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.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation. The celebration of this Sacrament is the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit on those who receive it. It makes us more aware of our relationship with the Father, unites us more closely to Christ, increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us, strengthens and makes more perfect our bond with the Church, and obliges us, with increased courage and without shame, to defend the faith by word and deed as true witness of Christ. Thus, it deepens and completes the grace received at Baptism. (see Catechism of the Catholic Church Article 2, para.1285)
The program is designed for youth in the 6th - 8th Grade, with the Sacrament of Confirmation being received in the 8th grade. The components are Faith information (course content), Faith expressed in service and Faith expressed in living the Spiritual life of prayer. Service projects, retreats, prayer experiences and classes are required throughout the year for those indicating a desire to prepare for the Sacrament. To register for this Religious Education instruction please use the appropriate forms found by following this link. A packet of detailed information and events will be distributed to ASCS at the 8th Grade Orientation on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 and at the RE Confirmation Orientation on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 3:15pm in the St. Therese Room.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
" MANDATORY" PARENT/YOUTH CONFIRMATION
PREPARATION MEETINGS (subject to change)
October 2nd – Parent/Sponsor & Youth Confirmation Day Retreat:
1:30pm-7:30pm in Fellowship Hall Mass & Dinner
October 7th-8th - Optional - 7th & 8th Grade Youth Overnighter @ The Pines
October 30th – Presentation of Saint Reports: 9:30 -11:30am in Fellowship Hall
November 6th – Parent/Youth Confirmation Preparation Meeting:
3:15-4:45pm in Fellowship Hall
November 7th – Deadline to hand in Sacrament Forms,
Baptismal Certificates & Sponsor’s Letter of Good Standing
February 5th – Parent/Youth Confirmation Preparation Meeting:
3:15-4:45pm in Fellowship Hall
February 11th - Mandatory Confirmation Retreat 8am-8:30pm at
February 21st & 28th – Confirmation Discernment Interviews 6:30pm-8:30pm
Contact Donna Ross dross@allsaintsdallas.org in January for an appointment
March 2nd –Lenten Dinner Stone Soup Youth Service Project – in FH 4:00-7:00
March 4th – Teaching Mass in the Sanctuary 12:30pm
March 19th - Confirmation Discernment Interviews and Paperwork Due
March 25th –Parent Confirmation Preparation Meeting:
3:15pm-4:45 in Fellowship Hall
Friday, April 20th - Confirmation Practice in the Sanctuary 6:30pm
Saturday, April 21st – Confirmation/Reception in the Sanctuary 5:00pm
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments by which a baptized Christian is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and is bound more closely to the Church; one of the sacraments of initiation. Confirmation obliges one to love, study, defend, and spread the faith. THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION Welcomes us and deepens our belonging to the faith community. Deepens our relationships to God, as Creator, Redeemer and Spirit. Strengthens us as disciples. In Confirmation, the signs we will celebrate include getting anointed with oil and the laying on of hands as we remember the water of Baptism and the nourishment of Eucharist. Rite of Confirmation within the Mass
I. Liturgy of the Word II. Sacrament of Confirmation a. Presentation of the Candidates b. Homily c. Renewal of Baptismal Promised d. Laying on of Hands e. Anointing with Chrism f. General Intercessions III. Liturgy of the Eucharist Blessing and Prayer over the People
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