“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. 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 1285)
Sacramental preparation for Confirmation is comprised of parent meetings, sponsor meeting (attended by the parents, students, and if possible, the sponsor), preparation sessions and a retreat. Most students begin preparing and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation during their 7th grade school year and complete preparations and actually receive the sacrament at the end of their 8th grade year. Confirmation Classes go from September to May for 7th and 8th graders, these classes are comprised of sacramental preparation, community service opportunities and retreat opportunities.
All families must be registered in the parish, and students in this program must also be in regular attendance in faith formation classes in previous years. Confirmation is an Initiation Sacrament. It is important that the student is an active member of the parish community into which he or she is being initiated. We ask that your student have regular attendance at both Mass and Confirmation classes for at least two years prior to receiving the Sacrament.
Adults interested in celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation are invited to join us at RCIA.
For more information about the Sacrament of Confirmation, please contact Karin Fakelman in the Youth Ministry Office at 235-5535 or karin@stpatricks-casper.com