Confirmation History & Facts
As stated in the U.S. Catholic Bishop’s document, “Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us,” ongoing faith formation is essential. The Confirmation Journey is not graduation but an apprenticeship for the entire Christian life. (OHBW, 44) “The presentation of the Gospel requires the best efforts of the Church at every level and the tireless dedication of the entire community of the faithful. Apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists and teachers prepare the baptized for the work of the ministry, for building up the Body of Christ, so that the Church reaches unity of faith, knowledge of the Son of God, and mature adulthood in the fullness of Jesus Christ” (National Directory for Catechesis, 65). Where faith is concerned, no journey should be traveled alone. Christ, our Savior, spent his three years of public ministry in the company of ordinary yet special apostles who willingly responded to God’s Call for them to share the Good News. The preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is no different a faith journey, and there are many levels of leaders and guides to help the candidates along the way. What follows are initial “job descriptions” for all those called to share in the responsibility of preparing candidates for this sacrament. This collective effort begins years earlier, in the home, where the parents or guardians of a candidate as primary facilitators of religious education reside. May God be with you on your journey.
