“The reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace …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” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1285)
The Sacrament of Confirmation is many times referred to as the Sacrament of the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus died, He promised that the Holy Spirit would come upon the Apostles and the Church. On the Feast of Pentecost, the Spirit came upon the apostles, as they went out boldly preaching the mighty works of God. Over 3,000 people were baptized in water and the Spirit, and the Church was born.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is performed by the laying on of hands and the anointing with oil, called sacred Chrism. The ordinary celebrant for the Sacrament of Confirmation is the Bishop, although delegation can be given to the pastor.
The Diocese of Gaylord has restored the order of the sacraments, in which Confirmation is celebrated before Eucharist. In this Diocese, both sacraments are celebrated at the same liturgy.
Boyne Valley Catholic Community celebrates the sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion in the third grade. It is required that all candidates for the sacraments participate in a two year formation process. All sacramental preparation is accomplished outside of regular faith formation sessions.
For more information concerning the sacrament of Confirmation or sacramental preparation, please contact the parish offices.