ConfirmationConfirmation is one of the seven sacraments through which Catholics pass in the process of their religious upbringing. It is the Sacrament that completes initiation into the Catholic Church. According to Catholic doctrine, in this sacrament, they are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and are strengthened in their Christian life. This strength will help one to be a disciple in the world and to become a more active member of the Church.

Laying of Hands & Anointing

The laying of hands signifies the descent of the Holy Spirit. The anointing of the confirmand, the person being confirmed, with chrism– an aromatic oil that has been consecrated by the archbishop is  accompanied by the words “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” This seal is a consecration, representing the safeguarding by the Holy Spirit of the graces conferred on the Christian at Baptism.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit— Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, Fear of the Lord are enumerated in Isaiah 11:2-3.  Infused with His gifts, we respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as if by instinct, the way Christ Himself would.

I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.John 15:5-11

Who?

When you were baptized, you and your family began a journey of faith in God. Your relationship with God was marked as collaborative. You began to learn how God shows His great love for you and how you can respond in return. As the scripture above indicates, God wants complete joy for you, and He can show you the way to it if you continue to follow Him.

Sacramental Preparation for Confirmation is open to all incoming 7th-grade through 12th-grade students who are baptized into the Catholic Church and have received First Eucharist.

How?

Preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation for young people uses multimedia large group presentations from Chosen and Formed.org, small group discussions, panel questions, journaling opportunities, and some online content. Parents and sponsors are expected to accompany their youth on this journey towards the Sacrament.

To get the most out of the program, we have certain requirements and encouraging suggestions for young people discerning preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation.

In preparing for Confirmation, are you ready to do the following:

  • Approach the Confirmation journey with an open mind and heart.
  • Attend and fully participate in all Confirmation prep classes and activities.
  • Attend Mass every Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation.
  • Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Confirmation Mass.
  • Accept more responsibility in your family, parish, and community.
  • Commit to daily prayer, especially for growth in faith, hope, and love.
  • Select a Sponsor (see suggestions on choosing a sponsor below)

Discerning Readiness

The USCCB provides a though-provoking article on the Sacrament of Confirmation and offers the following reflection questions to help with discerning readiness for the Sacrament:

  • What does it mean to be part of the Body of Christ?
  • What gifts have you been given? How are you called to use those gifts to benefit others?
  • Who are you called to be? What are you called to do with your life?
  • What is the mission of the Church? What is your role in carrying it out? To what are you commissioned?
  • How do the lives of the saints inspire you to “give off the aroma of Christ”?

Choosing a Confirmation Sponsor FAQs

As a parent, what is my role? 
The Catholic Church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their children.  This is especially so regarding the Faith and Sacramental preparation.  Leading by example is the best way you can educate your children in the faith.  Make Sunday mass a priority.  Carve out time (10 minutes) in your day for personal prayer; pray for your family, pray for your child as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Develop or continue a family prayer routine.  If your child has questions about the faith, don’t be alarmed.  Encourage them to ask and seek answers that are true.
What is the role of a Confirmation sponsor?  
Confirmation sponsors are active members of the Catholic church who are willing to walk with students as they prepare for Confirmation, present the candidate for Confirmation, and then continue to accompany the newly confirmed throughout their faith journey.
What are the qualifications of a Confirmation sponsor?
1. Be a Catholic who is at least 16 years old.
2. Have they received the Sacrament of Confirmation?
3. Be a person who leads an active faith life
4. Not be the parent of the candidate. This is non-negotiable.  Parents are not allowed to be the sponsor of their own child.
Can a godparent be a Confirmation sponsor? 
Yes! There is a deep connection between the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation because these Sacraments are connected the Church recommends that godparent be considered for the role of sponsor.
How do I choose a Confirmation sponsor?
Choose someone who fulfills all of the above requirements. The person you choose should live an active faith life (believe in Jesus, pray regularly, attend mass every Sunday). The person you choose should be a role model in the faith and someone you can talk to.

I want to learn more about the Sacrament of Confirmation

253-383-2783

[email protected]