Living Your Confirmation

Synopsis

A confirmation gift book for teenagers, offering advice on how to maintain faith after confirmation

Summary

Chapter 1: The Call to Confirmation

* Explores the meaning and purpose of Confirmation as a sacrament of initiation in the Catholic Church.
* Real example: A young person named Emily, who has been attending Mass regularly, feels a growing desire to deepen her connection with the faith and actively participate in the Church community.

Chapter 2: The Pillars of Faith

* Presents the central beliefs and teachings of the Catholic faith, which provide the foundation for Confirmation.
* Real example: Emily learns about the Trinity, the Incarnation, the Resurrection, and the Holy Spirit through classes and discussions with her confirmation sponsor.

Chapter 3: The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

* Examines the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are bestowed upon the recipient during Confirmation.
* Real example: As Emily prepares for Confirmation, she reflects on how the Holy Spirit can help her grow in wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

Chapter 4: The Sacrament of Confirmation

* Describes the rite of Confirmation, including the laying on of hands and anointing with chrism.
* Real example: Emily is anointed with chrism by the bishop during the Confirmation ceremony, signifying the permanent seal of the Holy Spirit on her soul.

Chapter 5: Living the Confirmed Life

* Explores the responsibilities and commitments that come with being a confirmed Catholic.
* Real example: Emily understands that Confirmation challenges her to live a life of faith, witness Christ to others, and actively participate in the Church's mission.

Chapter 6: The Journey Continues

* Emphasizes that Confirmation is not an end point but rather a starting point for a lifelong journey of faith.
* Real example: Emily continues to attend Mass, study Scripture, receive the sacraments, and serve others as she grows in her Catholic identity and relationship with God.

Chapter 7: Confirmation and Vocation

* Discusses the role of Confirmation in discerning and fulfilling one's God-given vocation.
* Real example: Emily discovers through prayer and reflection that she is called to serve as a catechist, sharing her faith with younger children.

Chapter 8: The Confirmation Community

* Highlights the importance of community in supporting and fostering the faith of the confirmed.
* Real example: Emily becomes involved in a youth group and forms supportive relationships with other confirmed Catholics who encourage her on her faith journey.

Chapter 9: The Power of Prayer

* Emphasizes the central role of prayer in the life of a confirmed Catholic.
* Real example: Emily establishes a regular prayer practice that helps her stay connected with God and seek His guidance in her daily life.

Chapter 10: Witnessing to Christ

* Calls confirmed Catholics to be witnesses to Christ in their words, actions, and lives.
* Real example: Emily shares her faith story with her friends and family, inspiring them to consider their own spiritual journeys.