Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Episode: Day 178: Who Receives Confirmation
Release Date: June 27, 2025

Introduction

In Day 178 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the Sacrament of Confirmation, focusing on who can receive this sacrament and who is authorized to administer it. This episode, spanning paragraphs 1306 to 1314 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, provides a comprehensive understanding of the eligibility, preparation, and the ministers involved in the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Eligibility for Confirmation

Fr. Mike begins by emphasizing that every baptized person who has not yet been confirmed is both eligible and encouraged to receive Confirmation:

"Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and should receive the Sacrament of Confirmation."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz, [10:30]

He explains that Confirmation, along with Baptism and Eucharist, completes the process of Christian initiation. Without Confirmation and Eucharist, although Baptism is effective, initiation remains incomplete:

"Without confirmation and Eucharist, Baptism is certainly valid and efficacious, but Christian initiation remains incomplete."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz, [12:15]

Age of Discretion and Cultural Practices

Fr. Mike discusses the concept of the age of discretion, traditionally marked as the age when an individual can understand and affirm their faith decisions. He contrasts Western and Eastern practices:

• Western Church: Often delays Confirmation to an older age, aligning it with the age of reason.
• Eastern Church: Combines Confirmation with Baptism and First Holy Communion, allowing for earlier reception.

He highlights that while Confirmation is sometimes called the "Sacrament of Christian Maturity," it should not be conflated with the physical age of an individual:

"We must not confuse adult faith with the adult age of natural growth, nor forget that the baptismal grace is a grace of free, unmerited election and does not need ratification to become effective."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz, [14:50]

Preparation for Confirmation

Preparation is crucial for receiving Confirmation. Fr. Mike outlines several key aspects:

1. State of Grace: Candidates must be in a state of grace, typically achieved through the Sacrament of Penance:

   "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."
   — Fr. Mike Schmitz, [19:20]

2. Intense Prayer: Engaging in deeper prayer prepares individuals to receive the Holy Spirit's strength and graces:

   "More intense prayer should prepare one to receive the strength and graces of the Holy Spirit with docility and readiness to act."
   — Fr. Mike Schmitz, [20:45]

3. Spiritual Sponsorship: Having a sponsor, preferably someone committed to fostering spiritual growth, is encouraged:

   "The person you choose for a godparent, person you choose for a sponsor, it should be actually someone who can help you grow, someone who can actually help you move forward."
   — Fr. Mike Schmitz, [22:10]

Minister of Confirmation

Fr. Mike explains that the ordinary minister of Confirmation is the bishop, reflecting the apostolic unity of the Church:

"The original minister of confirmation is the bishop... demonstrating that its effect is to unite those who receive it more closely to the Church, to her apostolic origins and to her mission of bearing witness to Christ."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz, [25:35]

However, in certain circumstances, such as danger of death, any priest can administer Confirmation:

"If a Christian is in danger of death, any priest can give him confirmation... the Church desires that none of her children, even the youngest, should depart this world without having been perfected by the Holy Spirit with the gift of Christ's fullness."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz, [29:50]

Key Insights and Conclusions

Fr. Mike reinforces the importance of Confirmation as a sacrament that not only completes Christian initiation but also empowers individuals to live out their faith actively. He encourages both those preparing for Confirmation and those who have already been confirmed without adequate preparation to seek deeper engagement with the Holy Spirit.

"If you didn’t get that, then you’re getting it now, which is really, really good, really, really good news."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz, [31:25]

He concludes by inviting listeners to pray for one another, fostering a sense of community and mutual support within the Church.

"We also recognize this unity in the fact that we pray for each other and we need each other. And so please know that I'm inviting you to pray for each other. I am praying for you and please pray for me."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz, [35:10]

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as an in-depth guide for understanding who can receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and the roles involved in its administration. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively combines theological insights with practical advice, encouraging listeners to embrace Confirmation as a vital step in their spiritual journey within the Catholic faith.

For Continued Learning: To follow along with The Catechism in a Year or to access additional resources, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy and subscribe to the podcast for daily updates.