Confirmation

Confirmation at Corpus Christi is part of Religious Education. We work to bring teens closer to Christ through the Sacraments of the Church.

The Catholic Church considers Confirmation the second of the three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism being the first and Communion the third). Confirmation is regarded as the perfection of Baptism, because, as the introduction to the Rite of Confirmation states:
 

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.

Many people think of the laying on of hands, which signifies the descent of the Holy Spirit, as the central act in the Sacrament of Confirmation. The essential element, however, is the anointing of the confirmandi (the person being confirmed) with chrism (an aromatic oil that has been consecrated by a bishop).  The anointing is accompanied by the words "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit". This seal is a consecration, representing the safeguarding by the Holy Spirit of the graces conferred on the Christian at Baptism.

The CANDIDATE may request to receive the Sacrament if s/he...

• Is baptized and is able to renew baptismal promises unless a grave reason suggests otherwise.
• Has received the most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist and leads a life of faith consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Attended formal religious education (i.e. CCE classes or Catholic School) the year prior to the sacramental year.)
• Exhibits an active faith life and knowledge of the Church.
• Participates in the sacramental life of the church, especially Eucharistic liturgies- Mass.
• Commits to active involvement in the parish Confirmation catechesis.
• Responds to the call of active ministry.
• Continues to learn and grow in faith following Confirmation and throughout his/her lifetime.

“To receive Confirmation one must be in a state of grace.  One should receive the sacrament of penance in order to be cleansed for the gift of the Holy Spirit.  More intense prayer should prepare one to receive the strength and graces of the Holy Spirit with docility and readiness to act.” (CCC 1310).