 |  | Sacramental
Preparation -
Confirmation |  |
| | | | - SIGNIFICANCE
Confirmation imparts 1) an increase of sanctifying grace which makes the recipient a "perfect Christian"; 2) a special sacramental grace consisting in the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost and notably in the strength and courage to confess boldly the name of Christ; 3) an indelible character by reason of which the sacrament cannot be received again by the same person.
- MANNER
The bishop alone is the ordinary minister of confirmation. This is expressly declared by the Council of Trent (Sess. VII, De Conf., C. iii). Simple priests may be the extraordinary ministers of the sacrament under certain conditions (during Easter vigil Mass). In such cases, however, the priest cannot wear pontifical vestments, and he is obliged to use chrism blessed by a Catholic bishop. In the Greek Church, confirmation is given by simple priests without special delegation, and their ministration is accepted by the Western Church as valid. They must, however, use chrism blessed by a patriarch.
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION PREPARATION
Any baptized Catholic who has completed eight years of religious education in either the parish program or a Catholic school is eligible for the Sacrament of Confirmation. All ninth graders whether they are enrolled in a Catholic High School or in our religious education classes should enroll in our Confirmation Program. Our program is a two and one half year program ending with Confirmation in the fall of junior year. Our preparation program is designed to provide the individual with the opportunity, the support and time needed to seriously and willingly choose and prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Our program includes: an entrance ritual, signing of the book, required service hours, a reflection paper on the service projects and another on the saint’s name chosen for Confirmation, an interview, a retreat, reconciliation service and required instruction. Those who are beyond high school years are prepared for the sacrament through the RCIA process or the Niagara Vicariate Adult Confirmation sessions. For more information contact the Rectory or Religious Education Office.
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