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Restored Order ~ The Sacraments of Initiation
In the early Church, the person was immersed into the waters of Baptism, anointed with chrism, and shared in the Eucharistic meal as part of a single event. Over time, and for many reasons, the celebration of these three sacraments became separated from one another. In the renewal stemming from the Second Vatican Council, the Church was asked to more clearly set forth the intimate connection of Confirmation with the whole of Christian initiation.This original order also helps us recognize that sharing in the Eucharist completes our initiation into the Church and that it is Eucharist which is the “source and summit of our faith.”
Church Documents
Catechism of the Catholic Church
1307 - For centuries, Latin custom has indicated "the age of discretion" as the reference point for receiving Confirmation. But in danger of death children should be confirmed even if they have not yet attained the age of discretion.
1308 - Although Confirmation is sometimes called the "sacrament of Christian maturity," we must not confuse adult faith with the adult age of natural growth, nor forget that the baptismal grace is a grace of free, unmerited election and does not need "ratification" to become effective.
1309 Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit - his actions, his gifts, and his biddings - in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation shouild strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community. The latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands. [Emphasis Original]
National Directory for Catechesis
Section 36-A-2
Dioceses and parishes should present catechesis for the Sacrament of Confirmation that
- Teaches that Confirmation increases and deepens the grace of Baptism, imprinting an indelible character on the soul (CCC 1303-1304)
- Teaches that Confirmation strengthens the baptismal conferral of the Holy Spirit on those confirmed in order to
- incorporare them more firmly in Christ
- strengthen their bond with the Church
- associate them more closely with the Church's mission
- increase in them the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and
- help them bear witness to the Christian faith in words and deeds (CCC 1303)
- Teaches about the role of the Holy Spirit, his gifts, and his fruits
- Gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel (sometimes called right judgment), fortitude (sometimes call courage), knowledge, piety, fear of the Lord (sometimes called wonder and awe) (CCC 1831, Isaiah 11:1-2)
- Fruits of the Spirit: charity (love), joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty self-control, chastity (CCC 1832, Galatians 5:22-23 Vulgate translation)
- Is developmentally appropriate and includes retreat experiences (cf. CCC 1309)
- Includes instruction on the Rite of Confirmation and its basic symbols (form and matter):
- the imposition of hands (CCC 1288)
- the anointing with Sacred Chrism, (CCC 1289) and
- the words of the sacramental formula (CCC 1300)
- Ensures that parents and sponsors are involved in the catechetical preparation of the children for Confirmation (cf. CCC 1311)
- Teaches that the bishop is the ordinary minister of the Sacrament of Confirmation (CCC 1313)
(The above section is copyright 2005 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Reprinted by permission)
Diocesan Resources
- Bishop Paprocki's Post-Synodal Pastoral Letter to the Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois on the Art of Living and Dying in God's Grace (August 2018)
- Bishop Paprocki's Column: Young People Need the Holy Spirit at an Early Age (CT 3/18)
- Bishop Paprocki's Column: Ensuring our Synodal Efforts Bear Fruit (CT 6/24)
- Bishop Paprocki's 3 Decrees on Restored Order (pdf)
- Rationale with Timetable (pdf)
- Introduction with Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)
- Quick Reference for Parish/School Receptionists/Secretaries (pdf)
- Bulletin Announcements (Word doc) Bulletin 1 (jpg) Bulletin 2 (jpg)
- Restored Order Flier (pdf)
- Restored Order: Restauración del Orden, (Spanish presentation) June 18, 2019, created by Cecy Reza
- Restored Order: Sacraments of Initiation - Confirmation Through the Ages written by Rev. Daren Zehnle appearing in the Catholic Times, February 17, 2019
- Restored Order: Sacraments of Initiation - It is Not About Us, but Him written by Rev. Daren Zehnle appearing in the Catholic Times, February 3, 2019
- Restored Order: Sacraments of Initiation - Sharing in the Life of Christ written by Rev. Daren Zehnle appearing in the Catholic Times, January 20, 2019
- Fourth Diocesan Synod presentation prepared and presented by Mike Christie at the January 17, 2019 Community of Religious Educator's (CORE) meeting.
- The Sacraments of Initiation” Homily written by Rev. Steven Janoski for the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe (November 25, 2018)
- Restored Order presentation delivered to St. Mary, Edwardsville at all Masses on September 8th and 9th, 2018. Written by Gloria Couvion
Curriculum
- The Pastoral Letter of Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila - Saints Among Us: The Restored order Sacraments of Initiation
- Archdiocese of Denver: Sacramental Preparation Curriculum
- Diocese of Lincoln: Confirmed for Mission - An Evangelical catechesis on Confirmation developed by the Office of Religious Education for students in 5th - 7th grade
- Sadlier: Believe - Celebrate - Live: Confirmation - Restored Order (workbook/leader's guide) ~ bilingual edition available
- Loyola Press: "God's Gift: Confirmation in the Restored Order" (program) ~ bilingual edition available
- Our Sunday Visitor:
- Catholic Parent Know-How: Overview of Restored Order (paperback) ~ bilingual edition available
- Encounters with Christ: Confirmation Restored Order (booklet)
- Pflaum Publishing Group:
- Gospel Weeklies: "Together in Jesus: Confirmation with First Eucharist"
- The Sacrament of Confirmation: Receiving the Holy Spirit (curriculum for grades 4 - 6)
- RCL Benziger:
- St. Mary's Press: Go - Seek - Find (series)
- Sophia Institute for Teachers: Sealed in Fire: Restored Order
- Other Resources:
- "Children of Hope: Eucharistic Adoration for Children and Familes" (online resources)
For assistance locating materials for persons with special needs, please contact the Office for Catholic Education at (217) 698-8500, ext. 154.
Family Resources
Cathy Becker (St. Agnes, Springfield)
- Children Families and the Holy Spirit (pdf)
- Restored Order - Preparation Confirmation and Eucharist (pdf)
- Our Family Gathers (sample)
- Our Family Faith Neighborhood (sample)
Donna Dausman (Ss. James & Patrick, Decatur)
Ann Gage (Blessed Sacrament, Quincy)
- Reconciliation and Eucharist Preparation session ideas (pdf)
Diocese of Honolulu
- Family Retreat Series on the Sacraments (live link)
Sophia Institute
- Family of Faith (live link)
Scott Elmer (from the DAEC Presentation)
Confirmation at the Cathedral Church
For Information about the Celebration of Confirmation and First Holy Communion at the Cathedral for 3rd graders and other students who need the sacrament, go to https://oldsite.dio.org/confirmation.
A comprehensive guide for preparing for these celebrations is available here:
Preparing_for_the_Celebration_of_Confirmation_and_First_Holy_Communion_-_FINAL.pdf