St Mary Church

What is Confirmation?

By the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized are "more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a specialized strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence, they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1285).

This journey is about transforming disciples (those who follow) into apostles (those who are sent). The graces received in Confirmation help to bring this transformation about - if one's heart is open to the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is not the goal - it is a means to the goal.

What happens through the Sacrament of Confirmation?

• It affirms our identity as children of God
• It unites us more firmly to Christ
• It increases in us the Gifts of the Holy Spirit which receive through Baptism
• It strengthens our bond with the Church
• It strengthens us to spread and defend the Faith by our words and actions, to be fearless witnesses to Christ and the power of the Cross
• It gives us grace to follow Christ to become a saint!

Seeking Confirmation

TEENS
Teen Confirmation is a two year joureny. Preparation includes a minimum of 72 hours of class time, parish life, service projects, and retreats. Each candidate will begin their freshman year in high-school and confirmed in the fall preceeding their Junior year of high-school. Confirmation sessions take place in the summer months of June & July meeting twice weekly (Mondays & Wedndays) - we gather in large group and then break out into smaller groups forming communities through activities, service projects, parish life events, retreats and discussions about our faith. 


ADULTS
Adult Confirmation is offered for those adults who, for various reasons, missed receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation in their youth.  Adults are usually confirmed either at the Easter Vigil Mass, or at the Cathedral, depending on the individual's circumstances. Preparation for adult Confirmation is incorporated into the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults), and classes are ________________.  Just as in the classes for teens, participants will learn more about their Catholic faith, and what gifts unfold when you welcome the Holy Spirit into your life and heart.
 

We know you probably have many questions about the faith, and we want to walk with you, and help to answer them. Our hope is for you to more fully explore the gift of the Catholic faith and most of all help you see the great love that the Father has for you.

Why get Confirmed? Here are a few short videos which explains the purpose of Confirmation.

• The Sacrament of Confirmation

• Confirmation - Sacraments of the Catholic Church

• What happens at Confirmation?

Sponsor/Parent Expectations?

1. Pray for Candidate.
2. Pray with Candidate.
3. Talk about your faith with Candidate.
4. Attend Mass weekly together.
5. Begin going to Confession more often and encouraging Candidate as well.