But What's Going to Happen?

The Confirmation Ceremony

Objectives:

To demonstrate that candidates are personally called and chosen by God, but they are responsible for how they respond to that call.
To teach candidates how to prepare to receive the sacrament of Confirmation.
To provide an opportunity for candidates to gain a better understanding of how Confirmation will be celebrated.
To reflect on the various Signs and Symbols used in Confirmation and to know their meaning.
To think about and identify ways of how to take an active part in the Church.
To help candidates recognize that Confirmation is not the end of something, but the beginning of an incredible new phase in their faith journey.

Prayer

Almost there... We’ve come a long way… I’ve joined this group and together we have thought, We have shared We discussed so many things…. We learned, We prayed together, and we feel its worth the while. Its good for us to be confirmed. I understand the need to have in me the Gift of the God - the Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit.

Engage - Watch & Discuss

Discuss:

What is one ideas in this short film you found most helpful?

Discussion Questions:

Do you believe that God has good plans for you?
What can you do to find out the plans God has for your future?
How has your idea of Confirmation changed since we began our time together?

Read about John the Baptist

How can we prepare the way for Jesus in the world today?

Discussion Questions:

What event in your life have you prepared for more than any other?
Who have been your spiritual coaches and mentors throughout your life?
How has the way you pray and what you pray for changed over the past few months?

Discussion Questions:

In what practical ways do you think Confirmation will change you?
Which of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit could you most use at this time?
When did you last pray to the Holy Spirit, asking for help to make a decision?

Read through the first section of Part A to identify and briefly discuss the four main parts.
Move on to the next part. Invite your child to read out one sentence at a time and to provide the missing words. Lead the discussion on each of the words they are using: Apostles; Word; evil; faith; hands; God;
Move on to part B to discuss in more depth the signs and symbols used at Confirmation. Invite candidates to write brief notes for each as the discussion develops. Talk about the main ideas related to each, namely:

1. Name of Saint: In many countries the Christian Name of the candidate is used. In some places candidates choose the name of a Saint - a model person for imitation.

2. Laying of Hands: The bishop’s gesture as he invokes the Holy Spirit: also a gesture used to show God is choosing someone for a mission.

3. Anointing with Oil of Chrism: A sign showing the seal/mark of receiving the Holy Spirit ‘Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit’; also a sign that marks our total belonging to Christ.

4. Sign of Peace: a sign of communion with bishop and the Church.

Discussion Questions:

If you could ask the Bishop one questions, what would you ask?
Are you nervous about your Confirmation?
How are you preparing for Confirmation?

Complete the exercise Virtue in Focus before watching the last episode clip.

Explain that celebrating Confirmation shouldn’t be the end of the road. It is an important milestone which should make us more mature and ready to become more active as Christians. Encourage all candidates to try their best to show their commitment to Jesus and the Church by being active in the Parish or diocese in the best way they can.

Journal with Jesus

Have your child open their folder to their journal page and take a few moments to answer the questions

from the Confirmation Rite

For Further Reflection

RENEWAL of BAPTISM PROMISES

Do you reject Satan? I do.
And all his works? I do.
Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth? 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? 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? I do.

Closing 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 judgement 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. Amen.