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Confirmation is the Sacrament by which Catholics receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit gives them 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 so 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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There are 3 steps preparation for the sacrament:
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Online via our website with parents at home
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Religious instruction in the Catholic School led by school educators
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Parish instruction sessions held at the Church with our Sacramental Preparation Team.
We invite any young person and their family who feels they are ready to approach the Church for this Sacrament to begin the preparation process by following the 3 steps (see below):
Step One - Making the Commitment:
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 Christian living as a disciple of the Lord in the Parish community. Therefore, this Sacrament is properly celebrated when the candidate has made a decision, proper to his or her age, to believe in the Lord, live according to His teachings, and participate in the life of the Church. Parents and guardians are expected to make the same commitments since their child will need their support to live a vibrant life in the Catholic Church.
Step Two - Register:
Registration for Confirmation takes place in the Parish to which you belong and where you regularly attend Mass. For those belonging to St. Paul the Apostle Parish, please click here to register by downloading and filling out the .pdf and sending to sacraments@stpaulkingston.com.
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If you registered online before November 1, 2022, please register again, using the updated format. For those belonging to other parishes, please contact your pastor or parish office for more information on registration for Confirmation. If you cannot register online, please pick up a registration form at Sunday Mass or the Parish Office.
Step Three - Submit your Baptismal Certificate:
Candidates for Confirmation must provide a Baptismal Certificate, which clearly indicates the Church, date and place of Baptism. Notification of Confirmation is sent to the Church of Baptism following the Celebration. A Baptismal Certificate is not needed for those baptized at Saint Paul the Apostle Church, only the
date of Baptism is needed. Certificate or baptismal information can be sent by email to: sacraments@stpaulkingston.com.
Step Four - Prepare:
Once the Registration Form has been submitted, it's time to start preparation for Confirmation! Sacramental preparation will consist of 3 elements or pillars, involving the Family, the Catholic School and the Parish:
Family: Now is the time to begin. In preparation, we ask parents and Confirmation candidates to complete a series of modules consisting of short, engaging videos and discussion. Ideally, this part of the preparation should be completed before the in person sessions in 2023. Click here to get started!
Catholic School: Catholic Schools play an essential and supportive role in parental and parish preparation for the sacraments. Throughout the year, catechetical instruction of children in the Catholic Faith builds on the family practice of the Faith and continues in Catholic Schools The role of parents in the religious education and practice of the faith is affirmed and respected by the School.
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Parish: The Parish is the family of families and is the place where God calls all to assemble as the Body of Christ and a Community of Faith to give thanks and praise to God, to witness to the risen life of Christ and to continue the work of evangelization and outreach. In addition to the religious education in our Catholic Schools, the Parish will be offering preparation classes at the Church to supplement the online videos. Each candidate will be asked to complete one Unit of 4 sessions. These will be led by the Parish Youth and Family Coordinator and parish volunteers. A Unit will be offered at different times to accommodate family schedules. You will be notified of the details by email and notices in the Parish Bulletin.
Letter for Parents distributed through the Catholic Schools: Click here.
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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.
Confirmation
@ST.PAUL
Questions?