- 1 -

THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

Fr. George J. Willmann Series #2

- 2 -

- 3 -

The Sacrament of Confirmation

Rev. Msgr. JOSELITO C. ASIS, JCD

Fr. George J. Willmann Series #2

- 4 -

Nihil Obstat: Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio KCFAPI Chaplain

Imprimatur: Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco Bishop of Cubao KC Luzon Chaplain

The Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur are a declaration that a book is considered to be free from doctrinal or moral error. It is not necessarily implied that those who have granted them agree with the contents, opinions or statements expressed.

Copyright 2010 by the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI)

Cover Design: Layout: Laurence John R. Morales

All rights reserved. No part of this book maybe reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage or retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher.

ISBN No.

- 5 -

Table of Contents

I - On the Sacrament of Confirmation ................... 7

II - On the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation..................................................................13

III - Frequently asked questions on the Sacrament of Confirmation..................................................................17

Bibliography .......................................................................... 26

- 6 -

IntroductionConfirmation isone the sacraments that isnotverywell

understood among many Catholics. For some, the need for it comes only when the child enrolls in a Catholic school or when acoupleneedsthecertificateofconfirmationuponapplicationfor marriage. But pitifully enough, the need is mostly about thecertificaterequisiteandnotthemeritofthesacrament.

Understandably, the lack of knowledge of the sacrament ofconfirmation,likeanyothersacrament,ismainlyduetothedearth of catechesis in most parishes. But while the parish is the center to catechetical formation, it does not free the parents, godparents, and lay leaders from the duty of explaining the faith to others. The Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP-II) decreed thus: “Lay faithful and particularly lay leaders should acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to defend and explain the faith to others.” (Art 44, #3)

It is in this light that the members of the Knights of Columbus are also called to the work of catechesis. Admittedly, formation or catechesis has been one of the weakest link of the Order of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines. Such spiritual formation is barely enough to know the rudiments of the faith. A continuing catechesis is necessary.

The Father George J. Willmann Series is only one of the modest ways in helping the members of the Order get acquainted with the Church’s teachings. A joint project of the Father George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. and the KC Priests-Scholars Association, we hope that this series will be disseminated in every council throughout the three State Jurisdictions in the Philippines.

MSGR PEDRO C. QUITORIO Chaplain, KCFAPI

-7-

I. On the Sacrament of Confirmation1. How does the Catholic Church define the Sacrament of Confirmation?

The Sacrament ofConfirmationhas beengivendifferentnames, such as, “laying on of hands,” “sacrament of chrism,” and “sacrament of fullness.” It was St. Ambrose of Milan whowasthefirstonetousethetermconfirmation: “You have received the spiritual sign, the sign of wisdom; God the Father has sealed you,Christ theLordhas confirmedyou andhasgiven you the gift of the Spirit in your heart.”(St. Ambrose, De Mysteriis,7.42:PL16.403).

The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives us the notion of Confirmation: “by the sacrament of Confirmation, [thebaptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.”(CCC No. 1285).

The New Code of Canon Law describes: “The sacrament of Confirmation strengthens the baptized and obliges themmorefirmlytobewitnessesofChristbywordanddeedandtospread and defend the faith. It imprints a character, enriches by the gift of the Holy Spirit the baptized continuing on the path of Christian initiation, and binds them more perfectly to theChurch(Can.879).

Based fromtheaboveChurchdocuments,wecandefinethe Sacrament ofConfirmation as the sacrament instituted by Christ in which the baptized – through the laying on of hands and the anointing with chrism, together with some sacred words – receive the Holy Spirit in order to publicly confess the faith with fortitude, by word and deed. It is the sacrament in which one is enriched

- 8 -

by the gift of the Holy Spirit and bound more perfectly to the Church. It strengthens and obliges the baptized to be witness to Christ by word and deed and to spread and defend the faith. It is the sacrament in which one enters into full membership in the Catholic Church.

