Confirmation Confirmandi (8th Grade)

Through the laying on of hands and the anointing with chrism, the sacrament of Confirmation unites the Baptized more intimately to Christ and to his Church by the power of the Holy Spirit and the sign of the cross. Empowered by the spirit, the graces of our Baptism, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the fully initiated are enabled to be disciples who participate in the mission of the Church. This mission includes the salvation of souls and the transformation of society into God's kingdom of justice, love and peace. (CCC #1285).

Catechisis for the sacrament is an ongoing responsibility of both parents and parish. Parents, Pastor and catechists should be able to see some evidence of an active faith-life in the witness of the candidate's participation in the sacramental life of the Church. Candidates for Sacrament of Confirmation:

• must be continuous religious instruction, or its equivalent;
• have completed the required number of years of religious instruction exclusive of Kindergarten
• willingly participate in immediate preparation for Confirmation.

Choosing a Sponsor

• A sponsor must be a practicing catholic who has received all the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism; Confirmation and Eucharist
• A sponsor must be at least 16 years old.
• A Sponsor cannot be a parent of the candidate
• Characteristics of a sponsor: faith-filled; open and honest ; willing to journey with the candidate
  
  
  

Sponsor Eligibility Form
This is a form from the sponsor’s current parish that indicates the sponsor practices his/her faith in the Parish Community. It should be attached to the application form.
More on selecting a Sponsor

Choosing a name
Traditionally, we choose a Confirmation name. The name can be related or your baptismal name or it can be a name of a Saint or biblical figure. Candidates will research the name and then do a report on the Saint. It should be attached to the application form.

Service
To impress upon the candidates how important it is to live like Christ did (Matthew 25: 31-46), the candidates will do community service in both 7th and 8th grade. The service should be based on the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Opportunities will be supplied through the parishes but not limited to projects offered. There are no specific number of hours required.

Candidates are expected

• to complete the application for Confirmation in their first year of preparation.
• to participate in the liturgical life of the Church. They are expected to attend Mass on a weekly basis and receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Penance on a regular basis.
• to be formed in their faith with regular attendance of Faith Formation Sessions. Candidates are expected to have a working knowledge of their faith and also able to articulate why they wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
• In the second year of Confirmation Preparation which is currently the 8th grade level, the candidate is expected to attend at least four of the six scheduled sessions of immediate preparation for the reception of the sacrament. These sessions will be held on Sunday evenings.
  
  

Candidates will be interviewed during the second year of Confirmation Preparation.

If you have any questions, please call the Faith Formation Office at 856-767-3414 or e-mail