Preparing for Confirmation
In the Parishes of Immaculate Conception, Hoosick Falls,
Holy Cross, Salem, and St. Patrick’s, Cambridge
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.
|
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.
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 |
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. |
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 |
Schedule for 2023…
Register by Easter
Candidate Interviews will be held throughout the summer and fall.
Candidates and Sponsors attend six prep sessions together:
Sunday Mornings, 10 - 11:15 am - St. Patrick's, Cambridge
or Wednesday Evenings, 6:30 - 8 pm - Immaculate Conception, Hoosick Falls
Session 1: May 21 - St. Patrick's; May 24 - Immaculate Conception
Ritual – Renewing Baptismal Promises. Themes of the session will include: Sacraments of Initiation, Symbols of the Holy Spirit – especially water.
Session 2: June 11 - St. Patrick's; June 14 - Immaculate Conception
Ritual – Receiving a candle. Themes include faith and light.
Session 3: June 25 - St. Patrick's; June 28 - Immaculate Conception
Ritual – Blessing. Themes will include: Blessings, Gifts of the Holy Spirit and conversion.
Session 4: July 16 - St. Patrick's; July 19 - Immaculate Conception
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.
Session 5: July 30 - St. Patrick's; August 2 - Immaculate Conception
Ritual – Examination of Conscience. Themes will include our call to holiness and constant conversion, forgiveness and reconciliation.
Session 6: August 13 - St. Patrick's; August 16 - Immaculate Conception
The ritual focus will be the shared meal. We will reflect on The Church as the Body of Christ, the Eucharist, and mission.
One day spiritual retreat. Sunday, August 27, 8 am - 4 pm, Church of St. Mary's/St. Paul's; Hudson Falls, NY (Candidates and Sponsors)
Confirmation Rehearsal, (Candidates and Sponsors): Sunday, November 26, after the 10 am Mass at Immaculate Conception
Confirmation: Tuesday, November 28, 6:30 pm at Immaculate Conception. Candidates and Sponsors please arrive by 6 pm.
A reception will follow the Confirmation Mass.
Register by Easter
Candidate Interviews will be held throughout the summer and fall.
Candidates and Sponsors attend six prep sessions together:
Sunday Mornings, 10 - 11:15 am - St. Patrick's, Cambridge
or Wednesday Evenings, 6:30 - 8 pm - Immaculate Conception, Hoosick Falls
Session 1: May 21 - St. Patrick's; May 24 - Immaculate Conception
Ritual – Renewing Baptismal Promises. Themes of the session will include: Sacraments of Initiation, Symbols of the Holy Spirit – especially water.
Session 2: June 11 - St. Patrick's; June 14 - Immaculate Conception
Ritual – Receiving a candle. Themes include faith and light.
Session 3: June 25 - St. Patrick's; June 28 - Immaculate Conception
Ritual – Blessing. Themes will include: Blessings, Gifts of the Holy Spirit and conversion.
Session 4: July 16 - St. Patrick's; July 19 - Immaculate Conception
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.
Session 5: July 30 - St. Patrick's; August 2 - Immaculate Conception
Ritual – Examination of Conscience. Themes will include our call to holiness and constant conversion, forgiveness and reconciliation.
Session 6: August 13 - St. Patrick's; August 16 - Immaculate Conception
The ritual focus will be the shared meal. We will reflect on The Church as the Body of Christ, the Eucharist, and mission.
One day spiritual retreat. Sunday, August 27, 8 am - 4 pm, Church of St. Mary's/St. Paul's; Hudson Falls, NY (Candidates and Sponsors)
Confirmation Rehearsal, (Candidates and Sponsors): Sunday, November 26, after the 10 am Mass at Immaculate Conception
Confirmation: Tuesday, November 28, 6:30 pm at Immaculate Conception. Candidates and Sponsors please arrive by 6 pm.
A reception will follow the Confirmation Mass.
Our next Confirmation Preparation process will begin in Spring 2025.
Information will be available in January of 2025.
Information will be available in January of 2025.