Joshua Bennett
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church and is one of the three sacraments of initiation, the other two being Baptism and First Communion. While the Catholic Church does not charge for confirmation, some parishes charge a fee for confirmation classes, which can be as low as $20. These fees are usually to cover the costs of materials and refreshments, and some parishes may waive the fee if it is a financial burden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of Catholic Confirmation | No fees apply for sacramental formation. |
| Cost of Materials | Low or null. |
| Customary Gift | Customary to bring a gift for the confirmant. |
| Stole Fee | Customary to give the presider a "stole fee". |
| Books | $10-20 |
| Classes | Weekly for two years. |
| Fees | $35/child + $10 for each additional child. |
| Fees for Supplies | Varies across parishes. |
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What You'll Learn
There is no charge for Catholic confirmation
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church and one of the three sacraments of initiation into the Catholic Church, the other two being Baptism and First Communion. The Catechism of the Catholic Church warns that confirmation should not be confused with adult faith, nor should the grace of baptism be seen as requiring ratification. The sacrament is to be conferred on the faithful at about 7-18 years of age, unless there is a danger of death or another grave reason.
Online resources for confirmation preparation are also available for free, although donations are often suggested. These resources include video lessons, study guides, quizzes, and additional resources. A 'Certificate of Completion' is awarded to students who complete the course, but this does not mean that the student is confirmed as a Catholic. Confirmation can only be conferred by a bishop or a priest delegated for that purpose.
Confirmation is meant for practising Catholics who received Baptism and Holy Communion as children but were never confirmed in their faith. It is also offered to non-Catholics who want to convert. In this case, candidates are admitted to the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults or RCIA. The process is relatively short, usually about a year or less. Candidates are expected to attend Mass regularly and celebrate Reconciliation at least once a year. They may also choose a sponsor who is over 16, confirmed, attends Mass regularly, and is married in the Catholic Church if married.
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However, it is customary to bring a gift for the confirmant
While Catholic confirmation is free of cost, it is customary to bring a gift for the confirmant. This is a way to show your support and celebrate the confirmant's initiation into the Catholic Church.
Gifts can vary depending on your relationship with the confirmant and your budget. If you are close to the confirmant, you may want to consider a more personalized gift that aligns with their interests. For example, if the confirmant is interested in religion and theology, you could gift them a book on Catholic history or a personalized Bible. If they are involved in their parish, you could give them a gift card to a religious goods store so they can purchase items such as a rosary, a prayer book, or a religious statue.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, you could consider a gift that is symbolic of their confirmation. For example, a simple yet meaningful gift could be a confirmation card with a heartfelt message, or a framed confirmation prayer or poem. You could also give them a religious item such as a cross or a saint medal, which they can carry with them as a reminder of their faith.
If you want to give a gift that will last, you could opt for a piece of religious jewelry such as a necklace or bracelet with a cross or a saint's image. You could also give them a confirmation rosary, which they can use during their prayer and devotion. If you are crafty, you could make a personalized gift such as a handmade confirmation scrapbook or a knitted prayer shawl.
For those who want to give a more unique gift, you could offer an experience or a service. For instance, you could offer to take the confirmant on a spiritual retreat or pilgrimage to a holy site. Alternatively, you could offer to cook them a special meal or bake them a confirmation cake to celebrate their special day.
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Some parishes charge a fee for classes
While some sources claim that Catholic confirmation is free, others state that certain parishes charge a fee for classes. These fees are typically justified as covering the costs of materials and refreshments. For example, one parish in California charges $35 per child, with an additional $10 for each extra child, for weekly classes over two years. Similarly, another parish in Costa Rica charges $20, which includes a $10 book and over $30 worth of food and coffee.
However, it is important to note that many parishes do not charge for confirmation classes, and some consider it a violation of canon law to do so. Some parishes offer free classes taught by priests, using photocopied materials instead of books to keep costs low. Additionally, most parishes are willing to waive the fees for those who cannot afford them, and there are often individuals or organizations willing to cover the costs for those in need.
