“Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  With these words, along with a cross of sacred chrism placed on the forehead of the one being confirmed, one’s initiation into the Church is complete.  Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation – these are the three Sacraments of Initiation.  

 

At Christ the King parish, and throughout the Diocese of Kilgore, Confirmation is celebrated at the same time as First Communion.  The requirements for receiving both sacraments are substantially the same:  that the candidate has reached “the age of reason,” and that he or she is properly instructed in the meaning and significance of the sacrament.  

 

Debate continues as to the proper age for this sacrament.  Consider that our brothers and sisters in The Orthodox Church receive all three Sacraments of Initiation at the same time, on the day of Baptism, usually as an infant.  Consider as well that every sacrament, as “an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace” (do you remember the old Baltimore Catechism?) is freely available to anyone who seeks it and who has no impediments to doing so. 

 

For more information about preparing your child for these sacraments, or if you are an adult interested in being initiated into the Church, please contact the parish office