What is Confirmation?

Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation which completes Baptism through sealing in the Holy Spirit.  Preparation for Confirmation is a two year process (levels 7 & 8) which involves service to the church and the community, attendance of Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation, faith formation classes, and in-person church gatherings.

Confirmation preparation involves learning, sharing, serving, fellowship, spiritual growth and fun!  Students will be given the opportunity to learn more about their Catholic faith and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation.  While Baptism is the first step of initiation into the life of the Church, Confirmation can be seen as the completion of the Baptismal commitment.  According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “The reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace” (no. 1285).   There are two primary effects from the sacrament of Confirmation: strengthening of one’s bond with the Church and reception of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
 
The following guide details the requirements and expectations of Good Shepherd Church for those youth enrolled in Confirmation preparation as well as the expectations of parents and sponsors.  This commitment involves the whole family and we ask that you carefully examine the expectations.

Who May Be Confirmed? 

Confirmation candidates must:

1. Have received the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist.
2. Be between the ages of twelve and eighteen.
3. Have been adequately catechized (prepared) in the Roman Catholic faith. This is usually accomplished through ongoing participation in a Roman Catholic parish or school-sponsored religious education program.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the obligations of a practicing member of the Catholic Church.
5. Have a sincere desire to receive the sacrament as well as an appreciation of sacramental life.
6. Have sincerely attempted to fulfill the expectations as outlined in this guidebook.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS

“As the primary educators of their children:  parents are to be intimately involved in the catechesis for Confirmation.  This will help them renew and strengthen their own faith, besides enabling them to set a better example for their children.”(NCD, no. 119)
 
All parents are expected to:

1. Ensure that their candidate participates in Mass regularly, ideally with the entire family.
2. Being actively involved in the Confirmation preparation of the candidate.
3. Engaging in discussions about the material being studied, including sharing your understanding and perspective.
4. Praying for your child’s spiritual growth every day.
5. Supporting and encouraging completion of assignments, activities and expectations.
6. Faithfully bringing your teen (and when necessary yourself) to, classes, retreats, meetings and special events.
7. Volunteer for retreats, service work, meetings, classes, spiritual events and/or social events.
8. Model responsible and active church membership for your child.