Confirmation

Confirmation

Pentecost By: Giotto, 1305 (Scrovegni Chapel, Padua)

“From that time on the apostles, in fulfillment of Christ’s will, imparted to the newly baptized by the laying on of hands the gift of the Spirit that completes the grace of Baptism…The imposition of hands is rightly recognized by the Catholic tradition as the origin of the sacrament of Confirmation, which in a certain way perpetuates the grace of Pentecost in the Church” (CCC §1288).

The sacrament of Confirmation is ordinarily conferred by the bishop, sometime in the Spring. Typically, teenagers who have reached their 16^th birthday, after having attended Confirmation class and gone through a period of discernment receive the sacrament. Adults who are entering into full communion with the Catholic Church (through RCIA), or children who have reached the age of reason (through RCIC), receive the three sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil.

Confirmation brings and increase and deepening of baptismal grace:

It roots us more deeply in the divine life which makes us cry, “Abba! Father!”;
It unites us more firmly to Christ;
It increases the gifts of the holy Spirit in us;
It renders our bond with the Church more perfect;
It gives us a special strength of the holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross (CCC §1303)

Choosing a Confirmation Sponsor

Just as with baptism, the candidate for Confirmation is to seek the spiritual help of a sponsor. It is appropriate for one of the godparents from baptism to act as a sponsor because it reinforces the unity between Baptism and Confirmation (cf. CCC §1311). When choosing a sponsor the following requirements must be met:

they must be at least 16 years old
the must be a practicing Catholic in good standing who has received the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist)
may not be the mother or father of the individual being confirmed

Choosing Your Confirmation Name

One of the traditional practices in the Church at the time of Confirmation is choosing a name that will remind you of this sacrament. Your prayerful reflection will help you decide on that name.

You have a choice to keep your baptismal name, signifying that you are confirming the faith that was given to you at your Baptism.You may also choose to add a name, to signify your new and deeper awareness of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.If the choice is made to add a new name, it must be a Christian saints’ name.If you choose a saint it should be someone you admire and desire to imitate.For information regarding saints, see:

Examination of Conscience

Examination of Conscience: Adult Examination of Conscience: Youth

For Confirmation inquiries please contact the parish office:

(907) 474-9032