Confirmation Prep Log for 6th, 7th & 8th graders.

Pentecost, by Jean II Restout, c. 1732

The Sacrament of Confirmation, together with those of Baptism and the Holy Eucharist, compose what is commonly referred to as the ‘Sacraments of Initiation,’ as they are the sacraments that initiate one’s life in Christ and His Church. In 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.”[1]

Confirmation is celebrated by the anointing of the baptized person with sacred oil (called chrism) by the hands of a bishop or his delegated priest. “Anointing, in Biblical and other ancient symbolism, is rich in meaning: oil is a sign of abundance and joy; it cleanses…and limbers…oil is a sign of healing, since it is soothing to bruises and wounds, and it makes radiant with beauty, health, and strength.”[2] The anointing with sacred chrism is a sign of consecration:

By Confirmation Christians, that is, those who are anointed, share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit with which He is filled…by this anointing the confirmand (the one receiving Confirmation) receives the “mark,” the seal of the Holy Spirit. A seal is a symbol of a person, a sign of personal authority, or ownership of an object…this seal of the Holy Spirit marks our total belonging to Christ, our enrollment in his service for ever, as well as the promise of divine protection.[3]

This sacrament imparts to its recipient an indelible seal, an irreplaceable and immutable mark upon their soul and life that enriches, strengthens, and magnifies Christ’s life and grace in their lived experience in service to the Gospel unto eternal life.

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For the confirming of youth, at St. Edward’s, youth are typically confirmed in the Fall of 9th Grade. The preparatory program for the reception of the sacrament includes three years of study and faith formation during 6th trough 8th grade. The immediate preparation is comprised of a Confirmation packet, retreat, parent/child workshop, and liturgical celebrations. Confirmands are to complete 30 hours of Christian community service before the celebration of the sacrament.

For more information please follow the link below to transfer to the Faith Formation page:

Faith Formation

For the confirming of adults, St. Edward’s has the RCIA Program in which the individual is assisted in their journey of faith and prepared for the reception of the sacraments. Please click on the link below to transfer to the RCIA page for more information:

RCIA