2. What does the Bible say about Confirmation?

The direct reference to the institution of the sacrament of ConfirmationcanbefoundintheActsoftheApostles,chapter8, verses 12-17. Here, we learn that the deacon Philip hadbaptized many believers in Samaria. The apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had received the word of God, so they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for the believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit for the Holy Spirit had not yet come down on any of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

AlsoinChapter19,verses1-6oftheActsoftheApostles,we read that St. Paul came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples. He said to them: Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? But they said to him: We have not so much as heard whether there be a Holy Spirit. And he said: In what then were you baptized? They said: In John’s baptism. Then Paul said: John baptized the people with the baptism of penance . . . Having heard these things, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had imposed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

Fromthat timeon, theapostles, in fulfillmentofChrist’swill, imparted to the newly baptized by the laying on of hands

-9-

the gift of the Spirit that completes the grace of Baptism. For this reason in the Letter to the Hebrews the doctrine concerning Baptismandthe layingonofhands is listedamongthefirstelements of Christian instruction. The imposition of hands is rightly recognized by the Catholic tradition as the origin of the sacramentofConfirmation,whichinacertainwayperpetuatesthe grace of Pentecost in the Church. (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, N. 1288).

3. What are the Matter and Form of the Sacrament of Confirmation?

ThematteroftheSacramentofConfirmationistheanointingwith Sacred Chrism (oil mixed with balsam and consecrated by the bishop during the Holy Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday), which is done by the laying on of the hand of the minister. The form of this sacrament is the word pronounced by the minister: “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit”. It is the practice in the Latin Church that the anointing is done on the forehead of theconfirmandswhilethesacramentalwordsaresaid.

4. What are the Effects of Confirmation?

The effect of the Sacrament of Confirmation is the fulloutpouring of the Holy Spirit like on the day of Pentecost. Fromthisfact,Confirmationbringsanincreaseanddeepeningof baptismal grace:

• it roots usmore deeply in the divine filiationwhichmakes us cry, “Abba! Father!”;

• itunitesusmorefirmlytoChrist;

• it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;

• it renders our bond with the Church more perfect;

- 10 -

• it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross:

The sacramental grace of Confirmation strengthens oneagainsttemptation,helpsoneinpersecutionandfortifiesoneto be an active witness for Jesus.

5. What are the Seven-fold Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit?

ThroughthesacramentofConfirmationwereceivesevengifts of the Holy Spirit:

• Wisdom--rightsenseofGodinourlives-firstthingsfirst

• Understanding -- helps in understanding our Faith

• Counsel -- helps us to choose the right human judgment

• Fortitude -- helps us to persevere

• Knowledge -- helps us to know how to choose what is helpful and reject what is harmful.

• Piety--LoveforGod,confidenceinHim,reverencetoHim.

• Fear of the Lord -- knowing that God is a just Judge -- yes, He is loving and merciful but He is also just.

Fruits of the Holy Spirit will be yours if you use the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the external product of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit:

- 11 -

• Charity--unselfishperson;

• Peace -- well adjusted person;

• Joy -- cheerful/pleasant person;

• Patience -- slow to anger, not resentful

• Kindness/Goodness -- not self-righteous, stands for what is right even when it means standing alone;

• Generosity -- no self-pity, uncomplaining in sickness/sorrow

• Faithfulness--theirreligionisfirstintheirlives;

• Modesty -- decent in dress, speech, action, self control in all you do;

• Chastity -- reverence for your own and the sexuality of others;

6. Who can Receive the Sacrament of Confirmation?

Everybaptizedpersonwhoisnotyetconfirmed,andonlysuchaperson,iscapableofreceivingconfirmation.Inordertoreceiveconfirmation licitlyoutsidethedangerofdeath, itis required that a baptized person who has the use of reason be suitably instructed, properly disposed, and able to renew the baptismal promises. (Can. 889, §1-2). Likewise, theconfirmandmustbeinastateofgrace.Oneshouldreceivethesacrament of Penance in order to be cleansed for the gift of the Holy Spirit. More intense prayer should prepare one to receive the strength and graces of the Holy Spirit with docility and readiness to act (CCC 1310).

Regardingtherightageoftheconfirmand,itisageneral

- 12 -

practice in the Roman Catholic Church that the Sacrament ofConfirmationbeconferredonthebaptizeduponreachingthe age of reason (normally upon reaching the age of seven). However, it can be done before this age if there is a danger of deathorforothergavereasons(cf.Can.891).TheConferenceof Bishops may also determine another suitable age, other than theageofreason,sothatthebaptizedmayreceiveConfirmationwhen they are more mature and have received the necessary formation. In the Philippines, the Conference of Bishops has set theageforthereceptionoftheSacramentofConfirmationtoatleast seven years old or after the First Communion. However, italsoallowsforthedelayofconfirmationtoamoresuitabletime when the recipient is more mature after appropriate catechetical formation.

Inanycase, the receptionofConfirmation,beingpartofthe sacraments of Christian initiation – should not be delayed too much. A baptized would be deprived of an important help inhisorherfightagainsttemptations.

7. Who is the Minister of the Sacrament of Confirmation?

The ordinaryminister of Confirmation is the bishop (cf.Can. 882). Bishops are the successors of the apostles and have received the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders. By administering the Sacrament of Confirmation, Bishopsdemonstrate clearly 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 (CCC 1313).

The bishop may, for grave reasons, concede to priests the faculty of administering Confirmation. For example, ifa baptized is in danger of death, any priest should give him Confirmation(cf.Can.883,par.3).IndeedtheChurchdesires

- 13 -

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 (CCC 1314).

Thus, the extraordinary minister of this sacrament is the priest. Actually, a priest or presbyter is provided with the facultytoadministerConfirmationbyvirtueofuniversallawor the special grant of the competent authority; and can confer this sacrament validly (Can. 882). The following possess the faculty of administering confirmation by the law itself: (1)within the boundaries of their jurisdiction, those who are equivalent in law to a diocesan bishop; (2) as regards the person inquestion,thepresbyterwhobyvirtueofofficeormandateof the diocesan bishop baptizes one who is no longer an infant or admits one already baptized into the full communion of the Catholic Church; (3) as regards those who are in danger of death, the pastor or indeed any presbyter (Can. 883).

II. On the Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation

1. What are the Meanings of the Signs and Rite of the Sacrament of Confirmation?

The sacrament of confirmation is conferred through theanointing with chrism on the forehead, which is done by the laying on of the hand, and through the words: BE SEALED WITH THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

The whole rite presents a twofold symbolism. The laying of hands on the candidates by the bishop represents the biblical gesture by which the gift of the Holy Spirit is invoked and in a manner well suited to the understanding of the Christian people.

- 14 -

The anointing with chrism and the accompanying words express clearly the effect of the giving of the Holy Spirit. Signed with the perfumed oil, the baptized receive the indelible character, the seal of the Lord, together with the gift of the Spirit that conforms them more closely to Christ and gives them the grace of spreading “the sweet odor of Christ”(CCC1293).

Anointing, in Biblical and other ancient symbolism, is rich in meaning. Oil is a sign of abundance and joy; it cleanses (anointing before and after a bath) and limbers (the anointing of athletes and wrestlers). Oil is a sign of healing since it is soothing to bruises and wounds; and it makes radiant with beauty,health,andstrength.Bythisanointingtheconfirmandreceives the “mark,” the seal of the Holy Spirit. A seal is a symbol of a person, a sign of personal authority, or ownership of an object. A seal authenticates a juridical act or document. Christ himself declared that He was marked with His Father’s seal. Christians are also marked with a seal: “It is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has commissioned us; He has put His seal on us and given us His Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee”(2 Cor 1:21-22; cf. Eph 1:13; 4:30). This seal of the Holy Spirit marks our total belonging to Christ, our enrollment in His service for ever, as well as the promise of divineprotectioninthegreateschatologicaltrial(cf.Rev7:2-3;9:4-6)(CCC 1295-1296).

TheBishopanointsthepersontobeconfirmedwithChrismon the forehead in the form of the Cross.

The oil of Chrism is blessed by the Bishop of a diocese on Holy Thursday or during Holy Week along with two other oils - the oil of catechumens and the oil of the sick. This Mass is special and is called the Chrism Mass. Enough oils are blessed for the whole diocese for a year. Each parish in the diocese

- 15 -

sends a representative to the Chrism Mass who receives the oils for their parish for the coming year. Olive oil is used to anoint because in ancient times it was the sign of strength. In thesacramentofConfirmationitisthesignofthestrengtheningeffect of God’s Grace on our spiritual lives.

For the Chrism oil, balm is added. It symbolizes the “sweet odor of virtue” - “the attractiveness” of the life of those who usetheGracesofConfirmationcorrectly.

