Sacramental Preparation Confirmation: Lessons for Teachers and Parents (Preparing Children and Young People to Receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation)

Sacramental Preparation is a new catechetical resource developed to help teachers, parents, children and young people to prepare for, understand and celebrate the Sacraments of Reconciliation (First Confession) First Communion (Holy Eucharist) and Confirmation. It is designed to be used in schools, parishes and home settings. When children are baptised, promises are made on their behalf but now that they are older and are being presented for the Sacrament of Confirmation, they will be required to renew this Baptismal commitment for themselves and take responsibility for their own faith and actions. This programme will prepare them to take this important step. When confirmed they will receive a special grace which will strengthen their faith to ensure that they will be strong enough to face life and also support others in times of need. The word ‘confirmation’ comes from the Latin word ‘confirmatio’ which means ‘to strengthen’ and ‘to support’. As each question is asked of the young people by the Priest or Bishop, they will respond by saying, “I do” and this should be practised in advance. The Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred through the anointing on the forehead with Chrism (a Holy Oil blessed by the Bishop each year at his Mass on Holy Thursday) and by the laying on of hands when the priest or bishop will say: “Be sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit”
Young people who attend a Catholic School or Catechism Class will work through the ‘Lessons for Teachers and Parents’ and will complete the matching 'Activity Book' (a wonderful keepsake) either in class or at home. However, if you are preparing your own child to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, I have included in this book all the information you need to prepare him/her to receive the Sacrament. When your Physical, Mental and Spiritual/Emotional health are in balance you feel completely well but if one of these is in distress you will be upset and uncomfortable. When we are physically or mentally ill, we can go to a doctor for help but where do we go when our spirit is low and our emotions are in turmoil? This is when the ability to quietly ask for support and help from the Holy Spirit can return us to a state of calm and bestow on us the ability to deal with troubles in our lives. We can also connect with the Holy Spirit when we have reason to give thanks for all the good things in our lives. This programme provides detailed Lesson Notes with linked Activities so that teachers and parents can work confidently with those in their care. As teachers and parents, you are important educators of your children, keeping them safe, helping and supporting them at all times. Always take time in your busy lives to talk regularly to them, listening carefully to their responses in the conversations. You must also attend to your children’s spiritual development by encouraging them to say their prayers and attend Mass regularly.

This book is part of a series preparing children and young people to receive the
Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.

1. Lessons for Teachers and Parents
2. Activity Books for Children and Young People (providing follow up activities linked to each lesson)

Above all remember that as a teacher or parent,
What you SAY is important – talk quietly and calmly to your children.
What you DO is important – treat them and other people with respect.
Who you ARE is most important of all – lead by your good example.

As Teachers and Parents, I sincerely hope that you enjoy using this resource as you support young people on their journey towards initiation as full members of the Catholic Church.