Welcome to this important step in your faith journey. As an adult preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic Church, you are responding to God's call to deepen your relationship with Him and complete your Christian initiation that began at Baptism.

What is Confirmation?

Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation, along with Baptism and the Eucharist. Through Confirmation, you will receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit, just as the Apostles did at Pentecost. This Sacrament strengthens the grace you received at Baptism and helps you live more fully as a disciple of Christ.

Your Preparation Journey

During your preparation period, you will participate in formation sessions that deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith. These sessions will focus on prayer, the Sacraments, Catholic teaching, and living as a disciple of Christ in today's world. You'll have opportunities for spiritual growth through prayer, reflection, and possibly a retreat experience.

Your Confirmation Sponsor

Choosing a sponsor is an important part of your preparation. Your sponsor should be:

• A confirmed, practicing Catholic at least 16 years old
• Someone who leads a life in harmony with the Catholic faith
• Not your parent
• Available to support you in your faith journey

Your sponsor will walk with you on this journey, sharing their faith experience and supporting you through prayer and example.

Requirements for Confirmation

To receive Confirmation, you need to:

• Be baptized in the Catholic Church (bring your baptismal certificate)
• Have received First Holy Communion
• Be in a state of grace (celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is encouraged)
• Be actively participating in the life of the Church
• Be free of any canonical impediments (your parish will help you understand if this applies to you)

Living Your Faith

Confirmation is not graduation from the faith - it's a beginning. Through this Sacrament, you receive special graces to live as a mature Christian in today's world. You are called to:

• Participate regularly in Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation
• Continue growing in your faith through prayer and study
• Share your gifts with the Church community
• Witness to Christ in your daily life
• Serve others, especially those in need

The Celebration

During the Confirmation Mass, the Bishop (or his delegate) will:

• Lay hands upon you, invoking the Holy Spirit
• Anoint you with Sacred Chrism oil
• Seal you with the Gift of the Holy Spirit

You will respond "Amen" to affirm your faith and desire to be confirmed.

After Confirmation

Following your Confirmation, you are fully initiated into the Catholic Church. This is the beginning of a deeper commitment to:

• Regular participation in the Sacraments
• Ongoing faith formation
• Active involvement in parish life
• Living as a witness to Christ in the world

Remember that the Church is here to support you on your continuing journey of faith. Your parish community welcomes your gifts and participation in its mission to spread the Gospel.

May God bless you as you prepare to receive this beautiful Sacrament of Confirmation.

For specific questions about your preparation process, please contact your parish office or Confirmation coordinator. (575) 758-2754