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Confirmation
@ST.PAUL
PARENT INFORMATION SESSION:
Sunday, January 12th 12:15 pm, or Thursday, January 16th, 6:30 pm
[Parish Hall]
Confirmation is the Sacrament by which Catholics receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit gives the candidate the increased ability to practice the Catholic faith in every aspect of their lives and to witness Christ in every situation as a member of the Body of Christ.
Family involvement is key in preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation (as well as Baptism, First Reconciliation, and First Communion). Parents are the primary catechists and faith witnesses in a child's life! Our parish is here to walk with you so that your child can experience Confirmation in all its fullness.
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Throughout the Archdiocese of Kingston, the preparation for the reception of these Sacraments is now done in the parish. While our Catholic schools will continue to offer invaluable religious education to your child, parishes now take on the immediate preparation for the sacraments and help you – the parent – in forming your child in the Catholic Faith.
At St. Paul the Apostle parish, candidates will be expected to attend five (5) sessions of sacramental formation prior to receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. The specific dates and times of these sessions will be discussed at the Parent Information Session and will also be clearly indicated on the Registration Form.
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The Sacrament of Confirmation can be offered to baptized members of the Catholic Church who have the age of reason
(at least 7 years of age) and sufficient maturity.
We invite any young person and their family who wish to receive this Sacrament to begin the preparation process by following these steps:
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Step One - Making the Commitment:
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The Sacrament of Confirmation initiates the candidate deeper into the life of Christ and the Church, and strengthens him or her for the challenges of living as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, this Sacrament is properly celebrated when the candidate has made a decision, proper to his or her age, to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, live according to His teachings, and participate in the life of the Church. Parents and guardians – as first educators in the Faith – are expected to make the same commitment since their child will need their full support to live a vibrant life in the Catholic Church and participate in the sacramental preparation process.
We warmly invite the candidates and their families to participate in the life of their local parish by attending Sunday Mass!
Step Two -Parent/Guardian to Attend Information Session:
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Registration for Confirmation takes place in the Parish to which you belong and where you and your family attend Mass. Not sure where your local Catholic parish is? Click here.
For those belonging to Saint Paul the Apostle Parish, please access the Registration Form below:
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Step Three - Submit your Registration & Baptismal Certificate:
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Candidates for Confirmation must provide a Baptismal Certificate, which clearly indicates the Church, date and place of Baptism. If the baptism took place at Saint Paul the Apostle Parish (this parish), only the date of Baptism will be needed since we have the certificate on record. Return the Registration Form along with a copy of the Baptismal Certificate to the Parish either on Sunday Mass, or weekday at our Parish Office or by email at: sacraments@stpaulkingston.com.
Step Four - Attend the Formation Sessions:
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Your child will be expected to attend five (5) sessions held at the parish in order to be adequately prepared to receive the Sacrament. The specific dates will be outlined on the Registration Form and discussed at the Parent Information Session
We look forward to meet you and to journey with your family on the path of Sacramental Formation for your child!
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Are there requirements for the parents?Yes. At least one parent must be a practicing Catholic. Parents must participate in our baptism preparation program, regardless of having a child previously baptized. Once parents have completed that baptism preparation program you will be able to schedule the baptism date.
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When are baptisms held?Baptisms can be held at a variety of times. Since the Sacrament of Baptism is about welcoming your child into the Christian community, celebrating the sacrament at a weekend or even a weekday Mass is preferred. However, baptisms for invited friends and family may also be arranged.
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What are the requirements for godparents?Yes. At least one of the godparents must be a practicing Catholic.
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How old can a godparent be?All godparents must be 16 years of age or older.
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Can there be more than 2 godparents?No, there can only be 2 official godparents. Godparents are a godmother and godfather. There cannot be two godmothers or two godfathers. Alternatively, a family can also just have one godparent.
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What if a godparent is out of town and cannot make the baptism?You can have a godparent by proxy. Please indicate this on the baptism inquiry form.
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Is there a cost for the baptism preparation resources?Yes - we use the online baptismal prepartion resource from Ascension Press called, Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God. This resource costs ~$12 CAD and is to be paid for by your family. Please contact us if you need assistance or if this is not feasible for your family.
Questions?