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Confirmation Guidelines for Diocese of Dodge City |
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Bishop Ronald M. Gilmore
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interrelationship of the Initiation Sacraments 1
Formation of Adults Preparing for Confirmation 2
Formation of Adolescents and Teens 2
General Norms Regarding the Liturgy 3
The Liturgical Celebration of Confirmation 4
Interrelationship of the Initiation Sacraments
1. Given the dynamic relationship between the initiation sacraments of baptism, confirmation and eucharist, the following
general guidelines are provided:
a. Sponsor – it is desirable that the godparent at baptism, if available, also be the sponsor at confirmation.
This…expresses more clearly the link between baptism and confirmation and also makes the function and responsibility
of the sponsor more effective (Rite of Confirmation, Introduction 5) If the godparent is not available, another qualified
person may serve as sponsor (see sponsor qualifications above).
b. Name – The Rite of Confirmation presumes the confirmation name to be the candidate’s baptismal name. Therefore, a
candidate is encouraged to use his or her baptismal name to emphasize the sacrament of confirmation as a completion of
the sacrament of baptism. While there is no obligation to use a name at confirmation that is different from the name
given at baptism, the pastor may find the older custom appropriate for educational and inspirational purposes.
c. Given the norm of canon 866: “Unless there is a grave reason to the contrary, an adult to be baptized [children who
have attained the use of reason are considered “adults” in this context] is to be confirmed immediately after baptism and
is to participate in the eucharistic celebration also by receiving communion,” I do not consider it a “grave reason” to delay
the reception of the sacrament of confirmation, to delay full initiation, solely on the circumstance that I will be
celebrating the sacrament of confirmation with the young people of a given parish a number of weeks later. Completion
of Christian initiation takes precedence over the noble and understandable desire for a young person to receive the
sacrament of confirmation with his or her peers. Pastors must confer with me before making a decision to delay the
sacrament of confirmation of a young person he has baptized.
d. As a rule the celebration of confirmation takes place within Mass in order that the fundamental connection of this
sacrament with all of Christian initiation may stand out in clearer light. Christian initiation reaches its culmination in the
communion of the body and blood of Christ. (cf., Rite of Confirmation, Introduction 13)
Formation of Adults Preparing for Confirmation
1. With appropriate adaptations, the principals of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults are helpful [i.e., gradual, use of
ritual, community involvement, discernment, etc.]. If adults to be confirmed share in the same formation process as
catechumens and candidates for full communion, great care is to be taken to differentiate between those who are not
baptize and are preparing for full initiation, those who are baptized and are preparing for confirmation and eucharist, and
those who are baptized Catholic and are preparing for the sacrament of confirmation.
2. If a parish has the resources available, a separate formation process for adults preparing for confirmation is encouraged.
This formation should follow the principals of adult catechesis and learning as stated in the U.S. Bishops’ document Our
Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States. Two of these principals are as
follows:
“Respect for the different learning styles and needs of participants, treating adults like adults, respecting their experience, and actively involving them in the learning process. Effective adult faith formation ‘must begin by accepting adults where they are’ in their faith, their life situations, their experiences, and their preferred learning styles. Our programs and ministries must be in touch with people’s real circumstances and concerns. Just as Jesus did with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we must journey with people, listen to them, share our faith, help them to find in the Good News the answer to their hearts’ deepest questions, and prepare them to live as Jesus’ disciples.” (#82)
“Engage adults actively in the actual life and ministry of the Christian community. ‘Adults do not grow in faith primarily by learning concepts, but by sharing the life of the Christian community.’ Not that concepts are irrelevant; they are foundational. But for most people the truths of faith really come alive and bear fruit when tested and put into practice—in soup kitchens, neighborhoods, small groups, workplaces, community organizations, and family homes. Adult catechesis practitioners need to learn to tap the learning potential of these diverse settings of Christian ministry and daily life.” (#83)
3. The United States Catechism for Adults is highly encouraged for use as a primary resource.
Formation of Adolescents and Teens Preparing for Confirmation
1. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has determined that the sacrament of confirmation “shall be conferred
between the age of discretion and about sixteen years old, within the limits determined by the diocesan bishop…” (USCCB
Complementary Legislation for Canon 891 – Age of Confirmation, effective July 1, 2002).
