Q: I am confused with #s 493-495 in the revised edition of Initiation of Adults. When a person is being received into full communion and being confirmed, when does the celebrant say: “…the Lord receives you into the Catholic Church….etc.” (#492)? After the candidate makes his profession of faith? (#491) Or after the candidate is confirmed? #495)
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A: The wording is confusing there. The formula of reception (492) immediately follows the profession of faith (491).
A priest cannot confirm someone who is not a Catholic. The act of reception (492) makes the person a member of the Catholic Church. Then the priest confirms that person (493).
I’ve heard many people speak about the day that they were “confirmed Catholic.” But that’s not correct. Confirmation does not make a person a Catholic; the act of reception does.