Confirmation
The sacraments of Christian initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist – lay the foundations of every Christian life. Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ’s Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ.
Confirmation: Sacrament Of Christian Initiation
Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.
Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian initiation,” whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For “by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special 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.
The information above as well as additional information about the Sacraments of the Church can be found at: The USCCB Website
Resources
Has your child recieved the other Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism and Holy Communion) but hasn’t received the Sacrament of Confirmation? They’re always welcome! You’ll need to get in contact with your local parish to get this set up.
Are you an adult that was raised Catholic and received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism and Holy Communion) but never received Confirmation? Know that you’re always welcome back! Our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) contains classes and teachings on Confirmation and other topics that is necessary for full formation in the faith.
Looking for your sacramental certificate? Contact the parish in which the sacrament took place to obtain your certificate. If the parish is closed, you can obtain the certificate from the Office of the Chancellor.
Confirmation Preparation
A video teaching by Bishop Edward Rice to be viewed by those preparing for the sacrament, their parents, and catechists.
Confirmation Guidelines
Confirmation Guidelines – English
Pautas de Confirmación – Spanish
Confirmation Guidelines with Appendices – English
Pautas de Confirmación con Apéndices – ESPANOL
A – Recommended Confirmation Texts, Videos, and Supplemental Resources
B – Application Form
C – Sponsor Form
D – Evening of Prayer and Preparation before Conferral of the Sacrament of Confirmation
E – The Sacrament of Penance Lesson Plan for Confirmandi
F – Middle School Guide to Penance
G – Works of Mercy
H – Confirmation Information Sheet
H – Liturgy Plan
I – Guidelines for Liturgy Planning
J – USCCB Optional Confirmation Mass Readings
K – The Universal Prayer for Confirmation
L – Parish Records Checklist
Checklist & Due Dates for Confirmation Forms
The Diocesan Guidelines for the Sacrament of Confirmation include descriptions of various documents and records that are used during the preparation process. Some are required to be turned in to the Bishop’s office, some are required to be retained at the parish, and some are optional for use by the parish. Please read through the list carefully and only submit to the Office of the Bishop, those items which are designated as required to be submitted.