2. All candidates are required to participate in the formation program of their parish. Candidates are to be carefully prepared,
according to their age, for the reception of confirmation.
3. Religious education students and Catholic school students are to attend formation activities and programs together.
4. Diocesan policy states that candidates for confirmation participate in some “retreat experience” prior to the reception of
confirmation. This may be whatever is decided as appropriate on a parish-by-parish basis. However, a candidate should not
be prevented from being confirmed simply because of his or her failure to participate in such retreat experience.
5. Diocesan policy does not require a candidate to fulfill a certain number of service hours; however, the parish is free to
include service hours in their parish formation process. Care is to be taken, however, that a person is not denied the
reception of the sacrament merely for the failure to complete a specified number of service hours.
6. Opportunities to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation should be made available during the formation process for
candidates, parents and sponsors.
7. A few months before the celebration of confirmation, candidates will receive a letter from me. In this letter I indicate to the
candidate what I would like to learn about them, what I want to hear from the. I read and study each one of these letters
carefully and will refer to some of the responses in my homily. I have found this particular aspect of the preparation of
young people to be very intriguing and heartening. (I wish to receive all of a group’s letters in one envelope at least two
weeks prior to the celebration of confirmation. They may be sent to Bishop Gilmore, c/o Pam Polley, P.O. Box 137, Dodge
City, KS 67801-0137. Particular questions about this may be directed to Pam Polley, 620-227-1527.)
General Notes Regarding the Liturgy
1. The “Option Pages,” which provide the liturgy planning for the celebration of confirmation in your parish are to be returned
to the bishop’s office no later than two weeks before the celebration. The “Option Pages” and letters from the candidates
may be mailed in together.
2. Music – In general the bishop would prefer music to accompany such action as the entrance procession, incensation,
confirmation rite and communion procession. The time it takes to complete the action should dictate the length of the music.
A maximum of three verses would normally seem sufficient.
3. Stoles are not to be worn by the confirmation candidates. First, there is no liturgical tradition regarding the use of the stole
at the celebration of confirmation. Secondly, the stole is a distinctive symbol of the ministerial priesthood.
4. If a confirmation candidate is to lead the General Intercessions, he or she should be familiar with the sound system and be
able to speak clearly.
5. Full liturgical participation by the confirmation candidates is expected. It may be well to remind them of suitable attire and
etiquette (i.e., no chewing gum).
6. If available, a portable microphone should be provided for the bishop.
7. The pastor, parochial vicar and visiting priests should concelebrate using diocesan concelebration vestments.
8. Usually the bishop will furnish his own alb and chasuble. However, the pastor should have a chasuble ready in the event the
bishop does not bring his own.
9. The bishop will bring his Sacramentary for the opening and closing rites spoken from the chair during the confirmation rite.
The parish Sacramentary will be used for prayers spoken from the altar.
10. The bishop prefers to use cotton balls and alcohol rather than lemons.
11. The credence table should have a plate with alcohol balls, pitcher with water, basin and towels.
12. Bread and wine should be in the rear of the church ready to be brought forward at the Preparation of the Gifts.
13. Where there is adequate space, concelebrants should be seated in the sanctuary.
14. An additional server is to be used during the ceremony to hold the pastoral staff at various times throughout the service.
The server is to remain standing when he or she is holding the pastoral staff.
15. Seven candles should be used when the bishop is present.
The Liturgical Celebration of Confirmation
1. Liturgy of the Word – Great emphasis should be placed on the celebration of the word of God that introduces the rite of
confirmation. It is from the hearing of the word of God that the many-sided work of the Holy spirit flows out upon the
Church and upon each one of the baptized and confirmed. Through this hearing of his word God’s will is made known in the
life of Christians. (Rite of Confirmation, Introduction 13)
a. If a deacon is present he will proclaim the Gospel. If not, the pastor will proclaim the Gospel.
b. Immediately after the Gospel the bishop sits, and a presentation of the candidates is made.
