Confirmation
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“O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams.” — St. Augustine
Preparation for candidates of Confirmation draw them more deeply into God’s power, life and love that lives within each of us by our Baptism. It is by drawing candidates into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God the Father that the gifts of the Holy Spirting are unfolded, which gives us strength to boldly witness for Christ.
Many parishes have shifted their models of Confirmation to include:
- Gathering four or five families together in small groups (parent or sponsor with their child) to study and discuss together.
- Require parent formation alongside any sacramental preparation.
- Start with the proclamation of the Gospel (or Kerygma) with a resource like Alpha or the Search.
- Focus on ongoing accompaniment and discipleship of the youth by their parent, sponsor, or a ministry leader.
It is also important to remember that Sacraments presuppose faith (of the individual or in the case of infants, the faith of the parents).
Start with these recommended resources:Alpha Youth Series | Alpha in a Catholic Context
Chosen from Ascension Press
Purpose from Life Teen
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Confirmation Age change - FAQ
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- For several years, a number of priests and laity approached Archbishop Sample requesting reconsideration of the age of Confirmation in the Archdiocese of Portland.
- A consultation period took place so that pastors and parish staff could share their thoughts, concerns and recommendations.
- After weighing concerns of Confirmation at age sixteen and the advantages of lowering the age, Archbishop Sample with the Presbyteral Council decided to change the age of Confirmation to 7th grade.
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- Young people experience challenges and trials at a much younger age than previous generations and are struggling through these hardships without the grace of Confirmation.
- Requiring sacramental preparation in high school presents a special challenge to youth, parents and those involved in catechetical ministry because of the number of activities youth are engaged in.
- The current practice puts an emphasis on completing a preparation program which in turn reinforces the impression that Confirmation is tantamount to graduation.
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- A proper shift would occur in our catechesis of the sacrament from a personal choice of the candidate to the freely given grace of God, who desires all the baptized to share fully in the Paschal Mystery through Confirmation.
- Receiving the grace of the sacrament at a younger age would equip our young people with the gifts of the Holy Spirit they need to advance through adolescence into adulthood.
- A younger age, at a period when candidates are not engaged in high school demands and activities, would be a time more conducive to preparation for the sacrament.
- A younger age would help to avoid the “graduation” mentality often associated with Confirmation.
- A younger age would increase the number of candidates receiving Confirmation.
- Confirmation at an earlier age would allow the newly Confirmed to “live out” their Confirmation through various ministries in the parishes during their high school years.
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- Each pastor will determine the best time for his parish to begin the transition process. All parishes have until 2025 to complete transition. Reference Archbishop Sample's letter to pastors dated June 13, 2022.
- Each pastor, in consultation with his staff, will determine which model for implementation. The Archdiocese of Portland has recommended three models which can be modified to meet the needs the parish.
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