Confirmation
The prophets of the Old Testament foretold that God's Spirit would rest upon the Messiah to sustain his mission. Their prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus the Messiah was conceived by the Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus on the occasion of his baptism by John. Jesus' entire mission occurred in communion with the Spirit. Before he died, Jesus promised that the Spirit would be given to the Apostles and to the entire Church. After his death, he was raised by the Father in the power of the Spirit.
Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighborhoods, society, and the world. . . . We receive the message of faith in a deeper and more intensive manner with great emphasis given to the person of Jesus Christ, who asked the Father to give the Holy Spirit to the Church for building up the community in loving service.
-from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
St. Joseph Confirmation Program and Local Guidelines
Guidelines from Bishop Joseph Siegel and the Diocese of Evansville include the following essentials:
- The candidate must be at least sixteen years of age at the time they celebrate the sacrament.
- The candidate must have participated in previous religious education in the parish program or Catholic school and demonstrate an understanding of Jesus, His teachings and the value and practices of the Catholic faith.
- Preparation includes parent and sponsor involvement, a retreat experience, and some form of service.
- Bishop Siegel encourages the candidate to choose a saint’s name. They can also use their baptismal name.
- A letter by the candidate to Bishop Siegel is required. The letter should indicate the candidate’s understanding of Confirmation and desire to be confirmed.
- Confirmation sessions are focused solely on Confirmation. The parish is to determine the time frame of the sessions.
- Be regularly attending Mass and celebrating Eucharist.
- Have participated in the sacrament of Reconciliation as part of the immediate preparation for the celebration of Confirmation.
