Sacrament of 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 information regarding St. Edward's Confirmation Classes click here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Confirmation
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation that is closely connected to Baptism and Eucharist, even though it is often celebrated years later. At Confirmation, one is strengthened in the gifts of the Holy Spirit to help us live more fully as disciples of Jesus Christ.
What are the pre-requisites to entering Confirmation preparation?
An individual must be baptized and minimally in Grade 10 or 15 years old to enter Confirmation preparation. S/he should have been in a faith formation program for at least one year prior to entering Confirmation preparation, and be willing and able to participate fully in the immediate preparation for Confirmation.
If my child goes to a Catholic high school, why does he have to go to the parish for Confirmation preparation?
The parish is the place where we live our sacramental lives, so it is the logical place to prepare for the sacraments. The Catholic high school provides your child with a faith-based education. But no Catholic high school in our diocese provides preparation for the sacraments --- it is not their responsibility to do that. If your child has been in the Catholic school, he does not have to attend the faith formation program for adolescents in your parish, but is invited to enroll only in the immediate preparation for Confirmation.
Who can be a Confirmation sponsor?
A person is eligible to be a sponsor for a Confirmation candidate if s/he
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Is at least 16 years of age
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Is a Catholic who has been fully initiated (baptized, confirmed and received Eucharist)
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Is designated by the candidate and willing to take the role of sponsor
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Is neither the father or the mother of the candidate ( or someone in the parental role)
How strongly should I insist my child be confirmed?
We can encourage, guide and be models of faith ourselves. However, we must never coerce anyone into receiving a Sacrament nor manipulate a person into being confirmed if s/he is not open to it. The Sacrament of Confirmation is a gift, and one must be open to receive it. If you sense there is something blocking that in your child, it is best to discuss this with your pastor or Confirmation coordinator.