Sacraments — Confirmation

Confirmation

     Although baptism and confirmation are administered as two separate sacraments, they are counted as one sacrament in the PNC Church.  However, we still believe in and practice seven sacraments.  (See "The Sacraments" under Our Faith in the left margin.)

     Baptism makes one a member of the Church, while confirmation strengthens the member by providing instruction in the truths of the Christian Faith and by imparting seven spiritual gifts.  Therefore, both sacraments are necessary to fully prepare and spiritually endow members of the Church.  Thus, they can be considered as two parts of one sacrament; that is, a "sacrament of initiation" in the Christian Faith for membership in the Church.

     Confirmation is reserved until a child reaches adolescence.  A youth must be at least 12 years old before he or she can begin studies at the parish for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  He or she must also be baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity.  The student should have already completed instruction for First Holy Communion and Penance, and should faithfully receive those two sacraments regularly.  The course may take from 12 to 18 months, depending upon the student and his or her class.

     Parents must contact the Pastor in order to enroll their children for confirmation classes.  Classes meet on Sunday mornings in the classroom annex of the church.  Make-up classes can be arranged on other days for any classes a student cannot avoid missing.  Special arrangements can be made with the Pastor for students with special needs.  The Pastor is very sensitive to students with special needs and experienced with teaching them.

     Confirmation is not ministered only to teenagers.  Adults of any age who have never been confirmed can prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

     The adult course does not take as long as the course for youths.  Adults generally take six months to complete classes, which depends upon the eagerness and ability of the student.  Classes are arranged according to the convenience of both the student and the instructor.

     The Pastor or the Deacon teach confirmation classes at St. Joseph's.  The Diocesan Bishop administers the Sacrament of Confirmation.

     Each person who is to be confirmed must have a sponsor.  The sponsor must be baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity and confirmed in and practicing the Catholic or Orthodox faith.  Our tradition is to have female sponsors for girls or women who are confirmed; and males for boys or men.

     A special service or a Holy Mass is planned with the Rite of Confirmation to which the relatives and friends of those being confirmed are invited.  Confirmation usually takes place on a Sunday afternoon and sometimes on a Saturday.  The parish also prepares a reception and dinner following the Rite of Confirmation.