Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Acts 9:17
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.89 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.
Source - Catechism of the Catholic Church
Celebration
Celebration of Confirmation at St. Andrew Cathedral - TBD
Policy
A child must have completed catechesis (Religious Instruction, either through Catholic school or Parish Religious Education) the year prior to celebrating the sacrament, and the year of celebration. Children are required to prepare for and celebrate the sacrament at their parish of membership if a sacramental preparation program is offered. Attendance is required for all retreats and sacramental preparation classes. Preparation includes writing a reflection on one’s own seriousness of receiving Confirmation, studying lives of saints and picking a Confirmation name, service work, and a thorough study of the signs, symbols, and effects of Confirmation. Confirmation is celebrated no younger than 8th grade.
The sponsor might be a baptismal sponsor (godparent), or another selected individual. The sponsor must be a baptized and confirmed, at least sixteen years of age, not a parent, and in good standing with the Church (ie. does not have any impediments such as divorced and re-married without an annulment).
***One change from previous years***
Sponsors not from St. John Vianney parish will be required to provide a letter from their parish saying that they are active members in good standing.
Preparation Schedule
Fall Retreat - TBD
Confirmation Child/Sponsor/Parent Sessions - January 9, 16, 23, 30, 2010-2011
Spring Retreat - TBD
Please Contact:
Ken Sokolowski
Youth Coordinatior
direct: 616-724-3133
ksokolowski@stjohnvianney.net