Order of Confirmation

Contents

The Order of Confirmation has two principal forms of the liturgy (1 &2). Chapter 3 offers a brief couple of notes for when a bishop (who is the Ordinary minister of Confirmation) does not preside. Chapter 4 gives a shortened form of the Order.

1. The Order for the Conferral of Confirmation within Mass
2. The Order for the Conferral of Confirmation without Mass
3. Those things to be observed when Confirmation is Conferred by an Extraordinary Minister
4. Confirmation to be Administered to a Sick Person in Danger of Death

The Introduction to the Order of Confirmation indicates the following reasons why Confirmation may be celebrated without Mass:

As a rule, Confirmation takes place within Mass so that the fundamental connection of this Sacrament with all of Christian Initiation, which reaches its culmination in the Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ, may stand out in a clearer light. The newly confirmed therefore participate in the Eucharist, which completes their Christian Initiation.

If, however, the candidates for Confirmation are children who have not received the Most Holy Eucharist and are not being admitted to First Communion at this liturgical celebration or if other special circumstances so suggest, Confirmation should be conferred outside Mass. Whenever Confirmation is conferred without Mass, a celebration of the word of God should precede it. [OC 13]

The information on this page is also available as a download.

• Order of Confirmation Structures (pdf)

1. The Order for the Conferral of Confirmation within Mass

The Introductory Rites

• Entrance
• Greeting & Sign of the Cross
• Penitential Act
• Gloria (except in the Seasons of Advent and Lent)
• Collect

The Liturgy of the Word

• First Reading
• Responsorial Psalm
• Second Reading
• Gospel Acclamation
• Gospel

The Celebration of Confirmation

• Presentation of the Candidates
• The Homily or Address
• The Renewal of Baptismal Promises
• The Laying On of Hands
• The Anointing with Chrism
• The Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful)

The Liturgy of the Eucharist

• Preparation of Gifts

Eucharistic Prayer

• Including Commemoration for newly Confirmed

Communion Rite

• Our Father
• Sign of Peace
• Communion

Concluding Rites

• The Blessing or
• The Prayer over the People

2. The Order for the Conferral of Confirmation without Mass

The Introductory Rites

• Entrance
• Greeting
• Collect

The Liturgy of the Word

• First Reading
• Responsorial Psalm (or Silence)
• Second Reading
• Gospel Acclamation
• Gospel

The Celebration of Confirmation

• Presentation of the Candidates
• The Homily or Address
• The Renewal of Baptismal Promises
• The Laying On of Hands
• The Anointing with Chrism
• The Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful)
• The Recitation of the Lord’s Prayer

Concluding Rites

• The Blessing or
• The Prayer over the People