Confirmation

What is Confirmation?

What is Confirmation?

In the Sacrament of Confirmation, young people affirm the faith commitment their parents made for them at Baptism. 

Confirmation is an essential part of Christian Initiation. In Confirmation the bishop seals us, the baptized, with the Gift of the Holy Spirit. This sacrament is intended to:

  • Root us more deeply as sons and daughters of God,
  • Incorporate us more firmly into Christ,
  • Strengthen our bond with the Church,
  • Sssociate us more closely with the mission of the Church, and
  • Strengthen us to bear witness to the Christian faith.
What is required to be Confirmed?

What is required to be Confirmed?

All Christians who have been baptized are eligible to be confirmed, and, although the Western church suggests receiving the sacrament of confirmation after reaching the "age of reason" (around 7 years old, or second grade in the United States), it can be received at any time. (A child in danger of death should receive confirmation as soon as possible, no matter his or her age.)

A confirmand must be in a state of grace before receiving the sacrament of confirmation. If the sacrament is not received immediately after baptism, the confirmand should participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation before confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Catholic schools assist the parents and the parish with what is called "initial preparation" for the sacraments. Initial preparation deals primarily with content: What do we believe as Catholics?

"Immediate preparation," which takes place shortly before a sacrament is celebrated, is the responsibility of the parents and the parish. Immediate preparation leads the candidates to look at their relationship with God and with the Church.

If possible the person to be confirmed is to have one sponsor. The sponsor is a model of faith for the candidate and must be a fully initiated, practising Catholic in good standing under church laws and normally at least 16 years of age. It is desirable that the sponsor chosen be a godparent who undertook the role at Baptism.

Only someone who is baptised Roman Catholic or who has been received into the Roman Catholic Church may celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. The parish is responsible for verifying this by collecting Baptism Certificates or Certificates of Reception from those presenting themselves as candidates.

Confirmation candidates:

  • are between the ages of 12-15, individuals over the age of 15, should be encouraged to enroll in RCIA
  • have received the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist
  • are practicing their faith
  • are in the state of grace (Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly)
  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities of a member of the Catholic Church
  • are aware of the initiation aspect of the Sacrament of Confirmation and be committed to continuing the faithful practice and study of their religion
  • have a sincere desire to receive the sacrament as well as an appreciation of sacramental life.
  • register with their home parish for the Sacrament of Confirmation

Confirmation may be celebrated only once. However, the Ukrainian Eparchial Bishop expects Grade 7 students who are already confirmed to take part in the preparation programme at school and in the parish to deepen their understanding of their faith. During the Confirmation Mass, they will be called forward to receive a blessing. Any Grade 7 student who is already confirmed is encouraged to participate in the programme.

The facilitators (small group leaders) and the candidates are all asked to indicate when they are available to meet. Groups will be assigned on the basis of your stated availability.

Enrolling in the Confirmation programme means commitment to taking part in all aspects of the preparation: regularly attending Sunday Worship, Confirmation Community Service Project, Rite of Enrolment, all sessions, retreat. If you are sick or have some other serious conflict, contact the coordinator of the programme to arrange to make up the session. Candidates who fail to participate without a valid reason may be required to withdraw from the programme and delay Confirmation till another time.

If you decide that this is not the time for you to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation, you are asked to contact the coordinator. We will respect your decision, and encourage you to consider being confirmed when the time is right for you.

After you have been confirmed, we record the details in our parish Confirmation register. We are also required to send a notice to the parish in which you were baptised (no matter where in the world that parish is located) and they, too, enter your Confirmation in their records. We can only do this when you provide a complete mailing address for the church.​

A stole is the sign that someone has been ordained as a deacon, priest or bishop. It is not, therefore, appropriate for Confirmation candidates to wear a stole.​​

Parents play a primary and integral role in the preparation of their child for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Parents responsibilities include:

  • nitiating their children into the sacramental life
  • serving as models for their child by being committed Christians
  • worshipping with their families regularly
  • nurturing their child in faith
  • encouraging their child to reflect on and thoughtfully consider the decision to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation
  • attendi ng meetings, programs, and prayer services that are planned to help their child prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation
  • participating in parent catechesis sessions at the parish
  • assisting their child with the immediate preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation through prayer, study, and Christian service
  • emphasizing the importance of the Sacrament of Confirmation by taking an active part in the celebration of Confirmation
  • stressing the initiation aspect of the Sacrament by encouraging their children to continue learning more their faith
  • understanding that the Confirmation service project is the beginning of a life committed to Christian service

Please note that parents are no longer permitted to be Confirmation sponsors for their own child.