Confirmation

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation usually begins in the 9th grade. Confirmation is conferred on tenth grade (or older) students upon successful completion of program requirements.

This program emphasizes Christian Initiation as a life-long process of entering more fully into a life of faith and service shared by the Roman Catholic community of believers.

In addition to class instruction, it requires regular Mass attendance, personal, community and church service projects, participation in at least one Youth Day event, and attendance at the scheduled Rites, "Spirit Nites" and retreats each year.

Candidates must also choose a (one) sponsor to assist them throughout the preparation process and to mentor them throughout their lives. See next page for sponsor qualifications and responsibilities.

Qualifications of a Confirmation Sponsor

Canon 893.1 states that the criteria for a Confirmation sponsor are the same as those required of a godparent at a baptism. The sponsor must therefore:

1. Be a practicing Catholic, at least 16 years old (cf. c. 874.2)
2. Have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion (cf. c. 874.3)
3. Be living a life of faith which is fitting for the role of sponsor, and not under any sort of canonical penalty (cf. c. 874.4). (In other words, a sponsor may not be living a life that publicly contradicts the moral teachings and laws of the church.) * Married sponsors must be married in the Church (cf. c. 874.4)
4. Not be the father or mother of the one being confirmed (cf. c. 874.5) A sponsor may be either male or female for any candidate.

Responsibilities Of a Confirmation Sponsor

Canon 892 notes that the function of a sponsor is to take care that the person to be confirmed behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the duties inherent in this sacrament. A sponsor must also:

1. Assist in the preparation for the sacrament by helping the candidate integrate the teachings of Jesus into his/her daily living
2. Encourage the candidate by growing in a faith relationship
3. Be an example of Catholic Christian lifestyle
4. (If possible) Accompany the candidate to special liturgies, Spirit Nites and any pertaining program requirements
5. Assist in determining the candidate's readiness for the sacrament
6. Accompany the candidate in person or by proxy at the Rite of Confirmation and present him/her to the Minister of Confirmation
7. Help the confirmed person fulfill his/her baptismal promises faithfully under the influence of the Holy Spirit