Confirmation
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Confirmation is one of the sacraments of initiation, along with Baptism and Eucharist. While Baptism is the sacrament of rebirth to a new and supernatural life, confirmation is the sacrament of maturity and coming of age. It is conferred by the anointing of Chrism oil and the laying on of hands by the Bishop. The Sacrament of Confirmation draws us into a greater awareness of the Holy Spirit, which we received at Baptism. Through this sacrament, we confirm the presence of the baptismal gifts we have already received; we are sealed with the undeserved and unearned gift of the Holy Spirit.
At the time of Baptism, a child is welcomed into the faith of the Church. Parents answered for their child, accepting the obligation of teaching and sharing the faith. Confirmation presents a new reality. Each candidate speaks for him or herself. The candidate professes both their Christian maturity and willingness to serve others. Confirmation strengthens what Baptism began. It is a great step in a lifelong commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church.
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT OUR COLLABORATIVE FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM FOR CONFIRMATION
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Confirmation 101
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Teens preparing for Confirmation must attend instruction in grades 9 and 10 and participate in the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist. Registration takes place through the Youth Faith Formation Program. Confirmation is conferred by the Bishop during the Spring. Teens seeking Confirmation but in need of Baptism or First Eucharist participate in an RCIA program specifically geared for teenagers. Confirmation is conferred by the Pastor at the Easter Vigil. Please contact the office.
Adults in need of Confirmation participate in the RCIA program and prepare for the sacrament with other adults. These classes start in the fall and are coordinated through the area parishes. Please contact the office for more information about this adult catechesis program.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
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- What are the qualifications for a Confirmation sponsor? In order to show the unity between the sacrament of Baptism and the sacrament of Confirmation it is very appropriate for the candidate to choose a Godparent as a sponsor. However, the candidate for confirmation is free to choose another person to be his or her sponsor. The sponsor must be a Catholic, at least 16 years of age, confirmed, already receiving Most Holy Communion and living a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken. If the sponsor is married, the marriage must be in accord with the laws of the Catholic Church.
- Do I need to be confirmed in order to be married in the Catholic Church? Canon law no longer requires Confirmation as a precondition for a sacramental marriage in the Catholic Church. However, Confirmation confers on a person the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit, completes a person’s initiation into the Church and should not be neglected. If a Catholic is not confirmed, he or she is ineligible to be a sponsor for both Baptisms and Confirmations.
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