In reviewing the development of the sacrament of Confirmation through the ages, it becomes obvious that two theological principles have been given emphasis at various times: first, the invitation to grace mediated through the sacraments in the community of the Church, and second, the role of faith as a conscious personal response and commitment on the part of the individual in that same faith community. These two positions show a shift from faith as a personal response to the divine initiative to an emphasis on grace or 'gift' which led to the practice of infant baptism and the administration of the sacraments as soon as possible. This emphasis is not based upon age, maturity or spiritual readiness, but upon the gratuity of the sacramental gift. In the second view, the concern is with the candidate's response and spiritual readiness to express a conscious commitment to a real life in Christ. The emphasis is upon the quality of Christian formation which leads one to accept God's gracious gift and to give it forth in mission to the world. It is this viewpoint which underlies the new guidelines on Confirmation for our diocese. The two viewpoints are in tension with each other, as both elements are integral and must be recognized, protected and fostered in any practice.

Conversion is described as a change in one's feeling or point of view from a state marked by indifference or opposition to one of zealous acceptance. There is a striking implication of action. When a Christian is baptized, whether as an infant or as an adult, the Scriptures refer to this action as “becoming a new creation,” or “putting on Christ.” In addition, this conversion or coming to faith is transmitted, sustained and expanded through interaction with other people of faith in a converted community. Extended over a lifetime, this process of conversion is continually fostered, nourished and led to deeper commitment in the celebration of the Eucharist.

In any study or catechesis on the sacraments it must be remembered that Confirmation is part of the Rite of Christian Initiation. Several factors are emerging in Church life in the United States during this time that call for an emphasis being placed on the quality of response in faith on the part of the candidate.

First, change in family life makes communicating and nurturing the gift of the sacramental life challenging. Second, there is a revitalization of the central role of the celebration of the sacraments in the faith community. And third, the Second Vatican Council has mandated a revision of sacramental rites and has clearly stated liturgical principles for these rites.

Parents and children need the support of other committed Christians and a strong faith community to withstand the pressures of society which run counter to Christian values. Today the Church is emphasizing the communal dimension of the sacraments. In the past, the stress was placed on the individual's union with Christ through the sacraments. Now, both scriptural and liturgical studies have reaffirmed the central role of the community. The sacraments are not only for personal salvation and, growth, but are actions of the Church expressing and celebrating God's presence and action in the midst of God's people. They are actions in and forI the sake of the community. Therefore, if the celebration of the sacraments is to be an authentic response to the Divine initiative, they require faith and commitment on the part of those celebrating. With regard to Confirmation this commitment is required not only of the candidate, but also of the entire parish community.

Finally, Vatican II urged that in the restoration and promotion of the sacred liturgy, the full and active participation by all people is the aim to be considered before all else, for the liturgy is the primary and indispensable source from which the faithful are to derive the true Christian spirit. In today's world, the situation exists of numerous Catholics who are sacra-mentalized but not evangelized. In introducing a program of Confirmation celebrated in the Junior and Senior years of high school, the opportunity is presented to young people for a personal acceptance of the faith that was once accepted for them. And, empowered by the Spirit, the candidate is able to respond to the call of the Church and take on the responsibility of being a mature disciple of Christ in the world.