Q: I know that the teaching now is that adults in the RCIA no longer have to choose a saint name as part of their initiation process. My question is – does that also apply to teens?  Is it also recommended that teens no longer choose a saint name for confirmation? Thank you! == A: […]

Q: Just a question out of curiosity inspired by a student proposal for an assignment: can Confirmation (just confirmation) be celebrated on Pentecost? == A: Yes, it may. But it takes place within the missal’s mass for Pentecost. The Pentecost mass may not be replaced with the presidential prayers and readings of a confirmation mass, […]

Q: Our bishop has given all pastors the faculty to confirm because of the pandemic etc.    Should the assembly join in the profession of faith with the candidates for confirmation on a Sunday?  If not, do we omit the creed for the assembly or profess it after the confirmation?  It would seem very odd to […]

Q: Bishop would like to begin rescheduling Youth Confirmations as soon as we have protocols in place.  The current thorn is can he anoint using protection on his hand (say a glove) or a cotton ball or _______ ? given Divinum consortium naturae (1971) insistence on touch.   He is 74, diabetic, with a heart condition. […]

Q: If you are in a restored order diocese is there any theological or canonical issue if the celebration of Confirmation and First Eucharist are held at different liturgies? Every restored order diocese I have found has mostly a two year formation process and Confirmation and Eucharist are held in the same liturgy. But is there a possibility […]

Q: An elderly man in my parish is slowly dying. He has never been confirmed. May I confirm him? == A: Yes, the Catholic Church permits a priest to confirm in case of emergency. You do not need the bishop’s permission.

Q:  I enjoy your blog. There is always something to be learned!  Thank you for doing this. I am new to the area and parish and have taken on the position of RCIA Director.  The practice here for RCIA Adapted for Children (7 yrs and older) has been to split the sacraments.  Baptism occurs at […]

Q: Do we light the paschal candle for confirmations? Or just for baptisms and funerals outside Easter Time? == A: The paschal candle is lighted throughout Easter Time, and then for baptisms and funerals. There is no provision for lighting it for other occasions – even though some parishes do.

Q: Yesterday I was asked a question about the history of choosing a confirmation name and, do other countries have this tradition?  Could you provide me with answers and/or reference where I can find the answers?  First time I have had that question.  Thanks.  == A: I don’t know anyone who’s done a study on it. […]

Q: Our parish celebrated Confirmation this week,  It was a ceremony rather than a Mass. Should the altar candles have been lit?   Thanks. == A: The liturgical books don’t say, but the Ceremonial of Bishops says that the bishop and the other ministers, upon entering in procession, reverence the altar before going to their places. […]