Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit—his actions, his gifts, and his biddings—in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community. The latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1309
With aspects of Confirmation changing over the past few years, understanding what is required for Confirmation can be confusing. Here, you will find the explanations to different Elements to Confirmation, all of the forms and doccuments, and short helpful clips as well. As always, if you have any questions please reach out to Nick Maille at Nicholasmaille@gmail.com.
The list below represents the required elements of a Confirmation program in our diocese. While the sacraments are not something that we can earn by checking the right boxes, these required elements will help prepare candidates to not only recieve the Sacrament of Confirmation, but also to live out our faith in our parish community.
Midway through our monthly Confirmation sessions, we will have Check-ins. These check-ins will be a series of reflections to be completed by candidates with their sponsors. As apart of the reflections, Candidates and sponsors will discuss their progress on their Discipleship Plan. When finished with a reflection, please email them to Nicholasmaille@gmail.com.
Your Sponsor
The word “sponsor” comes from the Latin word spondēre, which means to "give assurance, promise solemnly." By definition a “sponsor” is someone who presents a candidate for confirmation and undertakes responsibility for the person's religious or spiritual guidance and welfare.
Some advice in choosing a sponsor: You will be meeting with your Sponsor periodically to go over your Discipleship Plan and Reflection Questions, so your sponsor should be willing and able to participate in your formation for Confirmation. You're looking for someone you trust, whose faith you admire and who will be there for you. Your sponsor should be someone that you feel comfortable turning to for help, advice and guidance, especially in regard to your spiritual life. Your sponsor should be someone who, through his/her example, shows you what it means to be Catholic and who will take an active role in your preparation for Confirmation.
There are some guidelines the Church gives to follow in choosing a sponsor:
Your Sponsor will be asked to have their priest fill out our Confirmation Sponsor Form.
Your Confirmation Saint
Your confirmation name, typically the name of a saint, will serve both as a reminder to your commitment to God and as your inspiration for being a steward of the church. There are many methods for choosing a saint's name, such as picking based on shared traits and skills or finding your patron saint based on your birthday. The most important thing to keep in mind, however, is that you should think deeply and pray about your confirmation name. The common advice for those trying to decide on a name is to research saint names and find one that fits their personality or spiritual goals.