Confirmation is typically received in a students’ 8th year of religious education. A parent meeting is held in early August. Active participation in at least 2 years of a formal religious education program. In addition, the following Activity Days are expected participation:
- A Day Long Retreat
- An Afternoon Faith Rally
- A Field Trip to Historic Catholic Sites in the Pittsburgh Diocese.
- Loyola Press and special days of reflection called ESP (Evangelization, Service and Prayer)
Additional opportunities for Faith Formation throughout the year include service to St. Philip Church, organized service at Catholic Institutions that serve the poor and needy and active participation in the requirements of Catechetical Instruction.
From “Gifts of the Holy Spirit-ANOINTED” By Pope Francis
Excerpt from “Foreward”
“You . . .are about to be Confirmed. When you receive the sacrament of Confirmation, you will be more than just a full-fledged Catholic. You will be anointed with the Oil of Chrism, and with a fresh outpouring of God’ s Holy Spirit.
That’s something to be excited about! Why? Because living our faith isn’t something we can do on our own. Every one of us is dependent on the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. And that is God’s gift to us at Confirmation.”
Excerpt from the Introduction:
“The Holy Spirit himself is the soul, the lifeblood of the Church and of every individual Christian. He is the Love of God who makes his dwelling place in our hearts and enters into communion with us. The Holy Spirit abides with us, and stays with us, always. He is always within us, in our hearts.”
“. . .This is what the Holy Spirit does with us: he opens our minds; he opens us so that we can better understand the things of God, human things, situations – all things.”
“When we receive and welcome him into our hearts, the Holy Spirit immediately begins to guide our thoughts and make us sensitive to his voice. He shapes our feelings and our intentions according to the heart of God.”
Prayer:
“Come, Spirit of Understanding. Enlighten my mind so that I may see more deeply into the truths I already believe by faith. Bring me one day into the eternal light of your glory. And, Holy Spirit, give me a clear vision of you and the Father and the Son. Amen.”
“I can do all things in Christ; he strengthens me.” See Phil 4:13
“The Lord always strengthens us. He never allows us to lack the strength we need. The Lord does not test us beyond our abilities. He is always with us.”
Prayer for Holiness of Life
“Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Guard me, O Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.”
St. Augustine
For One’s Family and Friends
“Holy Spirit, Love of the Father and the Son,
Hear my prayer for all those whom you have given me to love.
By the love you have for them I pray you —
Protect them from all harm,
Deliver them from evil,
Comfort them in sorrow, reassure them in anxiety, give them your own joy, and draw them to yourself.”
Brian Moore, SJ