2. Presentation of the Candidates
a. After the proclamation of the Gospel the pastor, deacon or catechists introduces the candidates for confirmation.
b. Recommended presentation of candidates:
“Most Reverend Bishop, Reverend Fathers, Sisters and Parishioners, it is my privilege to present these [number] young men and women, and to testify that they are worthy of receiving the sacrament of confirmation.”
[If presented by a catechist]: “I [or the names of the catechists] have instructed them, and I/we are confident that they understand the obligations required of them as witnesses of Christ.”
OR
[If presented by the priest or deacon]: “The class was instructed and prepared by [names of catechists]. I am confident that they understand the obligations required of them as witnesses of Christ.”
c. The candidates are each called by name. He or she stands and remains standing until the entire group has been
introduced. So that all the candidates might be seen by the bishop, it is advisable to introduce the candidates from the
back row and come forward
d. After all the candidates are introduced, they are to be seated and the sponsors are invited to stand.
e. Presenter: “May I also present the men and women who will serve these candidates as sponsors. I believe they will
provide those to be confirmed with the encouragement they may need to live as Christians.” The sponsors are asked to
be seated.
f. The parents are invited to stand.
g. Presenter: “Finally, it is my special pleasure to present the parents. These are the people who have provided the
candidates with the example and inspiration to accept the sacrament of confirmation and to cooperate with the Holy
Spirit in the lifelong task of following Christ.”
h. The bishop then gives the homily.
3. Rite of Confirmation
a. Renewal of Baptism Promises – After the homily the congregation stands and the bishop leads the candidates in the
renewal of baptismal promises. At the conclusion of these promises, the bishop continues, “This is our faith. This is the
faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus our Lord.” All respond, “Amen.” The candidates then
kneel while the congregation remains standing.
b. Laying on of Hands – The bishop extends his hands in prayer over the candidates. Only priests who are assisting the
bishop in conferring the sacrament of confirmation are asked to join in extending their hands over the candidates.
Concelebrants who are not conferring the sacrament do not extend their hands. The bishop alone recites the prayer.
c. Anointing with Chrism:
- The bishop carries the pastoral staff and wears the miter for the anointing.
- Each candidate goes to the bishop, or the bishop may go to the individual candidates. The one who presented the
candidate places his or her right hand on the candidate’s shoulder and gives the candidate’s name to the bishop; or
the candidate may give his or her own name.
- The bishop will stand to administer the sacrament.
- If the class is large they should come forward in double file. (To permit the ceremony to be witnessed by the
congregation, it is suggested that those to be confirmed and their sponsors leave the pew by the side aisles moving
across the front of the church. They may return by the center aisle and be seated so as not to obstruct the view.)
- During the conferring of the sacrament, instrumental music is to be played or the Veni Sancti Spiritus is to be sung.
This allows for privacy as the bishop greets the candidates.
- As the bishop anoints the forehead of the candidate with chrism, the bishop says, “[name] be sealed with the gift of
the Holy Spirit,” and the candidate responds, “Amen.” The bishop then takes the candidate’s hand and says, “Peace
be with you,” and the candidate responds, “And also with you.”
- The chrism should not be wiped from the forehead. It is better left as a visible and more significant sign of the
sacrament.
- At the completion of the confirmation rite, the bishop will wash his hands.
4. The creed is omitted since there has been a renewal of baptismal promises.
5. General Intercessions – Standing without his miter, the bishop introduces the General Intercessions. The reader or deacon
or the newly confirmed will lead these prayers. The bishop will pray the concluding prayer.
6. Liturgy of the Eucharist:
a. Preparation of the Gifts – It is desirable that some of the newly confirmed bring forward the gifts.
b. The Liturgy of the Eucharist proceeds as usual.
7. Final Blessing – the bishop will use the Solemn Blessing or the Prayer over the People as provided in the Sacramentary.
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