Joshua Bennett
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ and continued in the Catholic Church. It is a ritual that confirms and completes the graces that a soul received in the Sacrament of Baptism. Confirmation classes are a series of classes that Catholics take before they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation from a Catholic bishop or priest. The classes are usually taken around 8th grade, but some places require a two-year preparation. Confirmation classes can be taken by both adults and children, and they can be taken online. The classes teach students about the role of the Holy Ghost in Confirmation, the Church's teachings on morality, divine revelation, Scriptures, and the Rite of Confirmation. Teachers can use the inductive or deductive method to teach the ritual.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Confirmation class duration | Catholic confirmation classes typically last one year, but some places require a two-year preparation. |
| Confirmation class timing | Confirmation is typically administered around 8th grade or, in some places, 10th grade. |
| Confirmation class eligibility | Both adults and children can take confirmation classes. |
| Confirmation class content | Students learn about the role of the Holy Ghost in Confirmation, why Christ our Lord instituted Confirmation, what are the fruits and gifts of the Holy Ghost, and recap the Church's teachings on morality, divine revelation, Scriptures, the Church, and more. |
| Confirmation class teaching methods | Teaching methods include lectures, group work, acting out rituals, drawing, and writing. |
| Confirmation class resources | Resources include textbooks, videos, printables, and online courses. |
| Confirmation ceremony | The confirmation ceremony includes ritual actions and the bestowal of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. |
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What You'll Learn
The meaning of Confirmation
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ and continued in the Catholic Church, which he founded. Confirmation is also one of the three sacraments of initiation into the Catholic Church, the other two being Baptism and First Communion. The Sacraments of Initiation are the foundation of the Christian life.
The essential rite of Confirmation is the anointing with Sacred Chrism, which is oil mixed with balsam and consecrated by the bishop. This is done by the laying on of the hand of the minister, who pronounces the sacramental words proper to the rite. In the West, this anointing is done on the forehead of the baptized with the words, "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit". In the Eastern Churches of the Byzantine rite, this anointing is also done on other parts of the body with the words, "The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit". The effect of Confirmation is a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit like that of Pentecost. This outpouring impresses on the soul an indelible character and produces a growth in the grace of Baptism. It roots the recipient more deeply in divine son-ship, binds them more firmly to Christ and to the Church, and reinvigorates the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their soul.
Confirmation is typically administered around 8th grade or, in some places, 10th grade. However, there is a growing trend towards Confirmation closer to Communion. In the Byzantine Catholic Tradition, Baptism and Confirmation are received together, and it is only later that the child receives First Holy Communion. Since 1995, only 12 Dioceses in the United States have moved Confirmation to the 2nd-grade level. Adults who are converting to the Catholic faith can receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at any age. Catholic Confirmation classes typically last one year, though some places require a two-year preparation.
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The Rite of Confirmation
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ and continued in the Catholic Church. It is a sacrament that confirms and completes the graces that a soul received in the Sacrament of Baptism. The Roman Catechism describes the sacrament of Confirmation as follows:
> A baptized person, when anointed with the sacred chrism by the Bishop, with the accompanying solemn words… becomes stronger with the strength of a new power, and thus begins to be a perfect soldier of Christ.
The National Directory for Catechesis outlines two approaches to teaching the ritual: the inductive method and the deductive method. Using the deductive method, teachers can begin with the beliefs and meaning of Confirmation and connect them with the ritual actions of the Sacrament. In this case, the meaning of Confirmation is the bestowal of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a full and abundant way. Students can then work in groups to create their own ritual actions that express these meanings and effects.
Students can also learn about the Rite of Confirmation through writing, drawing, and acting out the signs and rituals of the Sacrament. They can then work in groups to recreate and act out the Rite of Confirmation from memory.
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The role of the Holy Ghost
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ and continued in the Catholic Church. It is a sacrament that confirms and completes the graces that a soul received during the Sacrament of Baptism. Confirmation is not a graduation from religious education, but rather, it makes a Catholic a soldier for Christ, who is called upon to live, defend, and spread the Faith to others.
During the Confirmation ceremony, there is a general imposition of hands, with the bishop praying that the Holy Ghost may descend upon those who have already been regenerated: "send forth upon them thy sevenfold Spirit, the Holy Paraclete." The bishop then anoints the forehead of each individual with chrism, saying: "I sign thee with the sign of the cross and confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost."
