Sacramental Preparation

Confirmation brings about a fuller relationship with the Holy Spirit, and calls us to intentionally live out our relationship with Jesus through the Church. In light of this, sacramental preparation focuses on noticing and responding to the activity of the Holy Spirit in daily life, and discerning how one intends to deepen his or her relationship with Christ. 

This preparation focuses on intellectual and spiritual formation. Intellectually, this means deepening our understanding of the Holy Spirit, the Church, and the sacraments. Spiritually, this means committing to a regular prayer practice, and reflection on how God has been present in prayer and in daily life. It also includes a day-long retreat (date TBD); this is a chance to more deeply listen, reflect, and respond to God’s action in our life. Together, these are intended to help students think about and discern how their faith is integrated throughout their life.

Since one of the graces of Confirmation is a more perfect bond with the Church community (Catechism, sec. 1303), part of formation leading up to Confirmation is integration with the Church community. Four important elements are sponsor, parish community, the communion of saints, and family.

Those being confirmed will choose a sponsor, whose role is to help them act “as true witnesses to Christ” and live out the fruits of the Sacrament of Confirmation (Code of Canon Law, can. 892). Sponsors should be someone that sets this example of Christian witness, and that the Confirmation candidate feels comfortable talking with and learning from. More information will be sent out regarding sponsors in the coming weeks. 

The parish community participates in the candidates' formation in various ways. Some lead sessions during the Confirmation preparation process, allowing those preparing for the sacrament to see and hear the witness of Christian life from different people in the community.

The communion of saints is a living community accompanying the Confirmation candidate into this next step of the Christian journey. Part of the spiritual formation leading up to Confirmation is praying with these holy men and women, particularly through choosing one as a Confirmation patron saint.

As in every aspect of their development, candidates’ family can play an important role in growing their relationship with God. Two vital ways that families do this are by modeling and enabling regular Sunday Mass attendance, and by creating an environment where thoughts, questions, and concerns related to faith are openly shared. 

Adults who are beginning their journey toward becoming Catholic or have not received all Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) are enrolled in RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.

Adults enrolled in RCIA will receive their Confirmation at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday along with the other Sacraments of Initiation.