Let’s try to hurdle RCIA’s confirmation in two gulps. Today, a look at two sections of rubrics; tomorrow the rite itself.
231. Between the celebration of baptism and confirmation, the congregation may sing a suitable song.
A transitional piece, it would seem. The rite doesn’t give any suggestions for the text, but RCIA’s Appendix II (nos. 595-597) does give texts for acclamations and songs. Many of these have been set over the past twenty to thirty years.
The place for the celebration of confirmation is either at the baptismal font or in the sanctuary, depending on the place where, according to local conditions, baptism has been celebrated.
I’ve not always seen this followed. Sometimes the sanctuary or it’s front is used even if baptisms have taken place at the font. Visibility would be the pragmatic reason for trotting out the newly baptized. Is it a good enough reason?
232. If the bishop has conferred baptism, he should now also confer confirmation. If the bishop is not present, the priest who conferred baptism is authorized to confirm.
[When there are a great many persons to be confirmed, the minister of confirmation may associate priests with himself as ministers of the sacrament.]
And these associate ministers may assist either a bishop or a priest.
