No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” (1 Corinthians 12: 3b-7)
Confirmation enriches its recipients with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, joins them more perfectly to the Church and strengthens them in witnessing to Christ by word and deed.
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 Religious Education Program. Confirmation is conferred by the Bishop during the summer following the 10th grade.
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. For more information 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.
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.
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.