The latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands. The Blessing Rite is an opportunity for the parish to acknowledge the Confirmation candidates and pledge prayerful support for them during this time of preparation. Because the candidates are baptized and have received Eucharist, this Rite acknowledges the present reality of gifted young disciples in our midst at the same that the community takes this opportunity to pray with and for these youth. Sacrament of Reconciliation To receive Confirmation one must be in a state of grace. One should receive the sacrament of Penance in order to be cleansed for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Reconciliation is included as an integral part of preparing for a sacrament.
A recommended option is to include youth in a scheduled Reconciliation service for the wider parish community. An additional option will be to provide a separate Reconciliation service for the Confirmation candidates and youth of the parish. In either case, the key is to make the experience meaningful and provide healing and direction for youth on their journey of faith. Joined to Christ can be scheduled as an extended six-hour program or organized into individual sessions over three weeks. This program involves project-based learning.