Confirmation
Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation. It originally formed part of the joint rite of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist, which were all given to the new converts at the same time. Adult converts are confirmed and receive the Eucharist at the time of their baptism, but children are generally baptized in infancy, receive Communion when they are around six or seven and are confirmed some years later. This time lag between First Eucharist and Confirmation allows the young candidates to have a fuller understanding of what is happening when they receive the Holy Spirit sacramentally. Although the Church has separated the Sacraments of Initiation, they still constitute a unity, as, properly speaking, Confirmation completes the baptismal rite. And so, without in any way devaluing their Baptism, the Church urges all its members to complete their Christian initiation by receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Through it we receive what Jesus has promised - the strength and comfort of the Holy Spirit, ever present to help us meet the challenges and demands that face us as mature Christians.
Students prepare for confirmation during the 7th and 8th grade religious education classes. Confirmation is received during the fall of the 9th grade year. See the Office of Catechesis page for more information.