Parishes are encouraged to structure the preparation process however they discern it to be most fruitful for their community. The essential goal is that per canon law and the hope for fruitful reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation, the criteria found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1309 are met.
“Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit - his actions, his gifts, and his biddings - in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community. The latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands.” CCC 1309
In order to be confirmed:
- Candidates for Confirmation must be baptized.
- Candidates for Confirmation must be suitably instructed, properly disposed, able to renew their baptismal promises. (cf. Canon 889/CCC 1309)
- Candidates for Confirmation must be at or beyond the age of reason. In the Diocese of Lansing, the current norm is that Candidates are generally to be in grades eight through ten.