The fees associated with confirmation classes can vary depending on the parish and its specific policies. While some parishes may charge a set fee, others may suggest a donation or have a "pay-what-you-can" model to ensure that financial hardship is not a barrier to receiving the sacrament.
It is worth noting that, while there may be costs associated with the preparation and materials for confirmation, the sacrament itself is not something that can be "paid for." Confirmation is a spiritual rite that marks the deepening of one's baptismal grace and a strengthening of one's relationship with Christ. Therefore, while parishes may charge fees for the classes and resources associated with confirmation, the sacrament of confirmation itself is not something that can be bought or sold.
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These fees are for materials and refreshments
While Catholic confirmation is free, as the Church does not charge for receiving sacraments, there are some associated costs. These include the cost of materials and refreshments, which can vary depending on the parish and the specific confirmation programme.
Some parishes may charge a fee for sacrament preparation classes, which can range from $10 to $35 per child, with additional costs for each extra child in the family. These fees are typically meant to cover the cost of materials, such as books, photocopies, and other supplies, as well as refreshments during the classes. In some cases, the fees may also help cover the cost of hiring catechists or instructors.
It is important to note that many parishes do not charge for these classes, and some may offer scholarships or waivers for those who cannot afford the fees. Additionally, there are often free resources and tools available for students, parents, and teachers to supplement their confirmation preparation.
The cost of materials and refreshments for Catholic confirmation can vary depending on the specific parish and programme. Some individuals may only need to purchase a book or two, which can cost around $10 to $20, while others may choose to attend sacrament preparation classes that include refreshments and additional materials.
Overall, while there may be some costs associated with Catholic confirmation, it is important to remember that the Church does not require any payment for receiving the sacrament itself.
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Costs can be covered by generous parishioners
While the Catholic Church does not charge for confirmation, which is one of the seven sacraments and three sacraments of initiation, some parishes may charge a fee for sacrament preparation classes. These fees are usually meant to cover the costs of materials and refreshments. However, if these fees pose a financial burden, it is customary for generous parishioners to step in and cover the costs for those who cannot afford them. This ensures that financial constraints do not become a barrier for individuals seeking confirmation.
In some cases, the parish may only suggest a donation, and individuals can discuss alternative arrangements if they are facing financial difficulties. Additionally, there are often no charges for the actual confirmation ceremony, which is performed by a bishop or a delegated priest. The ceremony involves the minister anointing the confirmant's head with the oil of chrism, saying, "be sealed with the Holy Spirit."
The cost of materials for confirmation preparation classes can vary. Some individuals may only need to purchase books for around $10 to $20, while others may incur higher costs for classes that meet weekly for two years. For example, one parish charges $35 per child and $10 for each additional child for first communion classes. However, there are often parishioners willing to cover these costs if needed.
Online resources, such as Catholic Online School, also offer free tools and resources for students, parents, and teachers. They provide mobile-friendly video lessons, study guides, quizzes, and additional resources to prepare for confirmation. While these resources are free, they usually rely on donations to continue offering their services for free.
Overall, while some costs may be associated with confirmation preparation classes, generous parishioners often step in to ensure that individuals are not hindered from receiving the sacrament due to financial constraints. The Catholic Church emphasizes that confirmation is a sacrament meant for all who seek it, regardless of their financial situation.
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Frequently asked questions
Confirmation in the Catholic Church is one of the seven sacraments and is free to receive. However, it is customary to bring a gift for the confirmant and to give the presider a "stole fee". Some parishes also charge a fee for confirmation classes, which can range from $10-30, depending on the materials and refreshments provided.
No, some parishes do not charge for confirmation classes. It is also common for parishes to offer financial assistance or waive fees for those who cannot afford them.
The fee for confirmation classes typically covers the cost of materials, such as books, and may also include refreshments.
Yes, some parishes offer confirmation classes taught by the priest without any books or additional materials, using only photocopies that are discussed in class. These classes are usually free of charge.
Aside from the potential cost of confirmation classes, there are no mandatory fees associated with Catholic confirmation. However, it is customary to bring a gift for the confirmant, which can vary in cost depending on personal choice.
