The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the 3 Sacraments of Initiation of the Catholic Church.  Confirmation continues and strengthens the grace we first received at Baptism. 

The Sacrament of Confirmation:

• roots us more deeply in our identity as God’s children
• unites us more firmly with Christ
• increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit within us
• binds us more closely to the Church
• gives us special strength to bear witness to our faith in today’s world.

 

Registration

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is carried out in conjunction with our Senior Elementary Schools and the Parish.  All Confirmation candidates are required to complete a preparation program.

Registration for the Sacrament of Confirmation is normally carried out in September of each year.

For youth attending a Catholic School, registration forms are distributed through the school in September and are to be returned to the the student’s teacher.  They will then be forwarded to the parish.

For youth attending a Public School, candidates are asked to register directly with the parish by completing the Confirmation Registration Form. 

Confirmation Preparation

Candidates will receive a Confirmation Study Package with assignments to be carried out as part of the preparation process.  During this time, they will learn about the many gifts God has given us and our responsibility to use these gifts for God’s glory and to make the world a better place in which to live.

The program we are using this year is called Decision Point and is produced by Dynamic Catholic.  The link below will take you to the Dynamic Catholic Website where you can access the videos that will be used in conjunction with the Study Package.

     DECISION POINT (dynamiccatholic.com)

Choosing a Sponsor

Confirmation can be a great experience.  It is important for the candidate to take time to think about what this sacrament means and how the Holy Spirit will affect his/her life.  Each candidate will be required to select a sponsor; someone who will guide them and share their own story of faith with them.

The ideal person to consider might be one of the baptismal godparents.  The Catechism (#1311) and Canon Law (#892-893) both tell us that the candidate needs a sponsor.  Having one of the godparents as a sponsor helps us to see how Baptism and Confirmation are connected.  If for some reason one of the godparents is not an option, the candidate will have to choose another individual.

When choosing a sponsor the candidate should consider selecting someone whom they trust, whose faith they admire and who will be there for them.  This could be a close relative (not a parent), friend or someone from your parish.  In order to be a sponsor the individual must:

• have received the Sacrament of Confirmation
• be at least 16 years of age (for maturity)
• be a practicing member of the Catholic church.

 

Candidate’s Letter to the Bishop

All candidates will be asked to write a letter to the Bishop, stating why they wish to be confirmed.  The sponsor or the parent should review the letter afterwards, but the candidate is to actually write the letter, without any assistance from others.  It does not have to be long, but should be from the heart.  It is a good idea for candidates to research the theology of Confirmation and indicate in the letter why at this time in their life they choose to be confirmed.

The letters are to be returned to the parish and they will be given to the Bishop to read prior to the Confirmation ceremony.

Preparation for the Sponsor

A sponsor is someone in whom the candidate sees a profound faith commitment, trusts and knows that this individual will care about them and their faith.  Being a sponsor is not complicated, but does take time, a caring heart and a listening ear.  Here are a few suggestions on how to be the best possible sponsor:

• Be a living model of faith.  At least part of what this young person admires in you is your faith.  It is important that your faith life is authentic and sincere.
• Pray for your candidate and yourself.  As candidates discern their call to Confirmation, they need spiritual strength.  Your prayers are important for them, but don’t forget to pray also for yourself that you will be able to share why you value and practice your faith.  Attend Mass together, if you can, or even have the courage to go to Reconciliation together.
• Give of your time and share your gifts.  You’ll be asked to spend time together on various activities.  You could share your own faith experiences or write a letter of encouragement.  Let your unique God-given talents and gifts shine.  Offer a gift of spiritual significance; a new Bible, rosary or book about our faith or about a saint.
• Don’t miss the ceremony.  Participating in the ceremony is the easiest part of being a sponsor.  Your basic job will be to place your hand on the candidate’s shoulder, as he/she is being confirmed.  You’re there to be a support, but your role on Confirmation day is only the beginning.
• Don’t forget this newly confirmed Catholic.  After Confirmation day, remember birthday’s and this anniversary as well.  Send a card or make a phone call.  Continue to worship together, or from time to time do some Christian outreach; put those “Gifts of the Spirit” into practice.

 

Scheduling

Date to be announced	Confirmation Study Packages will be available for candidates to pick up at the entrance of the church.
Thursday, May 16, 2024	Rehearsal at St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 19, 2024	Confirmation at St. Patrick’s Cathedral at the 10:30 a.m. Mass.  Candidates and their sponsors must arrive 1 hour prior to the mass.

 

Note:  Candidates in Grade 8 who attend Bishop Gallagher, E.Q. Jennings and Pope Jean Paul II schools will receive formation through these schools this year and will be confirmed in 2024 with their classmates at separate Confirmation Ceremonies to be held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.