The Holy Ghost is believed to fill people "with hope and perfect love" and "teach [us] the peaceable things of the kingdom." Through the power of the Holy Ghost, people are sanctified as they repent, receive the ordinances of baptism and confirmation, and remain true to their covenants. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Promise, confirming that the priesthood ordinances and covenants are acceptable to God.
The gift of the Holy Ghost is distinct from the influence of the Holy Ghost. Before baptism, an individual may feel the influence of the Holy Ghost from time to time, and through that influence, they may receive a testimony of the truth.
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Choosing a Confirmation name
Confirmation is typically administered around 8th grade, or 10th grade in some places. There is also a trend towards Confirmation closer to Communion. Confirmation classes are often taken as part of a student's 8th-grade Catholic education classes, but they are also available for younger children, adolescents, and adults.
Confirmation students learn about the importance of choosing a Confirmation name. This is a significant part of the Confirmation process and ritual. The chosen name is a very personal decision, and students should be encouraged to reflect on the qualities of the saints and their own personal heroes. They should consider the lives of the saints and how their own life might align with a particular saint. For example, a student who has faced adversity may be inspired by a saint who also overcame challenges.
Students can be guided to research the lives of saints and learn about their stories. This can be done through reading, watching videos, or listening to talks. They can also be encouraged to pray and meditate on their choice, asking for guidance and reflecting on their own life and experiences.
Students can also be taught about the role of the chosen name in the ritual. For example, the chosen saint's name is often invoked during the ritual, and the student may wish to include a symbol or image of their saint in their Confirmation ceremony.
Students can work in groups to present their chosen names and explain the significance of their choice. This can help them to feel more confident about their decision and also learn from their peers. It is a good opportunity for them to express their understanding of the ritual and its meaning, and how their chosen name fits into this.
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Confirmation makes Catholics soldiers for Christ
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ and continued in the Catholic Church, which he founded. Confirmation is not a mere "graduation" from religious education, but rather, it makes a Catholic a soldier for Christ.
The sacrament of confirmation is about being a soldier of Christ. It is about choosing to be actively and passionately Christian. The graces of the sacrament empower us to live our faith actively in the world, preaching the Gospel at all times, by word and deed. The confirmed go into the world to make the name of Jesus known and loved, give heroic witness, and spread and defend the faith. Soldiers fight with determination against their opponent. The confirmed fight against the devil, temptation, and the forces of evil in the world. They also fully engage in the battle to conquer the sinful inclinations in their minds and hearts.
Soldiers do not fight alone but in concert with other soldiers as part of an elite fighting force. The confirmed become members of the Army of Light, functioning as a unit and working together to carry out their mission and protect each other. Soldiers have a commander-in-chief and superior officers, and they obey their orders. The confirmed have a supreme commander, almighty God, and they obey the will of God. They have religious superiors, the college of bishops, and they obey their mandates and instructions.
Soldiers begin with basic training, an intense preliminary period of drills and exercises to prepare for the challenges ahead. The confirmed gain a solid spiritual mindset with personal prayer, Mass, and the sacraments. Soldiers arm themselves with the best possible weaponry. The confirmed arm themselves with the Word of God, divine grace, prayer, and the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. They are protected by their guardian angels and patron saints. Soldiers are on high alert, in a constant state of readiness, and set to go into action at a moment’s notice. The confirmed are sober and vigilant, continuously in a state of grace, and act quickly to uphold the truth and do the right thing.
Confirmation classes are offered online and in-person for both children and adults. These classes teach the basics of Catholic confirmation, the theological importance of Confirmation, and the role of the Holy Ghost. Students also learn about the Rite of Confirmation, the importance of choosing a Confirmation name, and choosing a sponsor.
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Frequently asked questions
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ. It confirms and completes the grace that a soul received in the Sacrament of Baptism.
Only a validly ordained Catholic priest or bishop can administer the sacraments. However, it is possible to study and fulfil the educational requirements for Confirmation online.
Students learn about the role of the Holy Ghost in Confirmation, why Christ our Lord instituted Confirmation, and what are the fruits and gifts of the Holy Ghost. They also learn about the Rite of Confirmation and their role in the ceremony.
