Understanding the Soil in which the Seed is Sown: how Catholic Confirmation Candidates and Catechists Perceive and Experience Spirituality

Spirituality is intrinsic to the Sacrament of Confirmation within the Roman Catholic Church. Enshrined within the rite of the Sacrament is the ‘gift of the Holy Spirit’ (Order of Confirmation, 2016). It has been referred to as ‘the … ‘sacrament of the Spirit’’ (Rahner, 1975, p.5 ff) and a Sacrament that celebrates ‘the Spirit of God’ (Mick, 2006, p.18). The Catholic Update Guide to Confirmation (ed. Kendzia, 2012, p.21) refers to the Sacrament as potentially leading to a ‘spiritual awakening’.

Using hermeneutic phenomenology, this thesis explores the perceptions and experiences of spirituality of 10 school age candidates for Confirmation (aged 11+) from three parishes. Interviews were also conducted with catechists (or peer leaders), three older adults and two young people aged over 18 but below 30.The conclusions drawn are intended to develop understanding of how young people may perceive and experience spirituality, not to develop generalisations to be applied without further work. The thesis also highlights potential lessons for catechesis moving forwards and areas for further exploration relating to spirituality within the context of Catholic Confirmation courses.

Within this thesis I argue that perceptions of spirituality of young Catholics preparing for Confirmation (the candidates) cannot be assumed. They may, for instance, be influenced by family activities and by those accompanying the young person on their journey through life. How the candidates perceive and experience spirituality may impact on how they interact with the Confirmation preparation programmes. These perceptions should be explored and understood in academic work and in the practical work of the catechists leading Confirmation programmes, through the lens of the young people participating in those programmes.