Confirmation

“The prophets of the Old Testament foretold that God’s Spirit would rest upon the Messiah to sustain his mission.  Their prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus the Messiah was conceived by the Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.  The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus on the occasion of his baptism by John.  Jesus’ entire mission occurred in communion with the Spirit. Before he died, Jesus promised that the Spirit would be given to the Apostles and to the entire Church.  After his death, he was raised by the Father in the power of the Spirit.

Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighborhoods, society, and the world.  . . .  We receive the message of faith in a deeper and more intensive manner with great emphasis given to the person of Jesus Christ, who asked the Father to give the Holy Spirit to the Church for building up the community in loving service.”
~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

For those over 18 years of age please see the section on OCIA.  Typically children participate in Confirmation classes for two years in 7^th and 8^th grades through Saint Thomas More School or the Family Faith Formation program.

Weekly worship of God at Mass is the foundation of all efforts to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Starting September 7 candidates will complete a weekly journal entry about their experience at Mass. They will write several sentences about:

1. What did you see, hear, and/or experience at Mass this week?
2. Which prayer caught your attention?
3. How did the Scripture readings speak to you?

The Sponsor, who cannot be one of the candidate’s parents, plays a crucial role in the spiritual development of your child. We recommend that you and your child spend much time and prayerful reflection in choosing a Sponsor. Keep in mind the Sponsor will sign a form attesting that he/she:
– is registered in a Catholic parish community;
– is at least sixteen years of age;
– has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist in the Catholic Church;
– attends Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation and receives the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Penance regularly;
– strives to live a Christian life through prayer, by conforming to the teachings of Christ, and by supporting the Church in her mission;
– intends to pay special attention to the religious education and development of the candidate through prayer, encouragement, and good example;
– if married, has received the Sacrament of Matrimony according to the laws of the Catholic Church.

By November 1 candidates will write a letter to Bishop Schlert following these guidelines:

1. Type your letter (one page maximum).
2. Open by addressing the Bishop formally (Most Reverend Bishop Schlert).
3. Tell him:

• Why you would like to be confirmed
• A little about yourself (family, school, interests, hobbies) 
• Which saint you would like as your patron and why
• Who you have chosen as your sponsor and how this person is a Catholic role model for you

4. Share a question about the Catholic Faith you may have.
5. Close by typing your full name and providing your signature. 

---

Bishop’s Questions

Each candidate will be expected to memorize the nine Questions and Answers and will be interviewed in January to demonstrate their understanding.

Sponsor’s Role