Adult Confirmation Preparation

STOP: This is not R.C.I.A.  If you are not Catholic and are seeking more information or if you are Catholic and lack both First Holy Communion and Confirmation or lack Holy Communion only, go to "RCIA/Becoming Catholic" under Evangelizaton & Faith Formation. 

Preparation for Adult Confirmation here at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart will begin this January 2018 at the Cathedral Centre, watch the bulletin for the exact date and time.  However effective 2015, pastors, or their representative, are responsible to conduct the initial interview with any parishioner in his boundary, to determine any canonical impediments, as well as the candidate's needs and level of commitment/motivation before the first session.  Here at the Co-Cathedral these interviews for our parishioners can be done at any time. They will be handled by the Director of Evangelization & Faith Formation.
To set an appointment contact Selma DeMarco at sdemarco@sacredhearthouston.org.


I. ADULT CONFIRMATION
 
In Confirmation the individual’s baptism is reinforced, or sealed.  This sacrament, like baptism, may only be celebrated once.   It is closely linked with baptism in that there is an anointing with oil (Chrism), laying on of hands, and special activity of the Holy Spirit.  When celebrated apart from Baptism & First Holy Communion, the bishop or a priest designated by him is the minister of Confirmation. 
 
The length of preparation and formation is dependent upon the catechetical needs of the individual, but for most it is comprised of the scheduled sessions.

II. WHY PREPARATION?

The sacraments of the Church presuppose faith.  Knowledge informs faith, and in turn, faith informs action.  In order for us to approach the sacraments we need to understand what we are receiving, why we are receiving it, what the spiritual gains are, as well as the expectations.  Our 17 week preparation provides a solid foundation upon which they will base their sacramental life and moral living.

III. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PREPARATION?

At the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, we are committed to providing sound instruction and preparation.  Due to time & resource constraints, some topics are presented as overviews, requiring candidates to invest in their own preparation through personal reading and study.  Classes are interactive and require full participation by the candidates.   Preparation includes study of the following topics:

Creed, Trinity, Christology, Mary & Saints, Tradition & Scripture, Grace & Sacrament, Baptism & Confirmation, Reconciliation & Anointing of Sick, Eucharist/Mass, Prayer, Marriage/Holy Orders, and an Evening of Prayer. 


IV. PARISH PREPARATION

Adults should make every effort to complete their sacramental preparation at their own parish, regardless of their registration status.  If one's parish does not offer preparation for Confirmation, one should first inquire with the pastor about permission to be prepared at another parish.  Why is this?  The pastor of each area is responsible for the individuals living in his territory.  

Sacramental preparation implies that one is seeking to be part of a particular parish's life, and involved in building it up.  Attending Mass, supporting the needs, and becoming active in the parish is part of belonging to a parish.  It is fitting that one seek to be prepared for the sacraments at the parish one intends on supporting and belonging.

Effective 2015, pastors are responsible to conduct the initial interview with any parishioner in his boundary, to determine any canonical impediments, as well as the candidate's needs and level of commitment/motivation.  If his parish is not offering the preparation, the pastor/designated leader should contact the Archdiocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for an approved list of Regional Sites to send their candidate. 

V. SCHEDULE

Adult Confirmation sessions are held on a series of week nights, 6:45-8:45p.m. at Cathedral Centre.  

VI. SACRAMENT

There will be multiple parishes hosting Adult Confirmation Masses during the weekend of Pentecost, and following.  The Archdiocese Office of Worship determines where and when candidates from each parish will receive the sacrament through a registration process they control.  Pastors and Adult Confirmation facilitators are provided the information to register their candidates from the Archdiocesan Office of Worship.