Joshua Bennett
Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church, alongside Baptism and the Eucharist. Confirmation is a way to deepen one's baptismal life and strengthen one's relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. While there is no age requirement for confirmation, there are certain formal requirements that must be met. For adults, confirmation usually occurs during the same liturgy as baptism, often at the Easter Vigil Mass. Adults who have already been baptized but not confirmed can go through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) or a similar process determined by the parish priest. Divorced or remarried adults must also complete a petition for nullity of their previous marriages before receiving confirmation. Additionally, all candidates must have a sponsor who is an active member of the Church and can receive Holy Communion.
Characteristics of Confirmation in the Catholic Church
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Confirmation process | Adults are baptized and confirmed within the same liturgy (usually at Easter vigil mass). Children can be confirmed at any time, but it is common practice in the U.S. to confirm as some sort of conclusion of formation. |
| Confirmation requirements | Honest belief in the Catholic faith and a free choice to be confirmed. |
| Confirmation preparation | Sessions on Tuesday evenings, 7-9 pm. A total of 12 sessions focusing on basic Creed/theology and moral and Sacramental preparation, as well as a retreat. |
| Confirmation sponsors | Each person must have a sponsor, and it can only be one person. Sponsors must be fully active in their parishes and must be able to receive Holy Communion each Sunday. |
| Marital status | Divorced Catholics who are not remarried or engaged may prepare for Confirmation but must acknowledge their status and complete a petition for nullity on their failed marriage(s) before marrying in the Church. Remarried Catholics who do not obtain a formal decree of nullity on their prior marriage(s) may not receive any sacraments unless the Church grants the annulment. |
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What You'll Learn
Confirmation sponsors
The primary role of a confirmation sponsor is to provide prayerful support and guidance to the candidate, helping them develop a deeper relationship with God and a better understanding of their faith. Sponsors should pray regularly with and for the candidate, guiding them in their spiritual journey and serving as a mentor. Sponsors are also responsible for ensuring that the candidate behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfils their obligations.
While it is preferred for sponsors to be Catholic, it is not a strict requirement. However, sponsors should follow the same sacraments and actively participate in the Church. Sponsors who are not Catholic may still fulfil the role effectively by providing spiritual support and guidance within their own faith tradition. Ultimately, the role of a confirmation sponsor is to accompany the candidate on their spiritual journey, offering wisdom and encouragement as they grow in their faith.
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Adult Confirmation process
Confirmation is a Catholic sacrament, and there are some formal requirements that must be met before an adult can be confirmed. The specific requirements may vary depending on the individual's circumstances, their church, and their location.
For adults who have been baptised and received the sacrament of the First Eucharist but were not confirmed as children, most parishes have an "Adult Confirmation" process. This process is designed for adults who are active in their Catholic faith but were unable to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for various reasons. The "Adult Confirmation" process may be similar to the "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults" (RCIA) or might differ.
To be confirmed, an adult Catholic must have a sponsor who is a fully initiated Catholic. The sponsor must have already been baptised Catholic, confirmed, and received the First Eucharist. If married, the sponsor must be in a valid Catholic marriage. The sponsor will bring the candidate to receive the sacrament and present them to the minister for anointing.
The preparation process for confirmation varies from parish to parish, and each pastor determines the best means to prepare individuals for the sacrament. This may involve classes or extra requirements to ensure the believer can "receive both doctrinal and spiritual preparation". The candidate should learn to deepen their inner adherence to the Church. The preparation process may also involve re-introduction and re-familiarization with the Catholic sacraments, with a special emphasis on the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Confirmation candidates must also register for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. This usually involves submitting a registration form, along with a copy of their baptismal certificate, to the parish or the Office of Adult Faith Formation. In some cases, the pastor may determine that the individual's needs would be better served by participating in a diocesan preparation process for the Sacrament of Confirmation. These diocesan preparation sessions are intended for Catholic adults aged 18 years and older.
