About the sacrament
“It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace.”
Confirmation deepens the grace of Baptism: it roots us more deeply in God's love, unites us more firmly to Christ, increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit and gives special strength to spread and defend the faith.
The essential rite is the anointing with sacred chrism on the forehead, with the laying on of the hand and the words: Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:14-17 Peter and John lay hands on the baptised in Samaria, and they receive the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:1-4 At Pentecost the Holy Spirit comes upon the apostles gathered in prayer.
Isaiah 11:1-3 The prophet foretells the Spirit of the Lord resting on the Messiah, the source of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Catechism §1285 · Catechism §1303 · Catechism §1300 · Acts 8:14-17 · Acts 2:1-4 · Isaiah 11:1-3
Steps to Confirmation
Register early. Classes begin months before the day.
- Step 1
Register for Confirmation
Tell the parish you would like to be confirmed.
- Step 2
Come to the classes
Candidates learn the faith together and take part in the life of the parish.
- Step 3
Choose a sponsor
Your sponsor is a confirmed Catholic who lives the faith. A sponsor from another parish brings a letter from that parish.
- Step 4
Bring your Baptism certificate
If you were baptised in another parish, ask that parish for a copy of your Baptism record. If you were baptised here, ask us.
- Step 5
The Confirmation
Celebrated by the bishop, or a priest he appoints, on the day of his visit.
What is needed
Confirmation is usually celebrated by the bishop for young people who have completed the parish catechism classes; the age is set by the diocese. Adults who were baptised but never confirmed are welcome to prepare too.
Requirements
- A baptised Catholic who has received First Holy Communion.
- Attends the Confirmation classes regularly and passes the catechism examination or interview.
- Goes to Confession before the Confirmation day.
- Has a sponsor: a practising, confirmed Catholic aged 16 or over who is not the candidate's parent. A Baptism godparent is a fitting choice.
- Chooses a Confirmation name, usually the name of a saint whose life is an example to follow.
Documents to bring
- Baptism certificate, from the parish of Baptism if it was not here.
- First Holy Communion certificate or record.
- The sponsor's details, and a letter from the sponsor's parish priest if the sponsor belongs to another parish.
- Passport photographs, if the parish asks for them.
Preparation classes
Classes are held through the year before the Confirmation date. Register with the parish office or speak to a catechism teacher after Sunday Mass to join the next class.
Register for ConfirmationQuestions people ask
At what age are young people confirmed?
The diocese sets the age and the bishop's visit sets the date. Ask the parish office or a catechism teacher about the current class.
Can my godparent be my sponsor?
Yes, and the Church encourages it. The sponsor must be a practising, confirmed Catholic aged 16 or over, and cannot be your parent.
Do I need to go to Confession first?
Yes. To receive Confirmation you should be in a state of grace, so candidates go to Confession before the day (CCC 1310).
Who confers Confirmation?
Ordinarily the bishop. A priest may confirm with the bishop's permission, and does so when he baptises or receives an adult (CCC 1312 to 1313).
I am an adult and was never confirmed.
It is never too late. Contact the parish office; adults are prepared in a separate class or through RCIA.