SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

Hebrews 6:1-3

Let us go forward, then, to mature teaching and leave behind us the first lessons of the Christian message. We should not lay again the foundation of turning away from useless works and believing in God; of the teaching about baptisms and the laying on of hands; of the resurrection of the dead and the eternal judgment. Let us go forward! And this is what we will do, if God allows. (GNT)

Sacrament of Confirmation

•Origins of the Sacrament•Historical development of the rituals structure•Current ritual structure of the sacrament

OriginsThe beginnings of Confirmation is very much related to Pentecost- when Jesus was crucified, died, buried and resurrected. The events of Pentecost gave people a reason to become followers of Jesus. The idea of Pentecost was the Holy Spirit, the third aspect of the trinity, giving them courage, strength and wisdom. All of the gifts of the Spirit that we think about now when we think of the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Pentecost Word Scramble• All answers can be found in Acts 2:1-24

REIF___________TEREP__________STIIPR__________HEORGTET___________DWNI________PAKES__________LIKDEL_____________DERSIA___________SUJSE______________HEDAT______________

Match that numberYour starting number is 100.1. How many days went by between the evening of the “first day of the week” and the next time Jesus appeared to His disciples? (John 20:26) Add this number to your starting number. 2. How many fish did the disciples catch when Jesus told them where to cast their nets? (John 21:11). Add this number to your total so far.3. How many times did Jesus ask Peter, “Do you love me?” (John 21:15-17.) Divide your total so far by this number.4. For how many days after the Resurrection did Jesus appear to His apostles? (Acts 1:13) Subtract this number from your total so far.

5. How many men in white robes stood by the apostles as Jesus ascended to heaven? (Acts 1:10)

Multiply your total so far by this number.

6. How many apostles were gathered in Jerusalem after Jesus ascended to His Father? (Acts 1:3)

Subtract this number from your total so far.

7. How many men were suggested to replace Judas as one of the apostles?

(Acts 1:23).

Multiply your total so far by this number.

8. How many people, or “souls”, were baptized on Pentecost? (Acts 2: 41.)

Add this number to your total so far.

You’re done!

Your final number should be

3166. Did you match that number?

Historical Development of the Ritual’s Structure• The three sacraments of initiation- Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, began as one celebration. • The separation of the bishop's anointing from Baptism occurred because many more people were being baptized and the ratio of Bishops to candidates meant that it was no longer possible to have each candidate’s baptism confirmed at the same ceremony. • The normal age for the completion of initiation was generally celebrated at the age of 14.• Pope Pius X lowered the age for First Communion to age 7 to encourage more frequent communion.

Current Ritual Structure of the Sacrament1. Presentation of Candidates

2. Homily

3. Renewal of Baptismal Promises

4. Laying on of the Hands

5. Anointing with Chrism

• Links to Baptism include:Having Godparents as sponsorsRetain Baptismal nameRelight Baptismal candle while renewing

Baptismal promises• Takes place during Eucharist

For more information• A website for this informtion session is available at www.SacramentofConfirmationAT2.weebly.com

References• Christian Resources Institute. (2011). Hebrews 6:1-20. Retrieved from http://www.crivoice.org/biblestudy/bbheb6.html • Department of Christian Education. (n.d). Pentecost Activities. Retrieved from http://dce.oca.org/assets/files/resources/Pentecost-Activities.pdf• Good News Translation. Hebrews 6:1-3• Lecture Notes. (Topic 8). Confirmation 2013. • Loyola Press. (2007). The History and Development of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Retrieved from http://www.loyolapress.com/history-and-development-of-sacrament-of-confirmation.htm#sthash.uatpqV8z.8KmMlLuA.dpbs