Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation was instituted by Jesus on Pentecost Sunday when He sent the Holy Spirit, as He promised upon the Apostles gathered in the Upper Room in Jerusalem. (Acts 2: 1-42)

Confirmation by Fr. Jim Hannah - May 8, 2010

'Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the "sacraments of Christian initiation," whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For 'by the sacrament of Confirmation, (the baptized) are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.' (CCC 1326)

The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the Sacraments of Initiation. In this Sacrament which the Bishop confers upon us we:

Are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit
Receive the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Are made soldiers of Christ to defend the Faith
Are made witnesses to spread the Good News to all the earth

Those who have received instruction and are suitably prepared receive Confirmation and are thus considered adult members of the Church. They are expected to be active in Church ministries and Parish programs.

Being congratulated by congregation - May 8, 2010

In the Latin rite of the Church, Confirmation is received after reaching the age of reason when a person is able to renew their Baptismal Vows in order to illustrate that Confirmation is a completion of our Baptism. In the Eastern Rites, Confirmation is received as an infant to more accurately illustrate that Confirmation is a Sacrament of Initiation.

The sponsor at Confirmation act as a witness to the reception of this Sacrament and encourages the candidate to live their commitment as a Catholic to its fullest. It is advised that sponsors be the same person that was present at Baptism.

Please contact the Parish Office for details on the preparation dates for Confirmation.

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are: Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord

Letter from the Pastor to Parents regarding Confirmation

Dear Parents,

Of the various stages of our life adolescence (widely know as "the teenage years") can be a time of confusion and conflict. During this time of life young people experience both physical and emotional changes and begin to learn the real nature of individual responsibility. Given the challenge this time of life presents for our young people, there is no more appropriate time for them to take another step forward in their relationship with God so that they can draw on God's love, strength, wisdom and courage. They are now at an age when they are invited to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Through this Sacrament your child will receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, upon which he or she may draw as a source of strength for the life that lies ahead of them.

The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the process of Christian initiation. No doubt, your support and guidance means a lot to your child as she or he makes a personal decision to accept, profess and live the faith you planted in them at the time of Baptism. But it needs to be clearly understood that receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation must be your child's personal decision. It is not something they must do because "the family" expects it of them nor is it a "spiritual graduation" from grade eight, a "group" activity that all grade eights must do together. It is a personal step that each individual must take when they feel they are ready to make a deeper commitment to their faith. If your child wants to take this important step in their life of faith then we, the pastors and parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, pledge our support and help in preparing your child for the celebration of Confirmation.

Within the Archdiocese of Toronto, a great deal of emphasis is put on the responsibility for the preparation for the Sacraments being shared by parents, Catholic schools and the parish. This calls for co-operation, involvement and a concerted effort on the part of all of us. For those whose children attend Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, your child's teacher is responsible for the ongoing religious instruction of your child and this includes an in-depth period of preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. For these young people as well as for those who attend a public or private school or who are being home-schooled, the parish will provide a series of sessions that will also assist them to prepare for Confirmation. These sessions will take place beginning in January 2004. These sessions will not require your presence but just that of your child. However, you will need to make it possible for your child to be present for these sessions so that they will be ready for the reception of the Sacrament. We will also be providing you with some material for you to use in working with your child at home in preparation for the Sacrament. We ask you to ensure that your son or daughter makes a commitment both to attend all the sessions at the Church and to do the homework. Your child's readiness for this Sacrament will only be as good as the effort you put into preparing for it and to fail to do so deprives no one but your child.

Day to day life is quite hectic for all of us. Because of this, we have fixed the dates of the preparatory sessions so that you can get them into your calendar and your child's schedule. The actual date for the celebration of the Sacrament is not yet established. Bishop Richard Grecco, the Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto responsible for all the city parishes, will be celebrating the Sacrament at OLPH this year and we are awaiting the confirmation from him of the date when he will be able to be present with us. I expect that this date should be determined within the next month or so.

If you feel that your child is ready to make a personal choice to be confirmed at this time in their life and you are willing to accompany him/her on their faith journey, please ensure that your child completes the registration form and returns it to the parish office by _____TBA______.

We appreciate all your efforts to make this a truly meaningful process for your child.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. James Hannah
Pastor

Confirmation - June 4, 2006