Youth Confirmation
- Home
- Archive by Category "Adult Formation"
Adult Formation
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments through which Catholics pass in the process of their religious upbringing. It is the Sacrament that completes initiation into the Catholic Church. According to Catholic doctrine, in this sacrament, baptized Catholics are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and are strengthened in their Christian life. This strength will help one to be a disciple in the world and to become a more active member of the Church.
Laying of Hands & Anointing
The laying of hands signifies the descent of the Holy Spirit. The anointing of the confirmand, the person being confirmed, with sacred chrism – an aromatic oil that has been consecrated by the archbishop – is accompanied by the words “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” This seal is a consecration, representing the safeguarding by the Holy Spirit of the graces conferred on the Christian at Baptism.
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit – Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord – are enumerated in Isaiah 11:2-3. Infused with His gifts, we respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as if by instinct, the way Christ Himself would.
I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.
– John 15:5-11
Preparation for Youth Confirmation
Preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation for young people uses takes place in group meetings. Parents and sponsors will accompany their youth on this journey toward the Sacrament.
To get the most out of the program, we have certain requirements and encouraging suggestions for young people discerning preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation.
In preparing for Confirmation, Candidates will be ready to do the following:
- Approach the Confirmation journey with an open mind and heart.
- Attend and fully participate in all Confirmation prep classes and activities.
- Attend Mass every Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation.
- Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Confirmation Mass.
- Accept more responsibility in your family, parish, and community through the completion of service hours.
- Commit to daily prayer, especially for growth in faith, hope, and love.
- Be open to and fully participate in a retreat experience.
- Select a Sponsor (see suggestions on choosing a sponsor below)
Discerning Readiness
The USCCB provides a though-provoking article on the Sacrament of Confirmation and offers the following reflection questions to help with discerning readiness for the Sacrament:
- What does it mean to be part of the Body of Christ?
- What gifts have you been given? How are you called to use those gifts to benefit others?
- Who are you called to be? What are you called to do with your life?
- What is the mission of the Church? What is your role in carrying it out? To what are you commissioned?
- How do the lives of the saints inspire you to “give off the aroma of Christ”?
The Sacrament of Confirmation helps us continue on our life-long journey of faith with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Choosing a Confirmation Sponsor FAQs
As a parent, what is my role?
The Catholic Church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their children. This is especially so regarding the Faith and Sacramental preparation. Leading by example is the best way you can educate your children in the faith. Make Sunday mass a priority. Carve out time (10 minutes) in your day for personal prayer; pray for your family, pray for your child as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Develop or continue a family prayer routine. If your child has questions about the faith, don’t be alarmed. Encourage them to ask and seek answers that are true.
What is the role of a Confirmation sponsor?
Confirmation sponsors are active members of the Catholic church who are willing to walk with students as they prepare for Confirmation, present the candidate for Confirmation, and then continue to accompany the newly confirmed throughout their faith journey.
What are the qualifications of a Confirmation sponsor?
- Be a practicing Catholic who is at least 16 years old.
- Have themselves received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- Be a person who leads an active faith life in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
- Not be the parent of the candidate. This is non-negotiable. Parents are not allowed to be the sponsor of their own child per Canon (Church) Law.
Can a godparent be a Confirmation sponsor?
Yes! There is a deep connection between the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. Because these Sacraments are connected, the Church recommends that a godparent be considered for the role of sponsor.
How do I choose a Confirmation sponsor?
Choose someone who fulfills all of the above requirements. The person you choose should live an active faith life (believe in Jesus, pray regularly, attend mass every Sunday). The person you choose should be a role model in the faith and someone you can talk to.
Special Education Faith Formation Program
- Home
- Archive by Category "Adult Formation"
Adult Formation
For 20 years, St. Veronica Parish has been privileged to host a Special Education Faith Formation Program for children and youth.
Our program is open to any child of the Archdiocese, regardless of the parish with which the family is affiliated. We welcome you and your child!
Generally, the program meets twice monthly on Saturday mornings from 10:30-11:45. We will begin the 2020-21 year in September. Our classes meet in the St. Veronica School classroom building.
We prepare the children for the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation. Our enrollees are welcome to continue attending the program as long as they like!
Our catechists are educational specialists in the field of special education and parents of special needs children. They bring an unsurpassed dedication and love of teaching to the program.
