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About the Sacrament
"On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied." -Acts 19:5-6
Confirmation "confirms", strengthens, and perfects baptismal grace. The laying on of hands is recognized as the origin of the sacrament and as a continuation of the grace imparted at Pentecost. Confirmation imprints an indelible character on the Christian's soul.
Taken from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition:
The Bishop is the ordinary minister of this sacrament. Since Bishops continue the apostolic succession from the apostles, administration by them "clearly demonstrates the effect to unite people closer to the Church, to her apostolic origins, and to her mission of bearing witness to Christ." The Local Ordinary may give permission for priests to administer the sacrament.
The forehead is anointed with sacred chrism followed by the laying on of the minister's hands with the words, "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit". The sacrament's connection with Baptism is expressed through the renewal of baptismal promises. The celebration of Confirmation during the Eucharist helps underline the unity of the sacraments of Christian initiation.
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When We Celebrate
High school teens preparing for Confirmation will receive the sacrament in the summer. There is a Mandatory Parent Meeting in the fall that at least one parent from each family must attend in order to register. For a list of requirements and other information, visit the Confirmation Preparation page.
Confirmation Retreat: June 2024 at Holy Cross College, South Bend, IN
Confirmation mass: June 2024 at OLMC Church (Monday evening)
Adults involved in the RCIA process (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) receive the sacrament at the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday evening. RCIA is for adults who are either: (a) beginning their journey toward becoming a member of the Church, or (b) has not received all the sacraments of initiation. These sacraments are Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. For more information, click here.