Ready and Desirous
Diocesan Press Service. January 10, 1963 [VI-16]
Ready and Desirous
Report of the Commission on Preparation for Confirmation of the Diocese of New York, 1958-1962
Foreword by the Bishop of New York;
Morehouse-Barlow; Pp. vii, 84. $2.50
Key Quotation: "(Confirmation) is ministered by the Bishop . . . to those believed ready to assume responsible participation in the worship and work of the holy Catholic Church. . . . "Readiness" involves three basic elements - desire, understanding, and allegiance. (The Commission) believes allegiance to be the ultimate goal of Confirmation preparation."
Since December 1958 some 28 distinguished and competent ordained and lay leaders in the Diocese of New York have labored to produce this helpful and succinct report on preparation for Confirmation. Apparently this Commission was appointed at about the time the Miami Beach General Convention had become concerned with the conclusions of a survey which revealed that some 15% of those who are confirmed in our Church become "lapsed communicants". The Bishop of New York had emphasized that "lapsing" resulted in part because of lack of commitment, and a lack of careful, adequate instruction."
So this well-organized book has entered the arena to assist our parishes and missions, regardless of their size, location or churchmanship, in understanding the Biblical and historical background for Confirmation, why it is "normally necessary to full sacramental life", including a charitable view of the "validity" of confirmations, and the necessity for deepening and renewing the confirmand's allegiance to God and His Church.
The concluding chapters are concerned with various methods of preparation, some pertinent cautionary notes put in case-study form, and "follow-up" advice tied in with a general Bibliography. There are four chapters which provide well- documented and really usable syllabi and bibliographies on the specific preparation of children, youth, college students and adults. (Thanks for using this "Syllabus" rather than the more confining "Curriculum" approach!) The essential role of the laity in the ministry of the Church (particularly after Confirmation) has been analyzed well but much too briefly. Churches will find their preparation for Confirmation sharpened and made more meaningful by this carefully prepared report. - - - John H. Gray.