Through the generous support of the Knights of Columbus, there is no tuition for this program.
Please fill out the registration forms and return them to us as your earliest convenience. You can mail them to the Faith Formation Office or drop them at the Pastoral Center offices. Our parish address is 434 Alida Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080.
Watch the parish bulletin and website – stveronicassf.com – for information and the start date.
Preparation for First Reconciliation & First Communion
- Home
- Archive by Category "Adult Formation"
Adult Formation
Children in the St. Veronica customarily celebrate the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and Communion for the first time around the age of 7 or 8 – which is normally when the child is in second grade. As a general rule, however, children should celebrate these sacraments when they are best prepared to do so, regardless of their age or grade level.
It is the policy of the Archdiocese of San Francisco that children celebrate Reconciliation before First Communion.
Expectations
To begin preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion,
- The child must be baptized.
- The child must be in 2nd grade or older.
- He/she must also be enrolled in a Catholic school or a religious education program.
- At least one parent must be a practicing Catholic who is registered in a local parish.
The most important criteria for a child’s preparation is the religious environment in the child’s home and the family’s participation in the spiritual and sacramental life of the Catholic faith community. Parents should be providing a nurturing environment for Catholic faith and values and should be actively participating in their child’s faith formation.
Click here to download a checklist of expectations about the family’s participation in the Catholic faith community.
“We seek to form adults who actively cultivate a lively baptismal and Eucharistic spirituality with a powerful sense of mission and apostolate. Nourished by word, sacrament and communal life, they will witness and share the Gospel in their homes, neighborhoods, places of work, and centers of culture.”
- stated in Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us
First Reconciliation and First Communion Preparation for children in 2nd grade:
Preparation for each of these sacraments will occur both in the school or religious education classroom and in the home. What happens in class only enhances what families are doing at home.
To learn more about their role in a child’s preparation for these Sacraments, parents attend a Parent Information Meeting for both Reconciliation and First Communion.
At the Parent Meeting parents will see the student textbook that the child will use in the school or RE classroom. He/she will write in it and keep it. (Children who attended the summer religious education classes or have chosen the home-schooling option for religious education will do all the preparation at home.) Parents receive a support materials which will help them prepare for the sacrament with their child. A prayer booklet will also be provided to be used at home. There is a $25 fee for First Reconciliation preparation and a $25 fee for First Communion preparation. Fees cover the textbook materials, parent support materials, retreats, and celebration expenses.
Sacrament Preparation for children and youth in grades 3-8 (P.R.E.P.):
Children who are in grades 3-8 may prepare for Reconciliation and Eucharist by enrolling in the Catholic school or religious education program and participating in immediate preparation classes through P.R.E.P. (Penance/Reconciliation & Eucharist Preparation). A parent information meeting is held in October. Preparation for First Reconciliation is done in November/December. A parent information meeting will be held in January/February; preparation classes for First Communion are in March.
Learn more about the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Love the Lord your God with your whole heart. – Deuteronomy 6:3-9
Forming your Conscience
- Home
- Archive by Category "Adult Formation"
Adult Formation
What is a Moral Conscience?
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a human person “has in his heart a law inscribed by God,” “calling him to love.” This is a person’s moral conscience. (#1776)
The moral conscience urges a person “to do good and avoid evil;” it also judges particular choices, approving those which are good and disapproving those which are evil. (#1777) Our conscience enables us to understand the principles of morality, decide how to apply those principles in specific circumstances, and judge the moral status of concrete acts. (#1780)
The human person “has the right to act in conscience and in freedom” and “must always obey the certain judgment of his conscience.” (#1782, 1790)
The Catechism says a person’s moral conscience must be informed and enlightened so that it “formulates its judgments according to reason, [and] in conformity with the true good” willed by God. (#1783) Shaping a well-formed conscience is a lifelong task which is rooted in the Word of God, assisted by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, aided by the witness or advice of others, and guided by the authoritative teaching of the Church.(#1784-1785).
