Confirmation

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together.
And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were
all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues,
as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.
Acts 2:1- 4

Confirmation brings to completion the Sacraments of Initiation with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and a deepening of the graces received at Baptism. At Confirmation, Candidates are anointed with Holy Chrism on the forehead and the words 'Accipe signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti' [Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.]. Through the anointing, usually performed by the bishop, the Candidate receives the seal of the Holy Spirit.

Prior to recieveing the Sacrament of Confirmation, Candidates should be prepared to profess their faith, have chosen to receive the Sacrament, and accepted their call to be disciples and witness of Christ through their life and character. In addition to preparation through Catechesis, candidates must be in a state of grace to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Much like the apostles received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the newly confirmed receive the Holy Spirit in a more powerful way.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit, received in the Sacrament of Confirmation, gives the faithful the courage and strength to profess the name of Christ, defend their faith boldly, and strengthen their bond with Christ and His Church.

Youth Confirmation
For confirmation within the parishes, our religious education and school programs require two years of preparation. Students are generally confirmed between 8th and 10th grade.

Adult Confirmation
Adult confirmation programs of approximately eight weeks in length are offered in many parishes for adults who are formed, practicing Catholics who simply missed Confirmation somehow along the way. For those who are not formed and practicing Catholics, it may be most appropriate to participate in the OCIA process to complete initiation.

Confirmation is highly encouraged but NOT ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED prior to being married within the Catholic Church.

Sponsors
Note that there are very specific requirements that must be met for someone to be a Confirmation Sponsor. BEFORE you select a Confirmation sponsor, contact your parish for more information.

For more information on your sacramental questions, please contact your parish office.

Frequently Asked Questions

What readings can we use? During the Easter season, the readings of the day are to be used. Outside the Easter Season, readings from the Ritual Masses for Confirmation may be selected if the readings of the day are inappropriate.

How many servers do we need? 5-7 EXPERIENCED servers.

Can the children wear robes? Robes are highly discouraged for the students being confirmed. Confirmation robes look like graduation robes and give the wrong impression of the sacrament. In addition, they are inappropriate usually for adults and many confirmations have both children and adults participating. Our Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office has a variety of suggestions on ways to appropriately catechize both students and their parents regarding appropriate attire for the sacrament.

Do we have to have a Deacon? While not absolutely required, every parish should make an effort to have at least one deacon serve at the Confirmation liturgy. 

When should we serve the meal? While the meal is not required, if it is offered, it should be 2 hours before the start of the Mass, or immediately after the Mass.

Confirmation Information Form