Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the Sacrament of Baptism. The real confession of Christ consists in this, “that the whole man submits himself to Truth, in the judgment of his understanding, in the submission of his will and in the consecration of his whole power of love... To do this, poor-spirited man is only able when he has been confirmed by God's grace” 

Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighbourhoods, society, and the world. Through Confirmation, our personal relationship with Christ is strengthened. We receive the message of faith in a deeper and more intensive manner with great emphasis given to the person of Jesus Christ, who asked the Father to give the Holy Spirit to the Church for building up the community in loving service. (United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, page 207) 

This confirmation in the power of the Holy Spirit leading to a firm profession of faith has always been the particular effect which Catholic tradition has ascribed to the sacrament. It is effect (to give strength in faith and for the confession of faith and to impress an indelible character) which complements and completes that of baptism. (http://www.catholic.org/prayers/sacrament.php?id=3) 

Confirmation is a true sacrament instituted by Christ and different from baptism. It is administered by the laying of hands and the anointing with chrism accompanied by prayer. Each baptised person can and should receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. In the Latin Church, it is customary to confirm candidates between the Age of Discretion, also called the Age of Reason, and about sixteen years of age. It is not uncommon that Catholics, not confirmed during this period of their lives for a variety of reasons, are confirmed as adults. The candidate should be in the state of grace (that is without serious sin), be well prepared by prayer and catechesis, and be committed to the responsibilities entailed by the Sacrament. (United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, page 204-205)

Important Roles

The Role of Candidates

Those to be confirmed must be suitably instructed and properly disposed. They must be willing to be involved in the preparation program with the intention of remaining faithful to Christ and his Church.

The Role of the Sponsor

Each candidate, with the help of his or her parents, is responsible for choosing a sponsor. It is recommended that, if possible, the baptismal sponsor also be the confirmation sponsor. This choice would express more clearly the relationship between Baptism and Confirmation and would make the function of the sponsor more effective.

Church law states that the sponsor must be at least sixteen years of age. He or she must be a confirmed Catholic who has received Holy Eucharist and is living according to the Catholic faith. The sponsor may not be the mother or father of the one to be confirmed. It is the responsibility of the sponsor to give assurance of his or her qualifications.

Sponsors take on a lifelong commitment to help their candidates fulfill the obligations of this sacrament. During the time of preparation, the sponsors are expected to take an active role in the confirmation program and meet with their candidates on a regular basis.

Sponsors must be present at the confirmation practice and ceremony. Their immediate role demands time, commitment, and willingness to engage in faith-sharing activities with their candidates. Persons who are too young or who are too busy to devote proper time and care to the candidates would not be able to fulfill this role.
(http://www.hnparish.org/Religious_Ed/Confirmation_Class/confirmation_cla...)
 

Procedures

1. Appoint a Godparent - The Godparent must already be baptised and confirmed. The Godparent will take on the responsibility of assisting and supporting the parents in providing guidance to the confirmand by word, action and good example.·
2. Catechesis for Confirmation – Candidates are to attend the compulsory sessions organised by the church.
3. Baptismal Certificate – Candidates will need to produce the original copy of their baptismal certificate which is to be submitted together with their Confirmation Application Form.
4. Adopt a Confirmation name - Lastly, not compulsory, candidates are to adopt a confirmation name. You may adopt the name of a saint whose life has provided you with a good example to emulate. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may receive Confirmation?
Every baptised person not yet confirmed can and should receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Since Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist form a unity, it follows that “the faithful are obliged to receive this sacrament at the appropriate time.”

When is Confirmation normally held in the Church of St. Mary of the Angels?
The date of confirmation is subjected to the schedule of His Grace, Archbishop Nicholas Chia. For the next available date please contact the Director of the Catechetical Office, Mrs Agatha Cheong at acheong@stmary.sg.

How should candidates prepare themselves for Confirmation?
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 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 the special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands. (CCC 1309)