Confirmation is the second of seven sacraments observed in the Catholic Church. As part of the initiation phase, it’s an important step for anyone seeking to fulfill their purpose as a Catholic. As a mother looking to have your child join the Christian faith, it is in your best interest to fully understand what this sacrament is all about. This is true for anyone, but especially so if you are preparing your daughter for the ceremony.
What exactly is Catholic Confirmation? How is it administered? How does one prepare for it? What are appropriate confirmation outfits? Read on for answers to all these questions and more.
Definition
As it relates to the Catholic Church, Confirmation is a sacrament that signifies the completion of baptism. It is the next step in the initiation phase and precedes the Eucharist. People who undergo this step are described as having received the Holy Spirit. The act takes them closer to Christ and strengthens their soul to face the challenges that come with a Christian lifestyle.
Origin
Like all the other sacraments, Confirmation in the Catholic Church is based on the teachings of Christ. It can be traced back to the early books of the New Testament in the Bible. In fact, the Bible lays out the order in which all the sacraments must be administered. In the Gospel of Matthew, for example, Christ instructed the disciples to baptize (the first sacrament) all people in the name of The Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Not long after, the Holy Spirit is said to have descended upon them (the second sacrament), which gave them the necessary courage to proceed with the task.
Administering the Confirmation sacrament
In modern times, people are confirmed during a special ceremony, at or outside of Mass. Older children in the region of 14-years-old, as well as young adults are often the ones who are involved in this ritual. Adults who are new to the faith can also be baptized and then proceed to the next steps in the initiation phase.
Assuming that your daughter is in her teens or approaching adulthood, there are a few things you need to know to get her ready:
One or two sponsors are required to accompany her for the ceremony. Sponsors are often the godparents but can also be someone of her choosing (excluding her parents) who is already confirmed.
The confirmation ceremony is usually conducted by the church’s bishop.
A scented oil called a Chrism is applied by the bishop to the forehead in the shape of a cross.
A Confirmation name is also necessary for the ceremony. The name picked is often a biblical figure or saint. It can also be the name received at baptism.
How to dress
Getting your daughter dressed for the occasion requires careful consideration. As it is a sacred event, you want to make sure she is appropriately dressed. While boys can wear suits or dress shirts with tailored pants, it is recommended that girls wear modest, simple, and elegant. In terms of colour, the confirmation outfit for girls is usually white to symbolize innocence and purity.
Considering the blurring lines of fashion these days, finding the right dress for your daughter to wear for this big occasion might be a challenge. This is where Giga Fashion comes in. You can count on us to create the perfect confirmation outfit for your daughter. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.