Preparing for Confirmation
In the Parishes of St. Patrick’s, Cambridge, and Holy Cross, Salem
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The spiritual pilgrimage of our Christian life, of which the Sacrament of Confirmation is a component, is an individual journey carried out in a group setting. Recognizing the unique spiritual history of each person, we approach Confirmation, not from the perspective of the group or class, but from the viewpoint of the individual. Any individual who fulfills the basic requirements set down by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, wants to grow in relationship to Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church, and feels spiritually open to receive the power and grace of the Spirit will be welcome to request the Sacrament of Confirmation.
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The parishes provide, every other year, a spiritual preparation for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. The main component of the preparation is a process of liturgical catechesis which explores the mysteries of faith through symbol, ritual and story. This process of initiation is done in the midst of family, peers, sponsors, and mentors who will renew their own faith while providing supportive and witnessing relationships to the candidates.
Candidates for 2021 are asked to contact maryrosmus@battenkillcatholic.org by Easter.
Candidates for 2021 are asked to contact maryrosmus@battenkillcatholic.org by Easter.
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The Requirements…
A person requesting the Sacrament of Confirmation in any parish in the Diocese of Albany: ~Is baptized ~Is minimally in Grade 10 or 15 years of age ~If a youth, is participating in a faith formation/youth ministry program in the parish, home or Catholic School at least one year prior to the immediate preparation for Confirmation ~Participates fully in the immediate preparation for Confirmation. ~ Shows a sincere desire to live his/her faith as a disciple of Jesus within the Catholic community. ~Has a sponsor who meets the requirements for a Confirmation sponsor. |
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The Confirmation Sponsor…
A sponsor, chosen by the candidate, is a person of faith, who stands as a witness on behalf of the larger faith community and pledges to support the candidate’s journey of faith as s/he grows as a Catholic. Therefore, the sponsor must be: ~ A friend with whom a candidate can share questions and convictions about the faith. ~ A Catholic who has celebrated the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist and is active in his/her parish community. ~ May be the same as the candidate’s Baptismal sponsor (godparent) but must be someone other than a parent. ~ Must be at least 16 years of age though we recommend that the sponsor be an adult. |
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The Components…
~An Interview to discuss spiritual readiness for the Sacrament ~A Presentation Ceremony to the parish community at a Sunday Eucharist ~A process of Liturgical Catechesis consisting of 6 sessions ~A one day Spiritual Retreat ~Demonstration of Commitment to a Service Lifestyle ~Celebration of the Sacrament |
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The Schedule for 2021…
A group interview/information session will be held on Zoom on Monday, May 3, at 6:30 pm.
Candidates, families, and sponsors will meet outdoors at St. Patrick’s at 10 am on each of the following dates. 11:30 am Mass will follow.
May 23: Ritual – Renewing Baptismal Promises. Themes of the session will include: Sacraments of Initiation, Symbols of the Holy Spirit – especially water. A Presentation Ceremony will follow at the 11 am mass.
June 13: Ritual – Receiving a candle. Themes include faith and light.
July 11: Ritual – Blessing. Themes will include: Blessings, Gifts of the Holy Spirit and conversion.
July 25: The liturgy will include a procession with oils and a blessing with incense. Themes will include: Holy Oils, Anointing, and our Baptismal call to holiness.
August 8: Ritual – Examination of Conscience. Themes will include our call to holiness and constant conversion, forgiveness and reconciliation. Other topics - service projects, finalizing confirmation names, sponsor paperwork, details for retreat.
September 12: The ritual focus will be the shared meal, breakfast (if possible)! We will reflect on The Church as the Body of Christ, the Eucharist, and mission.
August 29: One day spiritual retreat at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s, Hudson Falls (Candidates and Sponsors)
Community Service Project - TBA
Confirmation Rehearsal: Sunday, October 17. 2:00 Reconciliation Mass at St. Mary's/St. Paul's, Hudson Falls with rehearsal at St. Joseph's, Fort Edward immediately following (approximately 3:30-4 pm)
Confirmation: Saturday, October 30, 10 am. St. Joseph's Church, Fort Edward. Arrival time for candidates and sponsors TBA.
A group interview/information session will be held on Zoom on Monday, May 3, at 6:30 pm.
Candidates, families, and sponsors will meet outdoors at St. Patrick’s at 10 am on each of the following dates. 11:30 am Mass will follow.
May 23: Ritual – Renewing Baptismal Promises. Themes of the session will include: Sacraments of Initiation, Symbols of the Holy Spirit – especially water. A Presentation Ceremony will follow at the 11 am mass.
June 13: Ritual – Receiving a candle. Themes include faith and light.
July 11: Ritual – Blessing. Themes will include: Blessings, Gifts of the Holy Spirit and conversion.
July 25: The liturgy will include a procession with oils and a blessing with incense. Themes will include: Holy Oils, Anointing, and our Baptismal call to holiness.
August 8: Ritual – Examination of Conscience. Themes will include our call to holiness and constant conversion, forgiveness and reconciliation. Other topics - service projects, finalizing confirmation names, sponsor paperwork, details for retreat.
September 12: The ritual focus will be the shared meal, breakfast (if possible)! We will reflect on The Church as the Body of Christ, the Eucharist, and mission.
August 29: One day spiritual retreat at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s, Hudson Falls (Candidates and Sponsors)
Community Service Project - TBA
Confirmation Rehearsal: Sunday, October 17. 2:00 Reconciliation Mass at St. Mary's/St. Paul's, Hudson Falls with rehearsal at St. Joseph's, Fort Edward immediately following (approximately 3:30-4 pm)
Confirmation: Saturday, October 30, 10 am. St. Joseph's Church, Fort Edward. Arrival time for candidates and sponsors TBA.
Please bring a completed health survey form for each person attending a class or event: