? for Catholics please

[Liz]

We got an invitation in the mail for our neighbors two daughters inviting us to attend their "confirmation". I don't know what this is or if its the same as a "first communion" (not that I would know what that is either)!

These are great neighbors and I'm wondering what is appropriate. Not sure if we will be able to attend but should we buy a gift or take a card and if so should we put some money in the card? Since I'm so unsure as to what this is I don't know what to do!

HELP! Thanks!

 

[2angelsinheaven]

Here is a link to an explanation: Confirmation

In my opinion its another way to "confirm" your commitment to your religion. It's the last sacrament most people make other than marriage. You do not need to be catholic to attend. It can be interesting to see, but if you have not been to roman catholic church before it may be quiet overwhelming. Service is more formal than many other religions. More praying, more "rituals", etc. You won't feel out of place though, a lot of non Catholics go to such things, just when they do the communion you will not go up. It's not the same as First Communion that is done in 1st or 2nd grade. This is a sacrament done after many years in Catholic Education/Cathecism, and after Baptism, Reconciliation, Communion and then Confirmation.

If you cannot attend you could either send a card of congratulations (they will have some for this at Walmart, etc.) with money or you may want to donate in her name to the church or charity or a small religious trinket or such. Do what's right for you.

 

[stinkerbelle]

Honestly - I know my family didn't make a big deal out of it at either mine or my brother's confirmations...it was just a family function.

Ours were both extremely long services (I stood up for my brother and fell asleep in the pew actually - so bad). I think if you want to attend a card and maybe something in the $25 range is sufficient.

it's not really a big "gift giving" type thing...we usually have already recieved rosary beads/crosses at our first communion.

 

[Kim&Chris]

As the previous poster said, it's the final step.

If they are good neighbors, I'd give a card with anywhere from $25 to $40 in it.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I would sort of think of it as a 'second baptism' for an older child (usually, though could be an adult too) (and I will probably get in 'trouble' for trying to draw a parallel, LOL) and as an invited guest, do as you might do for a baptism, card, gift, whatever. My thoughts.

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04215b.htm

 

[TiggerPiglet]

You're basically reconfirming your batismal vows. At confirmation you are making the vows to be a good Catholic and to practice the Catholic faith, unlike baptism where other people make vows that they will make sure you will be a good Catholic and practice the catholic faith. At Confirmation you also have a sponsor, someone that stands up for you at the time you make your vows.

An appropriate gift depends on how close you are to the child. I see they're neighbors, so maybe somewhere around $25 would be good, but it's really up to you.

 

[Liz]

Thanks for the great replies! That totally clears it up and gives me a direction to go in!!