THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

CCC 1285 – 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.”

Who can Receive This Sacrament?

CCC1306 Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and should receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Since Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist form a unity, it follows that “the faithful are obliged to receive this sacrament at the appropriate time,” for without Confirmation and Eucharist, Baptism is certainly valid and efficacious, but Christian initiation remains incomplete.

CCC1307 The Latin tradition gives “the age of discretion” as the reference point for receiving Confirmation. But in danger of death children should be confirmed even if they have not yet attained the age of discretion.

 CCC1308 Although Confirmation is sometimes called the “sacrament of Christian maturity,” we must not confuse adult faith with the adult age of natural growth, nor forget that the baptismal grace is a grace of free, unmerited election and does not need “ratification” to become effective. St. Thomas reminds us of this:

Age of body does not determine age of soul. Even in childhood man can attain spiritual maturity: as the book of Wisdom says: “For old age is not honored for length of time, or measured by number of years. “Many children, through the strength of the Holy Spirit they have received, have bravely fought for Christ even to the shedding of their blood.

CCC1309 Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit – his actions, his gifts, and his biddings – in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community. the latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands.

CCC1310 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.

CCC1311 Candidates for Confirmation, as for Baptism, fittingly seek the spiritual help of a sponsor. To emphasize the unity of the two sacraments, it is appropriate that this be one of the baptismal godparents.

Confirmation in our parish

a) The sacrament of Confirmation will be administered during the month of May.

b) Requirements:

1) Catechism Registrations are taking place at our Church Madre dei Cristiani and if you know anyone whose children are going to Grade 2 and Grade 5 in September and would like to have their children prepare to receive the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation now is the time to register.

2) Registrants for Catechism may contact the Church office at (514) 365-2830 or Agnes Vilone by email at agnesvilone@gmail.com for further details regarding the registrations.

NEWSLETTER to Parents for New Catechism Registrants 2020-2021 

Click here to download the Catechism registration form for 2021   (8.5″ X 14″)

c) Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation:

1) The sacrament of Confirmation is administered by a bishop or by a priest duly authorized by the Archbishop of Montreal.

2). One adult person (over 18) is needed to act as sponsor of the child being confirmed.

3. A Confirmation certificate will be given to the children after the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation.

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