Céilí Community Confirmation Retreat Days
The Sacrament of Confirmation
Confirmation is the third Sacrament of initiation – the other two being Baptism and Eucharist. Confirmation is closely linked to Baptism.
As babies, parents bring their children for Baptism, and together with the Godparents make promises to bring the child up in the Catholic faith. They make these promises on behalf of the baby.
When the child grows and makes a decision to renew and affirm these beliefs himself/herself, he/she may receive the special Sacrament of Confirmation. The older child or adult then makes the promises for themselves before a Bishop.
As babies, parents bring their children for Baptism, and together with the Godparents make promises to bring the child up in the Catholic faith. They make these promises on behalf of the baby.
When the child grows and makes a decision to renew and affirm these beliefs himself/herself, he/she may receive the special Sacrament of Confirmation. The older child or adult then makes the promises for themselves before a Bishop.
The effects of the Sacrament of Confirmation are:
• An outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as granted to the Apostles on the day of Pentecost.
• An increase and deepening of Baptismal grace.
• It unites us more firmly to Christ.
• It renders our bond with the Church more perfect.
(Lumen Gentium 11–Vatican Document)
• It strengthens us to live a fulfilled, joyful life.
• It gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ.
• An increase and deepening of Baptismal grace.
• It unites us more firmly to Christ.
• It renders our bond with the Church more perfect.
(Lumen Gentium 11–Vatican Document)
• It strengthens us to live a fulfilled, joyful life.
• It gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ.
To augment the preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation carried out by teachers in Primary Schools, Principals invite us to conduct an experiential and catechetical day with the children, to prepare them spiritually for a worthy reception of the Sacrament. This usually takes place in a venue away from the school environment, which makes it very special for the young people.
The day is age-appropriate and interactive and consists of:
• Songs
• Meditation prayer experience.
• Sketches – demonstrating God’s messages in Scripture, His great love for us and self-worth.
• Video clips relevant to understanding the symbols used in the Sacrament of Confirmation.
• Inputs on the above and on the connection between Baptism and Confirmation.
• Some personal drawing and writing to consolidate messages given.
• Concludes with Mass - if this is what the school wishes and there is a priest available.
• Or a Prayer Service – when the children receive a blessing with the Oil of Gladness, a little personal scripture passage and a prayer leaflet.
Because it is essential to engage the group throughout the day, we would normally work with groups of no more than 30 children. However, we would be prepared to work with up to 40 in order to facilitate the numbers in schools.
The day is age-appropriate and interactive and consists of:
• Songs
• Meditation prayer experience.
• Sketches – demonstrating God’s messages in Scripture, His great love for us and self-worth.
• Video clips relevant to understanding the symbols used in the Sacrament of Confirmation.
• Inputs on the above and on the connection between Baptism and Confirmation.
• Some personal drawing and writing to consolidate messages given.
• Concludes with Mass - if this is what the school wishes and there is a priest available.
• Or a Prayer Service – when the children receive a blessing with the Oil of Gladness, a little personal scripture passage and a prayer leaflet.
Because it is essential to engage the group throughout the day, we would normally work with groups of no more than 30 children. However, we would be prepared to work with up to 40 in order to facilitate the numbers in schools.
Want to learn more about Céilí Confirmation Days?
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