The Cross is a reminder that we are to bear witness to the Gospel through our lives. We are to be soldiers for Jesus -- to be loyal to Him, suffering if necessary. This suffering would include both physical and mental.

The sign of peace that concludes the rite of the sacrament signifies and demonstrates ecclesial communion with thebishop and with all the faithful.

2. How is the Sacrament of Confirmation Celebrated?

Asarule,ConfirmationtakesplacewithinMassinorderthat the fundamental connection of this sacrament with all of Christian initiation may stand out in clearer light. Christian initiation reaches its culmination in the communion of the body and blood of Christ. The newly confirmed thereforeparticipates in the Eucharist, which completes their Christian initiation.

WhenconfirmationisgivenduringMass,itisfittingthatthe minister of confirmation celebrates the Mass or, better,concelebrates it, especially with those priests who may be joining him in administering the sacrament.

If the Mass is celebrated by someone else, it is proper that

- 16 -

the bishop preside over the liturgy of the word, doing all that the celebrant normally does, and that he give the blessing at the end of Mass.

Great emphasis should be placed on the celebration of the wordofGodthatintroducestheriteofConfirmation.Itisfromthe hearing of the word of God that the many-sided work of theHolySpiritflowsoutupontheChurchanduponeachoneof the baptized and confirmed.Through this hearingofHisword, God’s will is made known in the life of Christians.

Great importance is likewise to be attached to the saying of theLord’sPrayer.Thosetobeconfirmedwillreciteittogetherwith the congregation – either during Mass before communion or outside Mass before the blessing – because it is the Spirit who prays in us and in the Spirit the Christian says, “Abba, Father.”

WhenConfirmationiscelebratedseparatelyfromBaptism,asisthecaseintheRomanRite,theLiturgyofConfirmationbegins with the renewal of baptismal promises and the professionoffaithbytheconfirmands.ThisclearlyshowsthatConfirmation follows Baptism.110 When adults are baptized, theyimmediatelyreceiveConfirmationandparticipateintheEucharist (CCC1298;cf.Can.866).

3. What are the Things to Prepare for the Celebration of Confirmation?

The following should be prepared for the administration ofConfirmation:

a.whenConfirmationisgivenwithinMass,thevestmentsprescribed for the celebration of Mass both for the bishop and for any assisting priests who concelebrate with him. If the Mass

-17-

iscelebratedbysomeoneelse,theministerofConfirmationaswell as any priests joining him in administering the sacrament should take part in the Mass wearing the vestments prescribed foradministeringConfirmation:alb,stole,and,fortheminister,thecope;thesealsoarethevestmentswornwhenConfirmationis given outside of Mass;

b. chairs for the bishop and the priests assisting him;

c. vessel (or vessels) for the chrism;

d.RomanPontificalorRomanRitual;

e.whenConfirmationisgivenwithinMass,therequisitesfor celebration of Mass and for communion under both kinds, if it is to be given;

f. the requisites for the washing of hands after the anointing ofthosetobeconfirmed.

III. Frequently Asked Questions on theSacrament of Confirmation

1. Is Confirmation necessary for salvation?

Confirmationisnotactuallynecessaryforthebaptizedtobe saved. Neither it is certain whether it is necessary by strict precept.However,thereisnodoubtthatConfirmationisveryadvantageous for the growth of Christian life and completing the work of salvation. Otherwise, Christ would not have instituted it.

Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist form a unit,known as Sacraments of Initiation. We may say that without

- 18 -

Confirmation,Baptismisvalid,butChristianinitiationwouldstillbeincomplete.ThusCanonLawspecifiesthat“thefaithfulare obliged to receive this sacrament at the appropriate time”(cf. Can.890;CCC1306).

2. Why is this sacrament called Chrismation or Confirmation?

In the Eastern Church, this sacrament is called chrismation or anointing with holy myron or chrism because its essential rite is the anointing with chrism. It is also called confirmation because it confirms and strengthens thebaptismal grace (cf.CCC1289).

3. Can we receive Confirmation more than once?

Confirmation, like Baptism, imprints a spiritualmark orindelible character on the Christian soul; for this reason one can receive this sacrament only once (CCC no. 1304).

