Sacrament of Confirmation The sacrament of confirmation completes the sacrament of baptism. If baptism is the sacrament of re-birth to a new and supernatural life, confirmation is the sacrament of maturity and coming of age. The real confession of Christ consist in this ‘that the whole man submits himself to Truth, in the judgment of his understanding, in the submission of his will and in the consecration of his whole power of love. To do this, poor-spirited man is only able when he has been confirmed by God’s grace’ This confirmation in the power of the Holy Spirit leading to a firm profession of faith has always been the particular effect which Catholic tradition has ascribed to the sacrament. It is effect which complements and completes that of baptism.
By asking for the Sacrament of Confirmation, it is assumed that the candidate has already celebrated the Sacrament of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. If the candidate is missing one of these sacraments they should contact the parish office as soon as possible.
WHO CAN REGISTER? Students in Grade 7, 8, 9, 10 or older who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation are invited to register.
WHO HAS TO ATTEND THE PREPARATION SESSIONS? Our preparation sessions take place on Thursday evenings at Holy Name of Jesus Church. Each evening is designed to inspire, have fun, deepen faith and build new friendships. Each Session and Retreat Day must be attended by all Candidates for Confirmation. Those who are absent from our preparation sessions may be asked to postpone until the following year. Those who miss the Confirmation Retreat on October 1 will not be permitted to continue in the preparation program.
*Parents of the Candidate are required to attend Session 1 and Session 4 during the Preparation Period. If Sponsors have already been chosen by this point, they also should attend.
CHOOSING A SPONSOR Every Candidate for the Sacrament of Confirmation is asked to choose a “Sponsor” to journey with them in this process. Your sponsor should be a good example of someone who is actively living and practicing the Catholic Faith, attending Sunday Mass regularly, and involved in their parish community. This way, they can be the best example and support to you at this important time of your own faith journey. Before you choose a sponsor, there are some qualifications that are required to choose a legitimate sponsor. Your sponsor MUST BE: 1) at least 16 years of age; 2) has received the
Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation for themselves; 3) in good standing with the Catholic Church; and 4) has to provide proof of their Sacraments to the parish (Baptism & Confirmation Certificate).
CHOOSING A CONFIRMATION SAINT The long tradition of choosing a Confirmation Saint is to be able to choose a Saint that the Candidate feels a connection to, and asks for guidance from Heaven during this journey through the Sacrament of Confirmation. You can choose a Saint you relate to and admire, and ask them in your prayers to pray for you during this time. More direction on choosing a Saint name will be given during the Preparation Program.
SUBMITTING NECESSARY DOCUMENTS FOR REGISTRATION To register for the Sacrament of Confirmation, the following is necessary: 1) complete the Registration Form; 2) provide a copy of the Candidate’s Baptism Certificate; 3) provide a copy of the Sponsor’s Baptism & Confirmation Certificates.
ATTENDANCE AT MASS Since you are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation, you are asked to make a renewed commitment to your life of faith, which includes attending Sunday Mass each Sunday as Catholics are required to do. Masses are held Saturday at 4:00 PM and Sunday at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Introduce your family to Father Larry when attending!
THE CELEBRATION OF CONFIRMATION While our preparation program will be completed together as a region, the celebration of the actual Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in your own parish church.
