Process of Preparation for Parishes

“Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit – his actions, his gifts, and his biddings – in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of the Christian life. To this end, catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community.” (CCC 1309).

1. The parish should work to provide sufficient resources to confirmands, sponsors, and the parents/guardians of the confirmands to best assist them in their preparation in receiving the sacrament and to help them meet the requirements and guidelines mentioned in the previous sections of this document.

2. The process of preparation should emphasize the importance of growing spiritually in preparation for the sacrament itself. Thus, the candidates should be challenged to frequently receive the Eucharist, “the source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC 1324), because “the fruit of receiving the Eucharist in Holy Communion is an intimate union with Christ Jesus” (CCC 1391). In addition, the candidate should be challenged to pray, read the Scriptures and the Catechism, and use the Sacrament of Reconciliation frequently. The neglect of these means for spiritual growth shows an inconsistency with the call to holiness that the Sacrament of Confirmation entails.

3. Provision should be made in the preparation program for persons who have special needs. Persons who are developmentally disabled, who have learning disabilities, or who have other conditions, should be made to feel welcome in the parish program. Whenever possible, they should participate in regular liturgies and activities, and they should be included in the parish sacramental celebrations.

4. The pastor (or parish administrator) supports the catechists and the families of the confirmands by his/her interest, knowledge and participation in the preparation programs. With the assistance of other staff, the pastor (or parish administrator) can help discern readiness of the confirmand by an interview .

5. Because continuing conversion is a lifelong process, Confirmation does not mark the completion of catechetical formation. Parishes have an obligation to provide all their members with opportunities for continual spiritual, biblical and doctrinal formation, and for service to the community.