4. How does a Candidate for Confirmation prepare for the Reception of this Sacrament?

To receive the Sacrament of Confirmationworthily, onemust 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. More intense prayer should prepare one to receive the strength and graces of the Holy Spirit with docility and readiness to act (CCC 1310).

Following are some recommendations for those preparing forconfirmation:

• Must freely choose to be confirmed and make theirdesire known;

-19-

• Must be in the state of grace;

• Must have adequate knowledge of the Catholic faith and have participated in required catechetical sessions;

• Must be practicing their faith;

• Should regularly attend Mass and receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation;

• Are responsible for completing all required home study and service projects;

• Must be aware of the initiation aspect of the Sacrament ofConfirmation andbe committed to continuing thefaithful practice and study of their religion;

• Must be willing to participate in the Confirmationprogram of prayer, retreat, communal celebration of the sacrament of Reconciliation, etc.

5. What are the Roles of the Sponsor in Confirmation?

Insofar as possible, there is to be a sponsor for the person tobeconfirmed.ThesponsoristotakecarethattheconfirmedpersonbehavesasatruewitnessofChristandfaithfullyfulfillstheobligationsinherentinthissacrament(cf.Can.892).

Toperformthefunctionofsponsor,apersonmustfulfillthefollowingconditionsmentionedinCan.874,§1:

• Mustbedesignatedbytheonetobeconfirmed,bytheparents or the person who takes their place, or in their absence by the pastor or minister and have the aptitude and intention offulfillingthisfunction;

• Have completed the sixteenth year of age, unless the

- 20 -

diocesan bishop has established another age, or the pastor or minister has granted an exception for a just cause;

• MustbeaCatholicwhohasbeenconfirmedandhasalready received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on;

• Must not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared;

• Must not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.

It is desirable to choose as sponsor the one who undertook thesamefunctioninbaptism(Can.893,§2).

Others roles of sponsor are:

• Supportthepersontobeconfirmedintheircommitmentto a Christian life.

• Must know the candidate and be willing to serve as a strong and long-lasting Christian influence on thecandidate.

• Should be sufficiently mature in their own faithcommitment.

• May be either male or female for any candidate.

• May assist the candidate in choosing and carrying out the candidate’s service project commitment.

• MayhelpthecandidateprepareforConfirmation.

- 21 -

• Must be reasonably informed on current church teachings.

• May accompany the candidate to special liturgies and preparation programs.

• Can encourage the candidate by growing in a faith relationship.

• May assist in determining the candidate’s readiness for the sacrament

• May present the candidate to the minister of Confirmation

6. What are the Responsibilities of Parents of the Confirmands?

Parents as the primary educators of their children in the faith have the following responsibilities as regards preparation forConfirmation:

• Are responsible for initiating their children into the sacramental life;

• Serve as models for their child by being committed Christians;

• Worship with their families regularly;

• Nurture their child in faith;

• Shouldencouragetheirchildtoreflectandthoughtfullyconsider the decision to receive the sacrament of Confirmation;

• Are asked to attend meetings, programs, and prayer

- 22 -

services that are planned to help their child prepare for thesacramentofConfirmation;

• ArenolongerpermittedasConfirmationsponsorsfortheir own child;

• Are asked to assist their child with the immediate preparationforthesacramentofConfirmationthroughprayer, study and Christian Service;

• Can emphasize the importance of the sacrament of ConfirmationbytakinganactivepartinthecelebrationofConfirmation;

• Should stress the initiation aspect of the sacrament by encouraging their children to continue learning more about their faith;

• Should help their child in understanding that the Confirmationserviceprojectisthebeginningofalifecommitted to Christian service.

7. What basic Teachings of the Church and Prayers are the Candidates expected to know before receiving Confirmation?

The following are expected to be known by anyone entering a Confirmation preparation program. Parents and Sponsors should assist the candidates in reviewing these topics:

The Ten Commandments:

1. I am the Lord, your God. You shall not have other gods besides me.

2. You shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain.3. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.4. Honor your father and your mother.

