Confirmation

The sacrament of Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church and is considered a sacrament of initiation, alongside Baptism and the Eucharist. It is typically received by baptized individuals, often in their early teens, as a way of deepening their relationship with God and affirming their commitment to the faith. Through the anointing with sacred chrism (holy oil) and the laying on of hands by a bishop or priest, the recipient is believed to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a fuller way. These gifts — wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord — are meant to strengthen the individual for a mature Christian life.

Confirmation also marks a spiritual "coming of age" within the Church. While Baptism brings a person into the Christian community, Confirmation reinforces and completes this initiation by empowering the person to actively live and witness to their faith. It is both a personal and communal celebration, symbolizing the individual’s readiness to take on greater responsibilities in the Church and in the world. The sacrament underscores the importance of faith not only as a personal belief but also as a mission, encouraging the confirmed to serve others and uphold the teachings of Christ.

  • What Is The Rite of Confirmation?

    This is a ritual, a patterned way of doing something.  The rite of confirmation is a prayer ritual of the Church that witnesses to the sacrament.  The Rite usually takes place within a Mass.  Some special parts of the ritual include: 

    • RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL PROMISES -  A chance to promise again that we will be open and will strive to be faithful. 
    • LAYING ON OF HANDS AND ANOINTING WITH OIL -  like a friend putting their hands on your shoulder, gestures can make love and support feel real and connected.  God's love and support is made visible through these signs which call upon the Holy Spirit.  Since ancient times, being anointed sets one apart and makes them special. 

  • Why You Choose A Sponsor

    From the earliest days of the Church, those seeking communion with the church were supported by specific people chosen from the community.  At your Baptism, those significant people were your parents and godparents who promised that you would be raised in the faith.  They professed their faith because you could not speak for yourself.  Your parents accepted the responsibility of training you in the practice of the faith.  Your godparents promised to help your parents.  

    In Confirmation, you will speak for yourself, you will renew your Baptismal promises.  You will be supported by a sponsor who will stand with you and present you to the Bishop for Confirmaiton. 

  • Choosing A Strong Sponsor

    The Church encourages you to choose, if possible, one of your baptismal godparents to be your sponsor for Confirmation because this expresses more clearly the link between your  Baptism and Confirmation.  This person would be a good choice if she/he

    • Has been close enough to you to have been supportive of your life so far; 
    • Is a baptized Catholic who has received Eucharist and is Confirmed
    • Is a practicing Catholic who participates in the Eucharistic celebration EVERY Sunday. 
    • Lives a good Catholic life.
    • Is at least 16 years of age. 

  • Role of A Sponsor

    The person you ask to be your sponsor should know you well enough to be able to testify, by his or her presence before the community, that you are someone who wishes to be fully incorporated into the Church as a believing, practicing Catholic; that you are one who takes part faithfully in the Church's worship, witness and mission.  When you are anointed with the chrism during the Confirmation, your sponsor will be beside you with a hand on your shoulder.  This is a sign of your spiritual relationship.


    If you have not yet chosen your sponsor, now is a good time to think about your choice:  

    • Is this person someone whom I feel confortable?
    • Does this person live near enough to me to truly be a guide and a supporter? 
    • Will this person be willing and able to be my sponsor?
    • Is this person willing to share their faith life and story? 

    A Sponsor CANNOT BE A PARENT  according to Cannon Law.  Reflect and pray about who you could choose  and then contact that person and ask if they would be your sponsor.  When the person accepts, provide them with the information about your preparation dates and ask if they can attend any special sessions for the rite of Confirmation.

     They will also need to sign the Sponsor's agreement and obtain the needed documentation from their parish. 




  • How Do I Know I am Ready?

    No one is ever ready, worthy or deserving of the gift of the sacrament.  However, you do need to be open to how God will strengthen you as well as continue to be present in your life.  You can make an effort to be prepared to celebrate Confirmation, you can participate all the way, making your responses come alive and keeping your eyes and ears open to see what God is doing.

     The community is here to help you feel welcome.