Evangelizing the Catholic youth through the preparation of the sacrament of confirmation

Abstrak

This article explores the Sacrament of Confirmation within the Catholic Church as a pivotal element in equipping young Catholics for the mission of evangelization. The research problem addresses the observation that despite the foundational aim of Confirmation to solidify faith and commitment to the Church's mission, there seems to be a disconnect in its effectiveness in inspiring evangelistic zeal among youth. The literature review methodically examines existing theological discussions, catechetical frameworks, and empirical studies that assess the impact of Confirmation on young Catholics’ faith expression and evangelistic engagement. Results from the study reveal a significant variance in how Confirmation is perceived and its consequent impact on the evangelizing mission among youth. While some regions report a marked increase in active participation and evangelistic outreach post-Confirmation, others show minimal change, pointing to factors such as preparatory catechesis, the role of the confirming bishop or priest, and the involvement of the faith community as influential. The conclusion asserts that the Sacrament of Confirmation, when effectively administered and supported by robust, engaging catechetical preparation and community involvement, holds substantial potential to empower young Catholics as evangelizers. The article calls for a reinvigorated pastoral approach that aligns more closely with the evangelistic purpose of this sacrament, suggesting targeted recommendations for church leaders to enhance the formative experience of Confirmation candidates, thereby revitalizing their role in the Church’s evangelizing mission.