Confirmation
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.88 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." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285)
The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated each year for children in the eighth grade or older. An exception to this would be children of catechetical age who receive the sacrament of Baptism at the Easter Vigil. These children should receive all three sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) along with the adults who have been part of the R.C.I.A. process.
Parents have a primary role in the sacramental catechesis of their children. They have the gift and the responsibility to nurture a spirit of faith in their children. St. John XXIII Catholic Community will assist the parents by providing catechetical sessions for the Sacrament of Confirmation, as well as the Parish School of Religion and/or the Catholic school. Parents are encouraged to attend the catechetical sessions, as this should be a time of conversion not only for the youth preparing to receive the sacrament, but for their parents as well.
The formation process for Confirmation begins in August with an interview between the candidate and either Fr. O'Connor.
Please contact the office for further information.
Download Confirmation Service Project Form