Confirmation & First Eucharist
Initiation is the word we use to describe the process of being welcomed into a group. The Sacraments of Initiation solemnly mark the full entrance of an individual into the Christian community. This initiation signifies that the person has died to sin and is reborn in Christ. Through Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, one becomes a full member of the Body of Christ, the Church. The restored order of Confirmation and First Communion highlights the primacy of the Eucharist as the fulfillment of Christian initiation.
What does it mean to celebrate sacraments in the Restored Order?
Many people ask how we can confirm kids so young since the more recent understanding of the significance of Confirmation was for candidates to choose for themselves the faith that was chosen for them by their parents at Baptism. This understanding of the sacramental theology of confirmation unintentionally diminished the work of God who is completing what he began at Baptism. As the Catechism of the Church, para. 1285 states, “… By the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to defend the Church by word and deed.”
Therefore, through the Sacrament of Confirmation, the bishop (or his delegate) confirms the sacramental journey of faith begun at Baptism and initiates candidates into the Greater Church community. The celebration of the holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation and allows for a greater participation with the whole community in the sacrifice of the Mass.
How does this affect children's preparation and celebration of the Sacraments?
In accordance with the mandate from the Archdiocese of Denver, Most Precious Blood has transitioned to celebrating the Restored Order of the Sacraments of Initiation. This means that children celebrate their First Reconciliation in January of the second grade (typically). Following Reconciliation, in the spring of the first year, children will begin preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation, followed by preparation for First Eucharist in the second year (typically in third grade). In the spring of the second year, the Rite of Confirmation precedes the celebration of First Eucharist within the same Mass.
What if my child has already received their First Communion and only needs Confirmation?
Children between the ages of 8 and 18 who have already celebrated the sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation, and First Communion may prepare for and celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation. Children in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade will work with the Director of Faith Formation. Those in middle school and high school will work with the Youth Minister.
To learn more about the preparation process for Confirmation only, please click here:
Certified Baptismal Record
If the candidate was not baptized at Most Precious Blood, a certified baptismal record must be sent to MPB from the candidate’s church of Baptism by October 15th, 2023. This can be obtained by calling or emailing the church of Baptism and requesting the record be sent to MPB. Photocopies of the child’s baptismal certificate do not suffice.
Sacramental Recording Form
In order to record the necessary information for each candidate following the celebration of a sacrament, ALL families must submit a completed Sacramental Recording Form, regardless of where the candidate was baptized. This is an electronic form to be completed by parents. The form is distributed at the parent meeting and is accessible here and must be completed by the October 15th, 2023.
Confirmation Sponsors
- Candidates will need to choose a sponsor for whether preparing only for the Sacrament of Confirmation or when preparing for Confirmation & First Eucharist. The sponsors will need to complete an information sheet and have their parish pastor sign and seal the Sponsor Certificate. (Add link to sponsor information sheet and certificate.) Due to the Faith Formation Office March 1, 2024.
- Guidelines for Choosing A Sponsor
- A candidate’s parent may not serve as a sponsor.
- Sponsors must be practicing, fully initiated Catholics over the age of 16 and currently registered in a parish.
- The Confirmation sponsor must be a faithful Catholic who accompanies the candidate as witness and guide. This may be the candidate’s godparents, which supports the connection between Baptism and Confirmation, but the sponsor does not have to be a godparent.
- The sponsor should display maturity for this role and a willingness to witness his/her faith to the candidate. The primary role of the sponsor is to listen, support, pray for and assist the candidate on his/her spiritual journey.
- We encourage sponsors to spend time with their candidates during this formation process. Here are some ideas to share with sponsors: attend Mass together, go to the Stations of the Cross during Lent, participate in Family Service Sundays and outside service opportunities, spend time and share information about each month’s formation topic.
- Candidates will interview his/her sponsor as part of their Confirmation coursework.
Selection of Confirmation Name & Saint Report
- A Confirmation & First Communion candidate may be confirmed under his or her baptismal name, or in accordance with the past custom of the Church, select the name of a beatified or canonized person. If candidates decide to select a name, they should be familiar with the life of the patron of their choice and the ways in which this person was a witness to Christ and demonstrated discipleship. A poster-style report on the saint is a required part of the course work. Due by October 15, 2023.
Please contact the Parish Office at contact@mpbdenver.org with any questions or for more information.