Ignorance of Christ and his Gospel, bad example by others, enslavement to one’s passions, a mistaken notion of autonomy, rejection of the Church’s authority or teaching, lack of conversion or charity may all be a source of errors in moral judgment. “One must therefore work to correct the errors of moral conscience.” (1792, 1793)
The Catechism says that individuals are “sometimes confronted by situations that make moral judgments less assured and decision difficult.” In such situations, a person “must always seriously seek what is right and good and discern the will of God expressed in divine law.”(#1787) In this effort, a person “strives to interpret the data of experience and the signs of the times” with the assistance of “the virtue of prudence, … the advice of competent people, and … the help of the Holy Spirit….”(#1788)
“We seek to form adults who actively cultivate a lively baptismal and Eucharistic spirituality with a powerful sense of mission and apostolate. Nourished by word, sacrament and communal life, they will witness and share the Gospel in their homes, neighborhoods, places of work, and centers of culture.”
- stated in Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us
How to Form a Moral Conscience
Here are some guidelines for how to form a moral conscience, particularly in a situation where you may misunderstand or disagree with a specific truth or teaching of the Church:
Consult with a pastor, pastoral staff member or spiritual guide who understands and can explain the Church’s teaching clearly and correctly. Identify the fundamental truths or values on which this teaching is based and determine how essential this teaching is to the core of Catholic faith.
Beware of making decisions based on information you read in books or online which may not accurately explain the Church’s teaching.
Assume that the Church’s understanding of God’s revelation and human nature is fuller, deeper and more reliable than any individual’s.
Even though the Church’s teaching may seem ideal, unrealistic or wrong to you, start from the assumption that it is correct and applies to your personal circumstances.
Evaluate your personal opinions, feelings and circumstances carefully. Honestly assess the reasons why you are unable or unwilling to agree or comply with the Church’s teaching.
This is best done with the assistance of a trusted companion such as a pastor, confessor or spiritual guide who understands the Church’s teaching as well as your personal circumstances.
Pray for the grace to understand and appreciate the underlying truth or values which are reflected in the Church’s teaching and for the grace to discern what is possible for you in your particular circumstances.
Be patient, and allow time for God’s inspiration to guide you directly or through others who know and love you.
Consult with your pastor, a confessor or reliable spiritual guide before making a final decision. The goal here is to determine to what extent you can or cannot understand or follow the Church’s teaching. To what extent is it possible to honor the teaching in part? To what extent is it possible to honor the underlying truth or value which is reflected in the teaching?
Continue to pray for the grace to understand or comply with the Church’s teaching more fully, in spite of your personal circumstances. Pray for the grace to appreciate and honor the underlying truth or value reflected in a particular teaching.
Be open to changing your decision as your understanding or circumstances change.
Consult with your pastor, a confessor or reliable spiritual guide if you are troubled by your decision.
Remember that God knows you are an imperfect and sinful person and loves you nonetheless.
Trust in God’s mercy and love even if, after careful discernment, your decision does not agree with the Church’s teaching.
Learn more about the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Love the Lord your God with your whole heart. – Deuteronomy 6:3-9
If we decide that we cannot understand or comply completely with the Church’s teaching, we should avoid coming to the conclusion that the Church must be wrong. Although at times prophetic individuals and groups within the Church come to different conclusions which the Church officially accepts at a later date, most of us are not prophets.
If we are led by a morally responsible conscience to believe or act in a way which is contrary to what the Church teaches at the present time, we should continue to assume that the Church is correct and that for more or less legitimate reasons I am unable or unwilling to agree or comply. We should continue to participate as fully as possible in the sacramental and spiritual life of the Catholic Church, being careful not to give scandal to others who may be confused by our belief or behavior.
If we are led by a morally responsible conscience to believe or act in a way which is contrary to what the Church teaches at the present time, we should do so with a spirit of humility and respect, a desire to remain in communion with the Catholic faith community, and the intention to believe and obey as fully as possible in what the Church believes and teaches.
We should proceed cautiously and with patience, aware of our own limitations and sinfulness, always desiring to be transformed by God’s love and mercy.
— Dave Cushing (02/12)
Guides to Moral Living
- Home
- Archive by Category "Adult Formation"
Adult Formation
TEN COMMANDMENTS
(Based on Exodus 10:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:7-21)
The Ten Commandments are traditional and fundamental guides to ethical living. They represent a kind of foundation for human society, regardless of its religious convictions.
- I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods before Me.
- You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
- Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not kill.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
- You shall not desire your neighbor’s wife.
- You shall not desire your neighbor’s goods.
