Confirmation

For Older Youth/ Young Adults in Religious Education:

Confirmation is the sacrament of initiation that completes the grace of Baptism and creates in each person the ability to act as a true witness of Christ. Confirmation enables each person to become more deeply connected to God, unites us with Christ, allows us to seek out and share the gifts bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit and perfects our bonds to the Church. We become witnesses to God's love and mercy and defenders of the faith. Just like Baptism, (which Confirmation completes), Confirmation is only given once and it imparts an indelible spiritual mark upon the soul - a sign that Christ has marked us as His own and gives us the strength and grace to bear witness to our faith.

Sacramental Preparation for Confirmation is a two-year program that begins in seventh grade and requires verifiable attendance at Mass. In addition, community service, retreat attendance, and specific assignments are required. The date for the Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation is set by the Bishop.

For Adults:  Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process in which a person who is not baptized or baptized in another faith denomination, has not received instruction, first communion, or confirmation, journeys with others like them and other Catholics to be fully initiated in the Catholic faith.  It is a process of formation.  There are four steps in this formation process which culminates at the Easter Vigil with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.  The parish community, through its prayers, witness, worship, service, and catechesis, offers the invitation and support for the men and women to be initiated into the Catholic Church.  Weekly meetings are held beginning in September and ending in May.