Confirmation

Sealed with the Spirit

"For on him the Father, God, has set his seal." — Gospel of John 6:27

If Baptism is our birth into the life of God, Confirmation is our growth into spiritual maturity. It is the sacrament that "perfects Baptismal grace" (CCC 1316), rooting us more deeply as children of God and uniting us more firmly to Christ.

In this sacrament, we receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit—the same Spirit that descended upon the Apostles at Pentecost. Through the laying on of hands and the anointing with sacred Chrism, we are "sealed" with the Spirit. This seal empowers us with special strength to spread and defend the faith, not just as members of the Church, but as true witnesses of Christ in word and deed (Lumen Gentium, no. 11).

Scriptural Foundation

This sacrament is rooted in the actions of the Apostles. In the Acts of the Apostles, we see that while Baptism initiates us, a distinct laying on of hands is needed to complete the gift of the Spirit.

  • Peter and John in Samaria: They prayed for the new believers and laid hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17).

  • Paul in Ephesus: After baptizing disciples, Paul laid hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 19:5-6).

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The Signs & Symbols

The rite of Confirmation is rich in historical and spiritual significance. During the liturgy, you will observe:

  • Laying on of Hands: The Bishop (or his delegate) extends his hands over the candidates, invoking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This ancient biblical gesture signifies the transfer of power and blessing.

  • Sacred Chrism: The same holy oil used at Baptism. Being anointed on the forehead signifies a consecration; the candidate is "branded" or sealed as belonging totally to Christ.

  • The Sign of Peace: At the end of the rite, the Bishop offers a sign of peace to the newly confirmed, signifying their communion with the Bishop and with all the faithful.

Receiving the Sacrament

We look forward to walking with you or your child toward full initiation into the Church. Because Confirmation asks the recipient to personally say "yes" to the faith, a period of formation and discernment is required.

Here is some information to get you started. We have also placed an Inquiry Form here for your convenience.

Youth Confirmation

For our young people, Confirmation is a rite of passage where they personally claim the faith of their baptism and are sealed with the Holy Spirit.

  • Who: Students in 9th-11th grade (typically).
  • The Process: Preparation is a two-year journey through our Religious Education program. It involves weekly formation, spiritual retreats, and community service projects.
  • Goal: To move beyond "learning" the faith to "living" it as an active disciple.

Adult Confirmation

It is never too late. Many adults were baptized and received First Communion but missed Confirmation. This path is designed for you.

  • Who: Baptized Catholics over age 18 who have not yet been Confirmed.
  • The Process: A condensed formation path tailored to adult learners. Classes are often flexible and focus on mature theological discussion and prayer.
  • Timeline: Classes typically begin in the Fall or Spring, culminating in Confirmation at the Easter Vigil or Pentecost.
 

Common Requirements & Documents

Whether you are a youth or an adult candidate, the following are required to finalize your sacramental records:

  1. Parish Registration: Families must be registered members of St. Anthony’s or Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

  2. Baptismal Certificate: We require a newly issued copy of the candidate’s Baptismal certificate (dated within the last 6 months). Please contact the parish of baptism to request this.

  3. Sponsor Eligibility: Every candidate needs a sponsor. This person must provide a "Letter of Good Standing" from their home parish verifying they are a practicing Catholic.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No, quite the opposite. Confirmation is not an end but a beginning. It strengthens us with the Holy Spirit to be true witnesses for Christ in the world. It marks the start of a mature, lifelong journey of discipleship, not the completion of classes (CCC, 1303).

  • The bishop, as a successor to the apostles, is the ordinary minister. His presence signifies that the sacrament strengthens our bond with the universal Church and connects us to its apostolic origins, just as the apostles laid hands on the newly baptized to give them the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17).

  • You are welcome! Baptized adults who have not been confirmed are invited to prepare for the sacrament through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program. Please contact the parish office to learn more.

  • Just like Baptism, a sponsor serves as a model of the faith. A sponsor must be a fully initiated, practicing Catholic (who has already received Confirmation) and must be at least 16 years old. They cannot be the candidate's parent.

Inquire About It

For inquiries about Youth Confirmation or Adult Confirmation classes, please use this form.

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 A Final Thought

"Bound more intimately to the Church by the sacrament of confirmation, [the baptized] are endowed by the Holy Spirit with special strength." — Lumen Gentium, no. 11

May the Holy Spirit guide you as you consider taking this important step in your faith journey.