Confirmation

Understanding the Sacrament

Confirmation is the third Sacrament of Initiation. (Baptism and Holy Eucharist are the other two.) While we receive the Holy Spirit through Baptism, Confirmation is the sacrament in which a person receives the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Through Confirmation, a person is considered a full participant in the faith, a full member of the faith community. This is the same Spirit that stirred the Apostles with the zeal and courage they needed to be public witnesses to Christ. Confirmation celebrates God’s presence in our lives as the Holy Spirit continues to guide, strengthen, and empower us to live and witness the Good News of Jesus Christ. Christians, on the day of their Confirmation, are commissioned to be public witnesses to Christ and his saving works.

Confirmation also produces a deepening of our friendship with God, a more personal union with the Spirit of Christ, and the strength to persevere as members of God’s family. Confirmation makes us realize more fully our calling to be witnesses to Christ by the life we live and the message that we proclaim. For this reason, Confirmation is not just another one of those things that we do because we are of age or because others are doing it. Confirmation needs to be done because we want to live a more Christ directed life. Confirmation is a sacrament of apostolic responsibilities. It is important that the candidate is both ready and truly willing to make a fully mature commitment to Christ and to continue to grow in their faith and relationship with God.

Sealed with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation (Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel, Fortitude (Courage), Fear of the Lord (Awe & Wonder), and Piety (Reverence)), Christians bear witness to Him before the world, and eagerly work for the building up of the body of Christ. Confirmed Christians bear witness of Christ through both their actions and their words. They get involved in community service, volunteering their time, treasure and talent. They live more aware of Christ and more committed to His mission of serving others. Confirmation is not an end to church involvement and faith development. On the contrary, Confirmation is another step in the ongoing commitment of what it means to be Christian.

Who may receive the Sacrament?

Teen Catholics

Teens who are baptized and have made their First Communion are prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation in the 8th grade through the parish school and our CCD Program. 

Adult Catholics

Adult Catholics who are baptized and have made their First Communion, but are not confirmed, may be eligible to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation from the bishop at St. Joseph Cathedral.

Adults New to the Catholic Faith

Please refer to our Becoming Catholic (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program for more information.

Contact: Rob Rodgers, 740-453-3301 ext. 125