- 23 -

5. You shall not kill.6. You shall not commit adultery.7. Youshallnotsteal.8. You shall not bear false witness.9. Youshallnotcovetyourneighbor’swife.10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

The Seven Sacraments:

1. Baptism 2. Eucharist 3. Reconciliation 4. Confirmation5. Marriage 6. Holy Orders 7. AnointingoftheSick

The Seven Gifts and Twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit :

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit help Christians live their lives more fully committed to Christ. The gifts are:

1. Wisdom 2. Understanding 3. Counsel 4. Fortitude 5. Knowledge 6. Piety 7. FearoftheLord

From the Gifts of the Holy Spirit come the Fruits, which are:

1. Charity 2. Joy

- 24 -

3. Peace 4. Patience 5. Kindness 6. Goodness 7. Long-suffering8. Mildness 9. Faith10. Modesty 11. Continency 12. Chastity

The Beatitudes:

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

2. Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. 3. Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be

comforted. 4. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for

theyshallhavetheirfill.5. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 6. Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. 7. Blessed are thepeacemakers: for they shall be called

the children of God. 8. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’ sake,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Seven Corporal Works of Mercy:

1. Feed the hungry. 2. Give drink to the thirsty. 3. Clothe the naked. 4. Shelter the homeless. 5. Visit the sick.

- 25 -

6. Visit the imprisoned. 7. Burythedead.

Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy :

1. To instruct the ignorant; 2. To counsel the doubtful; 3. To admonish sinners; 4. To bear wrongs patiently; 5. To forgive offences willingly; 6. Tocomforttheafflicted;7. Toprayforthelivingandthedead.

The Precepts of the Church:

1. To assist at Mass on all Sundays and holy days of obligation.

2. To fast and abstain on the days appointed. 3. To confess our sins at least once a year. 4. To receive Holy Communion during the Easter time. 5. To contribute to the support of the Church. 6. To observe the laws of the Church concerning

marriage.

Prayers that Candidates Should Know by Heart:

• TheOurFather• TheHailMary• TheApostle’sCreed• GlorybetotheFather• AnActofContrition

- 26 -

Bibliography

Catechism of the Catholic Church. With Modifications from the Editio Typica,NewYork-VaticanCity1997.(CCC)

Catechism for Filipino Catholics, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Manila 2005. (CFC)

Vatican Council II, The Conciliar and Post Conciliar Documents, newrev.ed.,Flannery,ed.,NewYork1992.

New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law, Beal-Coriden-Green, eds., New York-Mahwah 2000.

The Sacraments, Enrique Moline in AA.VV., Faith Seeking Understanding Vol. I, ed. Charles Belmonte, Studium Theologiae Foundation, Inc., Mandaluyong City 2006.

The Canonical Imperatives of Parish Catechetical Instruction, Joselito C. Asis, Antipolo City 2003.

-27-

Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI)

THE Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI), a non-stock, non-profit mutual benefit association is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is under the supervision of the Insurance Commission and observes sound accounting and actuarial principles.

When it was finally confirmed that the U.S. Supreme Council could not provide insurance coverage to Filipino Knights, KCFAPI was established and started operation in September 1958 to fill the vacuum in providing insurance protection to Filipino Knights and their families. From an initial capital of P32,000 which was donated by 64 KC members and councils, KCFAPI proved its financial strength as its resources continued to expand over the years, reaching P3.0 Billion as of the year ended December 31, 2009.

Through the years, KCFAPI remained true to its founding principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The organization is renowned for its dedicated support for both the Church and Country. It established its foundations, the Knights of Columbus Philippines Foundation, Inc., a charitable and civic organization providing scholarship to poor but deserving youth as well as financial assistance to victims of calamities and the KC Fr. George J. Willmann, S.J. Charities, Inc. which was registered on September 9, 1992 to provide scholarship to poor but deserving diocesan seminarians and studies of priests and KC Council chaplains who wish to pursue further studies in ecclesiastical disciplines.

KCFAPI has set up the “CBCP Seed of Hope Fund” amounting to P10 million. The interest earnings of this fund is earmarked for the priority projects of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. To date, it has also donated financial and manpower resources to build 17 units of houses and one chapel in coordination with the Gawad Kalinga Project. KCFAPI and its Foundations, continue to provide assistance to dioceses, the poor and victims of calamities.

KCFAPI will continue to be one with the Order of the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Church in promoting Christ’s teachings and Spirituality as it traverses its next 50 years of Corporate Life.

- 28 -