• • •
THE GREAT COMMANDMENT
(Matthew 22: 37-39)
The Great Commandment represents a kind of bridge between the Old and New Covenants. It summarizes both the old and the new law.
Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second like unto it is this, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.
• • •
THE BEATITUDES
(Luke 6:20-26)
The Beatitudes are more a statement of fact than a command. They represent how things are in God’s eyes, and challenge us to live accordingly.
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.
Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.
Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.
• • •
FINAL JUDGEMENT
(Matthew 25:31-26)
This is the most explicit and specific indication Jesus gave of what matters most in God’s judgment of human behavior.
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you invited me in,
I needed clothes and you clothed me,
I was sick and you looked after me,
I was in prison and you came to visit me.
• • •
TRADITIONAL GUIDES
Corporal Works of Mercy
Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty
Clothe the naked
Shelter the homeless
Visit the sick
Visit those in prison
Bury the dead
Spiritual Works of Mercy
Convert the sinner
Instruct the ignorant
Counsel the doubtful
Comfort the sorrowful
Bear wrongs patiently
Forgive injuries
Pray for the living and the dead
Seven Cardinal Virtues
faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance,
Seven Deadly Sins
lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, pride
Scripture Reflections on Reconciliation
- Home
- Archive by Category "Adult Formation"
Adult Formation
Old (Hebrew) Testament
- Deuteronomy 6:3-9—Love the Lord your God with your whole heart.
- Sirach 28:1-7—Forgive your neighbor when he hurts you, and then your sins will be forgiven when you pray.
- Isaiah 55:1-11—Let the wicked man forsake his way and return to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him because he is generous in forgiving.
- Jeremiah 7:21-26—Listen to my voice, and I will be your God, and you will be my people.
- Ezekiel 18:20-32—If a wicked man turns away from his sins, he shall live and not die.
- Hosea 14:2-10—Israel, return to the Lord your God.
- Joel 2:12-19—Return to me with your whole heart.
- Micah 6:1-4, 4-6—Do right and love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.
- Psalm 25—R. (16a): Turn to me, Lord, and have mercy.
- Psalm 51— R. (14a): Give back to me the joy of your salvation.
- Psalm 95—R. (8a): If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
- Psalm 130—R. (7bc): With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.
New (Christian) Testament
- Matthew 3:1-12—Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.
- Luke 19:1-10—The Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost.
- John 8:1-11—Go and sin no more.
- Romans 6:16-23—The wages of sin is death; the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17-21—God reconciled the world to himself through Christ.
- Ephesians 5:1-14—You were once in darkness; now you are light in the Lord, so walk as children of light.
- 1 John 1:5-10, 2:1-2—If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all injustice.
Reconciliation
- Home
- Archive by Category "Adult Formation"
Adult Formation
Information About the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Facts About Reconciliation
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation is officially called the Sacrament of Penance. In the past, it was commonly referred to as “Confession” because the main emphasis was on the confession of personal sins. The changing names for this sacrament reflect a growing appreciation of the need for reconciliation which requires more than simply confessing our sins.
- There are various formats for celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Some Catholics prefer a more personal occasion when they meet privately with the priest–this is called Individual Confession; others prefer a more public occasion when the parish community gathers to celebrate together–this is called Communal Penance.
- In either case, the person’s confession of sin always takes place privately with the priest. You may do this face-to-face or behind a screen in the Reconciliation Room.
- Catholics are required to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and confess their sins to a priest when they are guilty of mortally sinful behavior. However, most Catholics today celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation because they want to, not because they have to. (See “What Is Mortal Sin?” below.)
- Up to half of active Catholics celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation on a regular basis, in the majority of cases once or twice a year. Some do so more frequently; about a fourth do rarely if ever.
- The most popular times for Catholics to celebrate Reconciliation are during the seasons of Advent and Lent, in preparation for Christmas and Easter.
- Many Catholics today prefer to celebrate Reconciliation with a priest they know and who knows them. In fact, many Catholics find Reconciliation most helpful when it takes place in the context of continuing spiritual direction with a priest they know and trust.
- You may participate in a Communal Penance Service even if you are not obligated or do not intend to confess your sins privately to a priest.
- Most parishes schedule an opportunity for individual confessions about 45 minutes before weekend Masses; most parishes schedule communal celebrations during Advent and Lent.
