Just nerves -- and a question.

mom2em · #1 May 5, '12, 11:28 am

So, the 16th is coming. Faster and faster and faster. And I keep thinking okay, I'm ready for confirmation BUT ... what do I say? Do I have to say anything? Does my sponsor have to say anything? I know to respond "I do" after the creed but other than that not much.

I haven't any classes under my belt. Fr. gave me some books to read and I've read through them, and will again (and again) but I've never been to a confirmation ceremony and everyone I know that might have been to one, can no longer recall it.

So, what happens? Similar to baptism? At our church, before mass starts he calls the parents with their infants to the font, and everyone turns. They're welcomed and blessed and mass starts as normal. After I believe the homily, Fr and the families return to the font, babies are baptised and blessed and return to their seats again. Then things proceed as they might normally til the end where Fr. blesses the mothers and fathers. Mass has ended, go in peace. Thanks be to God.

Will it be similar for confirmation? Only without the font?

I am hoping Fr. has a moment to answer this briefly for me after mass today, but thought I'd pop it on here too.

Sorry for being THAT pain in the toosh

Kennywood · #2 May 5, '12, 12:35 pm

Hi There,

Because worrying about somethng is WAY worse than whatever actually happens, I wanted to give you something in response. I am sure more learned answers will follow, to fill in detail.

In our parish, Confirmation does also happen during the Mass. The Confirmandi and their sponsors do process in and recess out as part of the usual procession. They stay in their seats until after the homily. Then they line up in the aisle, with their sponsor behind them, coming forward in a line toward the altar. The bishop will confirm them in a quick, quiet ritual and they return to their seat and Mass continues on as usual. There will be a all-inclusive renewal of Baptismal Promises for which everyone in the Church stands and responds to in one voice.

Other than perhaps supplying your Confirmation name and maybe an "Amen," it is not too involved for you

Congratulations. It is quite a moment!

**po18guy** · #3 May 5, '12, 1:07 pm

Often, at the confirmation of youth, the Bishop will question them about their faith, or the readings at the mass. Nothing too serious, but intended to be thought provoking, and to encourage them to pay attention at mass. Actually we should, at some confirmations, see some sort of manifestation of the Holy Spirit, since that is the nature of the Sacrament.

Call around to see if there is a confirmation between now and then, and go, if you can. It will put your mind at ease.

NickVA · #4 May 5, '12, 1:14 pm

Before Vat. II they would slap you during confirmation. I believe my dad had it done. now they just address you by your saint's name and anoint you with chrism. that was my experience.

mom2em · #5 May 5, '12, 1:48 pm

I spoke with Fr. before mass this evening, and he has told me basically what has been said here. And that a lady should be contacting me during the week and she will go over everything with me, and what I have been reading. I have not chosen a confirmation name, as of yet. But I will do something thinking and if it is asked of me, I will have one prepared.

I'm quite excited! I've wanted to do this since returning last year and now it's here!!! or almost. hehe I'm just one of those people that kind of turns ant hills into mountains ... even though really, I know to worry or think just THAT much about something isn't too helpful.

Thank you for the replies! hehe and if I needed to be slapped then ... I'm okay with that

Phemie · #6 May 5, '12, 2:02 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by mom2em

I spoke with Fr. before mass this evening, and he has told me basically what has been said here. And that a lady should be contacting me during the week and she will go over everything with me, and what I have been reading. I have not chosen a confirmation name, as of yet. But I will do something thinking and if it is asked of me, I will have one prepared.

I'm quite excited! I've wanted to do this since returning last year and now it's here!!! or almost. hehe I'm just one of those people that kind of turns ant hills into mountains ... even though really, I know to worry or think just THAT much about something isn't too helpful.

Thank you for the replies! hehe and if I needed to be slapped then ... I'm okay with that

You or your sponsor will say your name to the Bishop, who will then make the Sign of the Cross on your forehead with the Sacred Chrism saying, "mom2em, be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit," to which you will respond, "Amen."

Then he will say, perhaps while shaking your hand, "Peace be with you," to which you reply 'And also with you."

Phaedra777 · #7 May 5, '12, 3:23 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phemie

You or your sponsor will say your name to the Bishop, who will then make the Sign of the Cross on your forehead with the Sacred Chrism saying, "mom2em, be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit," to which you will respond, "Amen."

Then he will say, perhaps while shaking your hand, "Peace be with you," to which you reply 'And also with you."

"And with your spirit"!!

mom2em · #8 May 6, '12, 6:26 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phemie

You or your sponsor will say your name to the Bishop, who will then make the Sign of the Cross on your forehead with the Sacred Chrism saying, "mom2em, be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit," to which you will respond, "Amen."

Then he will say, perhaps while shaking your hand, "Peace be with you," to which you reply 'And also with you."

That's what Fr. told me. He also told me I could stand in the line for himself or the Bishop. I'm not particular there. I've loved most everyone I have met since going back. It'd be a little funny if he said mom2em. But yep thats exactly what he told me, right do to "and also with you."

I was reading an old post before mass yesterday where someone was asking if that had/would change with the new translation. Can't remember now if anyone said definetly.

wasserfall · #9 May 6, '12, 7:19 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickVA

Before Vat. II they would slap you during confirmation. I believe my dad had it done. now they just address you by your saint's name and anoint you with chrism. that was my experience.

Confirmations done using the traditional rite. (i.e. Extraordinary Form Confirmation) still involves the slap. Sometimes I'm surprised that so few bishops are willing to learn the EF Confirmation. You'd think they'd be glad to have the opportunity to slap the traditionalists around a bit.

Phemie · #10 May 6, '12, 8:18 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phaedra777

"And with your spirit"!!

I thought about that as I was copying from the Rite and I'm not sure of that.

I may well be wrong but to me there is a difference between his saying "Peace be with you," and saying "The peace of the Lord be with you." The ministers around him at the altar wouldn't respond "And with your spirit," when he's shaking hands with them after we've all responded "And with your spirit," would they? At that point it's his personal sign of peace, isn't it?

Phaedra777 · #11 May 7, '12, 6:12 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phemie

I thought about that as I was copying from the Rite and I'm not sure of that.

I may well be wrong but to me there is a difference between his saying "Peace be with you," and saying "The peace of the Lord be with you." The ministers around him at the altar wouldn't respond "And with your spirit," when he's shaking hands with them after we've all responded "And with your spirit," would they? At that point it's his personal sign of peace, isn't it?

I just got confirmed April 20th, and we were told to respond, "And with your spirit."

Phemie · #12 May 7, '12, 6:23 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phaedra777

I just got confirmed April 20th, and we were told to respond, "And with your spirit."

OK, I was wrong. Thank you for the correction.