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What is a sacrament? Ian Knox • Sacraments can make God present Ian Knox Leonard Boff • Sacraments are meetings with God at the high point of human life • Sacraments celebrate special grace at significant times in our lives • Sacraments invite us to a different way of thinking The History of Confirmation The New Testament records the apostles laying on of hands as a sign of the Holy Spirit They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. (Acts 6:6) Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. (Timothy 4:14) The History of Confirmation By the 5th Century, Confirmation was celebrated as a distinct and unique sacrament regularly but it was usually celebrated at the same time as Baptism and Eucharist. These three sacraments are known as the Sacraments of Initiation. By the Middle Ages, Confirmation had been separated from Baptism and became one of the seven ‘official’ sacraments of the Catholic Church. For many Western Christians, this practice has remained in place and the three Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated at different points in people’s lives. The Sacraments of Initiation • “Baptism is the sacrament of faith.” • We are renewed and regenerated through the waters of Baptism • We experience a new birth in the Holy Spirit (CCC) • Eucharist means ‘to give thanks’ • A participatory ritual of worship • Connects us with the mystery of the life and death of Jesus • “source and summit of the Christian Life” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy) Baptism • Confirms our Baptism and strengthens Baptismal grace (CCC) • “A special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost” (CCC) • Unites us to Christ, connects us with the Church more closely Confirmation Eucharist The link between Baptism and Confirmation All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their Helper and Guide. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. What does Confirmation ask of us? To be open to receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives To make a commitment to continue with the journey of our Christian faith as full members of the Church To strive to deepen our awareness of bringing about the Kingdom of God on earth and act on it! Faith seeking understanding – our life’s work The Rite of Confirmation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Presentation of the candidates Homily Renewal of Baptismal promises Laying on of hands and prayer Anointing with chrism General Intercessions (Prayers of the Faithful) Which gift is your strength? Which gift do you need most? Holy Spirit Community School Vision Statement “… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22 Holy Spirit Community School seeks to develop the Fruits of the Spirit by … Developing a sense of belonging where love of and respect for oneself, family, community (local and global) and our Earth will be nurtured, a love of learning fostered and individual needs recognised in an inclusive environment. Working towards a deep knowledge of our students so that through personal reflection, prayer, knowledge of scripture and the example we (staff and parent/s) aspire to set in the school and wider community, faith is demonstrated as relevant to their lives today. Actively promoting a sense of peace through the advocacy of justice, compassion, equity and reconciliation where honesty and open communication will be valued. Challenging and nurturing all individuals to grow through balancing their lives spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, academically and socially in a constantly changing world. Bibliography Boff, Leonardo. Sacraments of Life: Life of Sacraments. Washington D.C: The Pastoral Press, 1987. Catholic Church. Catechism of the Catholic Church. Homebush: St. Paul, 1994. Elich, Tom. “Confirmed in the Faith of Baptism.” Liturgy News (March 1990). Elich, Tom. “Young Children and the Sacraments: Practical notes for parish sacramental preparation and celebration.” Liturgy News (June 1990). Knox, Ian C.S.Sp. Theology for Teachers. Ontario: Novalis, 1999. Reehorst, Jane. B.V.M. Guided Meditation for Children: How to Teach Children to Pray Using Scripture. Iowa: Religious Education Division, 1986.