- You may celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation anytime by making an appointment with a parish priest.
- In the absence of mortal sin, you do not have to confess all your bad behavior. You may choose to confess the behavior which is most hurtful to yourself, others, or society; the behavior you are most sorry for; the behavior which is most frequent; or the behavior you most want to change.
- You may always visit with the priest about important issues or questions in your spiritual or personal life, but it is best to do this at a time when others are not waiting to see the priest.
- You should find the Sacrament of Reconciliation a helpful spiritual experience. You should always come away from Reconciliation with a sense of God’s mercy more than a sense of your own guilt. Pope Francis has said: “The center of confession is not the sins we declare, but the divine love we receive, of which we are always in need.”
- (See Special Conditions below for special situations)
“We seek to form adults who actively cultivate a lively baptismal and Eucharistic spirituality with a powerful sense of mission and apostolate. Nourished by word, sacrament and communal life, they will witness and share the Gospel in their homes, neighborhoods, places of work, and centers of culture.”
- stated in Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us
Frequency of Confession
In the Church’s view, what would be an appropriate frequency for confession? Fr. Reginald Martin OP, writing in Our Sunday Visitor, provides this guidance:
The Church’s Code of Canon Law stipulates Catholics are bound to confess serious sins each year. “After [reaching] the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation…to confess serious sins at least once a year” (Canon 989). The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us we may not approach the Eucharist unless we are in the state of grace. It states, “Anyone aware of having sinned mortally must not receive communion without having received absolution in the sacrament of penance” (No. 1415). The Catechism likewise observes those preparing for marriage should “prepare themselves for the celebration of their marriage by receiving the sacrament of penance” (No. 1622).
These, however, are “minimum” requirements; our baptism unites us in a community with every other baptized Christian. This community is damaged by sin and nourished by the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. The Catechism says: “The confession … of sins, even from a simply human point of view … facilitates our reconciliation with others. Through such an admission man…takes responsibility for [sins], and thereby opens himself again to God and to the communion of the Church” (No. 1455). How often we avail ourselves of the sacrament must remain a personal decision, but frequent — perhaps monthly — confession is probably a good idea.
Learn more about the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Love the Lord your God with your whole heart. – Deuteronomy 6:3-9
Adult Confirmation
- Home
- Archive by Category "Adult Formation"
Adult Formation
Saint Veronica Catholic Church welcomes adult and young adult Catholics who wish to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation. Although it may be celebrated at different times, Confirmation “seals” or completes the on-going process of initiation and conversion begun in Baptism and sustained through the Eucharist. For individuals who were baptized as infants or young children, Confirmation provides a sacramental opportunity to affirm the commitment made on their behalf by parents and Godparents at the time of their Baptism.
Why Be Confirmed?
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit – his actions, his gifts, and his biddings – in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community. The latter bears special responsibly for the preparation of Confirmands” (#1309).
There are a variety of reasons why an adult or young adult Catholic may want to be Confirmed.
- The most important one is that an individual wishes to “confirm” his or her allegiance to the Catholic faith and their participation in the Catholic faith community as an adult person. This may be a decision which the individual was unable or unwilling to make at a younger age.
- In addition, an adult or young adult Catholic may anticipate taking on more responsibilities in the Catholic faith community. In some parishes Catholics are required to be confirmed before they can be married in the Church. According to universal Church law, a Catholic must be confirmed in order to serve as a Godparent, Confirmation sponsor, or Eucharistic minister, or hold designated positions in parish leadership.
Preparation for Adult Confirmation
Saint Veronica offers a variety of opportunities for adults and young adults who wish to prepare for celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation
Immediate Preparation
We offer a four-week preparation process for adults or young adults who are at least 19 years old, have been baptized and celebrated First Communion, completed religious formation in a Catholic school or parish faith formation program, and be actively participating in the spiritual and sacramental life of the Church. This preparation process is offered once a year during the winter months.
Extended Preparation
For individuals who have been baptized but have not made their First Communion, or have not completed religious formation in a Catholic school or parish program, or are not actively participating in the spiritual and sacramental life of the Church, the parishes recommend participation in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) or the Rite of Christian Reception of Adults (RCRA).
Confirmation
- Home
- Archive by Category "Adult Formation"
Adult Formation
WE BELIEVE in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- God’s effort for our salvation never ends.
