Fully Initiated

Mary received the sacrament of Confirmation!  It was a wonderful and special night.  Mary's godfather, Uncle Bob, and our friends John and Mary celebrated with us.  Mary chose Mary to be her sponsor. 

I'd like to share pictures of her day interspersed with some of the basic questions the children had to learn. 

1.) What are the sacraments?
The sacraments are an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.

2.) How many sacraments are there?
There are seven sacraments.

3.) What are the names of the seven sacraments?
Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

4.)What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is the sacrament in which the Holy Spirit comes to us in a special way to join us more closely to Jesus and His church and to seal and strengthen us as Christ's witnesses.

5.)What is chrism?
Chrism is a blessed mixture of oil and balm used during the baptismal ceremony, for Confirmation, and ordination of priests and bishops, and in the consecration of churches, altars, and other things.

6.)What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Holy Fear.

7.)Who is the minister of Confirmation?
The bishop is the minister of Confirmation.

8.)How is Confirmation given?
The bishop extends his hands over the Confirmand and anoints in the form of a cross while saying:
Bishop:  "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Confirmand: "Amen"
Bishop: "Peace be with you."
Confirmand: "And with your spirit."

9.)What are the effects of Confirmation?
The effects of Confirmation are: an increase of sanctifying grace, the gift of a special sacramental grace, and the imprint of lasting character on the soul.

Mary choose Cecilia to be her Confirmation name.  St. Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians.

We are proud of our girl. Congratulations Mary Kathleen Cecilia.