Print Version Diocese of Superior Guidelines for Confirmation (PDF) Directrices para la Confirmacion (PDF) |
Revised by Bishop James Powers (2016)
Baptism, the Eucharist and 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” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285).
Celebration of the Sacrament (Top of Page)
Those to be Confirmed Canon 889, § 1 states that “all baptized persons who have not been confirmed and only they are capable of receiving Confirmation.” In the Diocese of Superior the bishop has made a pastoral decision to confer the sacrament of Confirmation only on those in the eleventh grade and above (Diocesan Policy Manual, # 630).
The Rite of Confirmation It is desirable that the sacrament of Confirmation be celebrated in a church and during Mass (cf. Canon 881). The chrism to be used must be consecrated by a bishop, even if the sacrament is administered by a presbyter (cf. Canon 880, § 2). The diocesan bishop typically administers Confirmation to candidates, but if necessity requires, he may give the faculty to administer this sacrament to one or more specified presbyters (cf. Canon 884).
The Rite of Christian Initiation In the case where a young person has not been regularly attending religious education classes, is over the age of discretion (age 7), and is missing any initiation sacraments, (such as Baptism, the Eucharist and Confirmation), it would be appropriate to enter into the Rite of Christian Initiation to insure that the faithful are properly instructed to receive the initiation sacraments simultaneously (cf. Canon 852 and Canon 890). For persons entering the Rite of Christian Initiation, Easter Vigil is a common time where specified presbyters across the world bring in catechumens or candidates into the Church, using the consecrated chrism and with permission of the local bishop.
Prior to the reception of First Eucharist, the parish must attain proof of baptism from all candidates (Canon 842, 912, 894). The names of those children who celebrated First Eucharist, the minister, and place and date of the ceremony are to be recorded in the parish communion register.
Canon 777 §4 states “the catechetical instruction is given also to those who are physically or mentally handicapped, insofar as their condition permits.” Pastors are responsible to be as inclusive as possible in providing evangelization, catechetical formation, and sacramental preparation for parishioners with disabilities. Parish catechetical and sacramental preparation programs may need to be adapted for some parishioners with disabilities. (Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities 5)
“The criterion for reception of holy communion is the same for persons with developmental and mental disabilities as for all persons, namely, that the person be able to distinguish the Body of Christ from ordinary food, even if this recognition is evidenced through manner, gesture, or reverential silence rather than verbally.” (Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities 20)
“Pastors are encouraged to consult parents, those who take the place of parents, diocesan personnel involved with disability issues, psychologists, religious educators, and other experts in making their judgment. If it is determined that a parishioner who is disabled is not ready to receive the sacrament, great care is to be taken in explaining the reasons for this decision. Cases of doubt should be resolved in favor of the right of the baptized person to receive the sacrament. The existence of a disability is not considered in and of itself as disqualifying a person from receiving the Eucharist.” (Guidelines for Persons with Disabilities 20)
“Eucharistic celebrations are often enhanced by the exercise of the diverse forms of ministry open to the laity. In choosing those who will be invited to use their gifts in service to the parish community, the parish pastoral staff should be mindful of extending Christ’s welcoming invitation to qualified parishioners with disabilities.” (Guidelines for Persons with Disabilities 21)
The diocese recognizes that parents are the primary educators of their child(ren), and that some parents choose to live out their role of primary educators by providing formal catechesis at home. The parish pastor and his delegates also have the responsibility to provide catechetical instruction for the children. The rights and responsibilities of parents and the parish call for collaboration between the two. The same prerequisites for candidacy apply to children who are home schooled for religious education as are required for children in parish programs and Catholic schools. (Diocese of Superior Guidelines for Religious Education at Home)