Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor
Warm greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Let us reflect on the profound significance and importance of the Sacrament of Confirmation, according to the teachings of the Catholic Church. We hope that through this message, we may deepen our understanding and appreciation for this sacrament and recognize the blessings it brings to our spiritual journey.
Confirmation is one of the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church, through which we receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It is a Sacrament of Initiation, along with Baptism and the Eucharist, and completes the process of Christian initiation by strengthening and sealing the faithful with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1285) teaches us that through the Sacrament of Confirmation, baptized individuals are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. This Sacrament strengthens and enables us to bear witness to Christ and to spread and defend the faith by word and deed. It deepens the grace that we received at Baptism, strengthens our bond with the Church, and equips us with more active participation in the life and mission of the Church.
The Second Vatican Council, in its document “Lumen Gentium,” highlights the significance of Confirmation as a Sacrament of maturity, stating that it makes us more perfect images of our Lord and strengthens us to spread and defend the faith by word and deed (LG 11). It emphasizes that the faithful, through the reception of Confirmation, are called to actively participate in the apostolic mission of the Church, sharing the Gospel and bearing witness to Christ in the world.
Furthermore, Canon Law (Can. 879) affirms that the Sacrament of Confirmation is to be conferred on the faithful at an appropriate age, usually after reaching the age of reason. It is important to note that the reception of Confirmation is not considered a graduation from the Church, but rather a significant step in one’s journey of faith. It marks a new stage of Christian discipleship, empowering the faithful to live out their baptismal promises and embrace their role as active members of the Church.
Why, then, do we need to receive the sacrament of Confirmation? We need Confirmation because it strengthens us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live as faithful disciples of Christ. Through Confirmation, we are fortified in our faith, empowered to be witnesses to the Gospel, and equipped to actively participate in the life and mission of the Church. It deepens our relationship with God and strengthens our bond with the Christian community and the rest of the world.
If you or your children have not yet received the sacrament of Confirmation, I encourage you to take this opportunity to explore its significance and consider receiving this Sacrament. It is a moment of grace and a means of drawing closer to God, as well as actively embracing your role in the life of the Church. For further information and guidance, I invite you to contact the office at (561) 488-1373 for more information.
May the Holy Spirit guide and inspire us as we seek to grow in faith and live out our baptismal promises with renewed zeal and commitment.
Yours in Christ,