- The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Blessed Trinity; the Spirit was
sent by the Father and Son guide each of us and to unite us with
God’s people in faith. - The Holy Spirit strengthens our relationship with Jesus and empowers
us to proclaim and live the mission and ministry of Jesus in the world. - The Holy Spirit enlightens our choices so that we can do God’s will in
our lives. - The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit help us make good choices and live a
holy life.
WE BELONG to one, holy, catholic and apostolic church.
- In baptism become members of the Catholic faith community and are
called to holiness. - The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of three sacraments of
initiation; it completes the Sacrament of Baptism. - The Sacrament of Confirmation helps us continue on our life-long
journey of faith with the help of the Holy Spirit. - Like Baptism, the Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated only once
in our lives. - The imposition of hands during the Confirmation ritual symbolizes the
divine power of the Holy Spirit which we receive in Confirmation. - The anointing with oil during the Confirmation ritual symbolizes the
strength given to us in this sacrament. - Being marked with the sign of the cross during the Confirmation ritual
is a reminder that we share in the life, death and resurrection of Christ. - In the Catholic Church, the ordinary minister of Confirmation is the
bishop, although he may delegate that responsibility to a pastor. - Confirmation sponsors represent the Christian community; they
should be models of faith. - The parish faith community has a responsibility to witness to and
foster the faith of those who are Confirmed.
WE RESPOND as disciples of Christ helping to build the Kingdom of God.
- The grace of Baptism is deepened in the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- When we are confirmed we are empowered with the gifts of the Holy
Spirit so that we may be better able to participate in the mission and
ministry of Jesus by sharing his or her faith with others. - Our faith journey is a lifelong process.
- During the Confirmation ritual our response to the bishop (“Amen”)
indicates our personal desire to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and an
active member of the Church. - The theological virtues of faith, hope and love are gifts from God; they
dispose us to live in close relationship with the Holy Trinity. - The practice of good habits, or virtues, leads to good relationships with
God, ourselves and others. - The four cardinal virtues—prudence, justice, fortitude and
temperance—guide our conduct in accord with reason and faith. - When we are open to the workings of the Holy Spirit, we are enriched
with the fruits of the Holy Spirit. - Through the Sacrament of Confirmation we make a deeper personal
commitment to become more involved in the life of the Church. - To understand Confirmation better we should know the Bible story
about Pentecost. - To celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in a meaningful way we
should be able to identify the following terms: Amen, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, holiness, lifelong faith journey, the
mission and ministry of Jesus, Sacraments of Initiation, sponsor,
virtue.
Learn more about the Sacrament of Confirmation
Love the Lord your God with your whole heart. – Deuteronomy 6:3-9
Sacramental Preparation
- Home
- Archive by Category "Adult Formation"
Adult Formation
Baptized youth who are in grades 2 and older have the opportunity to prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. They must be enrolled in Catholic school, the Religious Education program or an approved home study during the year in which they prepare. Lessons for 2nd graders are done in the classroom and/or at home. Specialized classes using age-appropriate materials are scheduled for youth in grades 3-8. Individualized programs are designed for high school youth.
Unbaptized youth in grades 3 and older may prepare for the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist. An individualized program will be designed based on the age and needs of the youth and his/her family.
High School Confirmation preparation for the St. Veronica parishes is a collaborative effort for students in their junior or senior year. Candidates prepare through a series of classes that take place at the parishes on a rotating schedule, led by a team of adults, including several parish deacons with the focus being on the Holy Spirit, the Creed and Discipleship.
The Catholic parishes in the San Francisco Archdiocese welcome adults and families who are interested in joining the Catholic faith community and anyone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic faith. The rites of initiation offer a combination of personal preparation and discernment in a small group format, combined with public liturgical ceremonies which celebrate an individual’s gradual incorporation into the Catholic faith community. The parishes also provide preparation opportunities for baptized and catechized adults and young adults who wish to be confirmed.
Baptizing Infants and Children
We believe that the baptism of infants and young children assumes the full and active participation of both the parents and the parish community in the faith formation of children. The nature of this shared responsibility is outlined in the Baptism Covenant which we ask parents to sign at the time of baptizing an infant or young child.
Learn more about our Sacraments
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. – Galatians 3:27