman Catholic and has previously received Holy Eucharist

▫ the one on which we are focusing

▫ 13 is the minimum age for those preparing only for this sacrament

▫ As the ordinary norm for this Diocese, reception of this group is between the ages of 14-16

Responsibility for

Formation

• Responsibility for formation follows the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

▫ The Community of Faith

▫ Sponsor

▫ Parents/Grandparents

▫ Bishop

▫ Pastors

▫ Catechists

▫ Candidate

Sponsors

• Not a parent

• 16 years of age

• Fully initiated (all sacraments of initiation)

• Vocation:

▫ Single, living in compliance with the teachings of the Church

▫ Married, in a valid Catholic marriage

Formation for

Confirmation

• Structure of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults serves as a guide

• Initial foci

▫ Evangelization

▫ Conversion

▫ Personal relationship with the Holy Trinity and a church community

▫ Personal and communal spiritual life

▫ Discipleship

• Challenges of contemporary life

• Liturgical catechesis

Formation for

Confirmation

• Evangelization

• Metanoia: Conversion

• Kerygma: The Essentials of the Faith

• Koinonia: Community

• Leitourgia: Liturgy and Prayer

• Diakonia: Discipleship

Adolescent Formation

• Time Frame ▫ Process is two years, with an

appropriate period of formation in relation to the actual date of the sacramental celebration fall/spring

▫ Two separated periods of formation

Year 2 Year 1 Mystagogy

Remote Formation

Remote formation/the first year

Academic year model

Focus on the kerygma

In parish, home, Catholic school, or home school setting using approved materials

“20 questions”—basic truths of faith

Retreat—to develop relationship with God and community

Year 1

Interview

• Between the end of the remote and start of the proximate phase

• With the pastor/pastoral administrator to determine readiness and desire for Confirmation

Postponement of the Sacrament • No one should be forced to receive a

sacrament • Candidates should understand

Confirmation and its effects on their life of the Church

• Confirmation is required to be a godparent/sponsor and for marriage

Proximate Formation

▫ Proximate Formation—second year

Models can vary (see 6.3.3b) with a minimum of eight to ten weeks prior to the celebration of the sacrament

Focus on liturgical catechesis and the rights and responsibilities connected to Confirmation

All candidates meet together for formation except for extenuating circumstances

Day of Reflection—with opportunity for Reconciliation

Year 2

Mystagogy

• Begins with the celebration of Confirmation

• Involvement in the life of the Church (participation in liturgical ministries, parish activities, social outreach, and faith formation)

• On-going formation in discipleship

• Prayer and personal relationship with Jesus Christ

Mystagogy

The Confirmation Name

• Retaining the baptismal name underscores the relationship between Baptism and Confirmation

▫ If the candidate’s name is not Christian in origin, a saint’s name is ordinarily chosen

• An additional Confirmation name (of a saint) is an approved custom even if the baptismal name is Christian

• Of particular importance is familiarity with the life and

witness of the saint

Record Keeping

• Church where Confirmation is celebrated is responsible to record and notify Church of Baptism

• Parish of candidate should also record information for the yearly status animarum report

Additional

Components

• Discussion on

“20 Questions”

• Retreat models

Questions

and Answers

Conclusion

The Holy Spirit came down upon the disciples and set their hearts on fire with love: May he bless you, keep you one in faith and love and bring you to the joy of God’s kingdom…

Rite of Confirmation 58