LINCOLN (SNR) – The Diocese of Lincoln published its third “Little Catechism” this summer: “Confirmed for Mission: An Evangelical Catechesis on Confirmation.”
It joins “The Little Catechism on the Holy Eucharist” and “The Little Catechism on Confession,” both written by Archbishop Michael Jackels when he was a priest of the Diocese of Lincoln.
“Confirmed for Mission” was written by Father Andrew Heaslip, director of religious education, to guide the confirmed to a renewed understanding of Confirmation and evangelical mission. It presents the close relationship between the Holy Spirit and mission as found in the ministry of Jesus Christ and the life of early Church, a complete catechesis on the sacrament of Confirmation, the practical side of Confirmation which includes the announcement of the kerygma, witness, and prayer, a glossary of terms, and the 92 Questions.
The purpose of the catechism is to guide those who will receive, or who have already received Confirmation to a renewed understanding of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit with which they are sealed in Confirmation and through which they are empowered to carry out the mission of evangelization. It is written particularly for the parents, sponsors, and catechists of those preparing to receive Confirmation.
Well known Catholic speaker Dr. Ralph Martin, S.T.D., director of graduate theology programs in the New Evangelization at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, wrote a recommendation for the book.
“I often hear from those engaged in sacramental preparation all over the country that, very sadly, many who are confirmed consider that they have fulfilled their last obligation and no longer regularly attend Mass or actively participate in the Christian mission,” he said. “This Catechism is a wonderful resource to help deepen our understanding of the Sacrament and the kind of preparation that is needed in order for Confirmation to bear more fruit in the recipients’ lives.”
The little catechism follows the January 2020 pastoral letter by Bishop James Conley. Father Heaslip said the idea for the pastoral letter was a collaborative effort between Bishop Conley, Director of Youth Ministry Jeff Schinstock, and himself. The three were discussing a cover letter for the “Confirmed for Mission” curriculum and the conversation developed into why a short pastoral letter on Confirmation would be the most effective.
The Office of Religious Education in dialogue with Bishop Conley and in collaboration with the Offices of Education, Youth Ministry, and Evangelization has been dedicating its energy toward a renewal of Confirmation.
The Lincoln Diocese is carrying out this renewal of Confirmation with a new Confirmation curriculum for the diocesan Catholic schools and CCD programs, a digital and printed textbook based on the curriculum, annual Confirmation retreats.
The catechisms are available for purchase for only $2-3 at www.lincolndiocese.org/littlecatechism. To order bulk copies of 100 or more at a discounted price, please contact the Office of Religious Education at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 402-473-0631.
