Celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation
 

When the time comes, we will celebrate your Confirmation at Mass.  We will follow the regular Mass but with the Confirmation Rite and symbols added in.  During the Mass you will participate in these additional 5 steps. 

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1. Presentation of the Candidates for Confirmation
The candidates are presented for confirmation. If there are many candidates, they are not called by name, but simply take a suitable place before the bishop.

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2. Homily or Instruction
The bishop gives a homily explaining the readings and leading the candidates, their sponsors, and parents, and the whole assembly to a deeper understanding of the mystery of confirmation.

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3. Renewal of Baptismal Promises

As followers of Jesus, we stand united through Baptism as a community of faith.  Together we remember and profess the faith which unites us.  The Bishop will then ask you the Candidates the same questions their parents were asked at their Baptism.  The Candidates will respond "I Do".
 

• Do you believe in one God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
  Response: I do.
   

• Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
  Response: I do.
   

• Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
  Response: I do.
   

• This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church.  We are proud to profess it, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
  Response: I do

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4. The Laying on of Hands
The bishop prays for the candidates…

“My dear friends: In Baptism God our Father gave the new birth of eternal life to his chosen sons and daughters. Let us pray to our Father that he will pour out the Holy Spirit to strengthen his sons and daughters with his gifts and anoint them to be more like Christ the Son of God.”
 

The Laying on of Hands happens when the Bishop extends his hands over the candidates. He then concludes in prayer…

“All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their Helper and Guide. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord.”

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5. Anointing with Chrism
The sponsor will introduce the candidate to the Bishop using the candidates Confirmation Name.
 

Sponsor: “Bishop I present you... _____” (The sponsor will say the Confirmation Name clearly, and loud enough for the Bishop to hear.)

The bishop anoints each candidate by dipping his right thumb in the chrism and making the sign of the cross on the forehead of the one to be confirmed, as he says:
 

Bishop: “(Confirmation Name) , be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”
 

Newly Confirmed Response:  "Amen"
 

Bishop: Peace be with you. 
 

Newly Confirmed will shake the bishop’s hand and respond:  "Amen"