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Confirmation classes
The purpose of Confirmation classes is to provide both doctrinal and spiritual preparation for individuals seeking to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. The classes aim to ensure that candidates have a basic grasp of the Catholic Faith and are able to profess it in word and deed. This includes understanding the foundational truths of the Catholic religion, such as the role of the Holy Ghost in Confirmation, the fruits and gifts of the Holy Ghost, and the Church's teachings on morality, divine revelation, Scriptures, and more.
Online Confirmation classes are also available, offering flexible and affordable options for individuals to complete the preparation at their own pace. These courses cover similar theological content to in-person classes and are recognized by the Catholic Church. However, individuals will still need to have their local Catholic parish administer the Sacrament after completing the online preparation.
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Marital status
For Catholics who are divorced but not remarried or engaged, they may prepare for Confirmation. However, they must acknowledge that if they remarry, they need to complete a petition for nullity on their previous marriage(s) before marrying again in the Church. Failure to do so will place them outside the state of grace, disqualifying them from receiving the sacraments.
Catholics who divorce and remarry without obtaining a formal decree of nullity on their previous marriage(s) are generally unable to receive the sacraments, including Confirmation. They must complete the required petition, and even then, there is no guarantee that the Church will grant an annulment.
Civilly or common-law married Catholics must marry in the Catholic Church before being confirmed. This is because the Church does not recognize civil marriages, considering the couple to be living together without the benefit of marriage. By marrying in the Church, they can rectify their irregular marital situation and return to the faith as practicing Catholics.
Baptized Catholic adults who have celebrated their First Holy Communion but lack the Sacrament of Confirmation are eligible for Adult Confirmation. However, they must not have any impediments related to marital status, such as an invalid marriage in the eyes of the Church.
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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Confirmation is a formal ritual in the Catholic Church through which individuals receive the Holy Spirit and become adult members of the Church. For those who were baptised as infants, confirmation completes their initiation into the Catholic community.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process through which non-baptised adults can enter the Catholic Church. The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way for adults to prepare for baptism.
The RCIA process involves several stages marked by study, prayer, and rites at Mass. Participants in the RCIA are known as Catechumens. They undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess their faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.
Prior to beginning the RCIA process, an individual comes to some knowledge of Jesus Christ, considers their relationship with Jesus, and is usually attracted in some way to the Catholic Church. This period is known as the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate. After conversation with an advisor or spiritual guide, the person, known as an "Inquirer", may decide to seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens.
During the Rite of Election, the Catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in a book, and they are called the Elect. The days of Lent are the final Period of Purification and Enlightenment leading up to the Easter Vigil. Lent is a period of preparation marked by prayer, study, and spiritual direction for the Elect, and prayers for them by the parish communities.
At the Easter Vigil, the Elect celebrate all the sacraments of initiation and are thereafter called Neophytes. They are considered full members of the Christian faithful.
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Frequently asked questions
Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation, along with Baptism and the Eucharist, and is considered a foundation of the Christian life. Confirmation is a deepening of baptismal life, calling Catholics to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ.
The requirements for confirmation include an honest belief in the Catholic faith and a free choice to be confirmed. Confirmation candidates must also receive doctrinal and spiritual preparation, adapted to individual pastoral needs. For adults, confirmation is often coupled with baptism within the same liturgy. Divorced or remarried adults must also complete a petition for nullity before receiving confirmation.
The confirmation process involves preparation sessions that focus on basic creed/theology, moral and sacramental preparation, and a retreat. Candidates must attend all sessions and may be required to pass a test. For adults, confirmation may be similar to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process.
A confirmation sponsor must be a single person who is an active member of the Church, following the same sacraments, and able to receive Holy Communion each Sunday. Sponsors are encouraged to attend all preparation sessions to support the candidate.
There is no age requirement for confirmation in the Catholic Church. The timing of confirmation is determined by individual churches and can vary. Children can be confirmed at any time, while adults are often confirmed during the Easter vigil mass.
