Michael Brooks
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ and continued in the Catholic Church. Confirmation is a Catholic's commitment to know and believe the fundamental truths of the Catholic religion. Confirmation classes are available for all ages, and they typically last one year, with some places requiring a two-year preparation. The process by which non-Catholics become Catholic is known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults or OCIA. For baptized believers, individual churches determine when they may be confirmed, and for unbaptized believers, the process usually involves going through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Confirmation process | Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ. It confirms and completes the graces received during the Sacrament of Baptism. |
| Non-baptised adults go through the "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults" (RCIA) to get confirmed. | |
| Baptised adults who received the Eucharist but were never confirmed can go through the "Adult Confirmation" process, which may be similar to the RCIA process. | |
| Confirmation classes | Confirmation classes typically last one year, but some places require a two-year preparation. |
| Classes are often taken as part of a student's 8th-grade Catholic education classes, but there are classes for all ages. | |
| Classes cover the Rite of Confirmation, the importance of choosing a Confirmation name, and choosing a sponsor. | |
| Confirmation students must be practising and committed Catholics with a basic grasp of the Catholic faith. | |
| Confirmation ceremony | Confirmation is typically administered by a Catholic bishop or priest. |
| Confirmation usually takes place during the Easter Vigil or during the 50-day Easter Season. |
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What You'll Learn
Confirmation classes
Duration and Frequency
Curriculum and Topics Covered
The curriculum of Confirmation classes is designed to provide a solid foundation in the Catholic faith and prepare individuals for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Here are some of the key topics that are typically covered:
- Basic teachings of the Catholic faith: Students will explore the fundamental beliefs, doctrines, and principles of Catholicism. This includes understanding the role of the Holy Ghost in Confirmation and the fruits and gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit.
- Rite of Confirmation: Students will learn about the importance of the Confirmation ceremony and their role within it. They will also be guided in choosing a Confirmation name.
- Prayer and spiritual development: Confirmation classes emphasize the importance of prayer and spiritual growth. Students will be encouraged to deepen their prayer life and explore different methods of prayer, such as attending Mass regularly and participating in retreats.
- Sacraments: In addition to Confirmation, students will also learn about the other sacraments, including Baptism and Eucharist (First Communion). They will understand how these sacraments work together to initiate individuals into the Catholic Church fully.
- Sponsor selection: A sponsor, or godparent, plays an important role in the Confirmation journey. Students will be guided in selecting a suitable sponsor, who is a confirmed Catholic actively participating in the life of the Church.
- Moral and ethical teachings: Confirmation classes also focus on the ethical and moral obligations of Catholics. Students will explore how to apply Catholic principles to their daily lives and navigate the challenges of living a virtuous life in a secular world.
Online Confirmation Classes
For those who cannot attend in-person classes or prefer a more flexible option, online Confirmation classes are also available. These classes cover the same theological topics and provide a convenient way to complete the educational requirements for Confirmation. However, individuals will still need to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation from their local Catholic parish after completing the online preparation.
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Choosing a sponsor
Eligibility
It is essential to ensure that the chosen sponsor meets the eligibility criteria set by the Catholic Church. The sponsor must be an active and practising Catholic who has received the Sacrament of Confirmation and is over the age of 16. They should be someone who regularly participates in the life of the church and is committed to their faith.
Personal Connection
Selecting a sponsor with whom you have a strong personal connection is beneficial. This person should be someone you trust and feel comfortable sharing your spiritual journey with. They should be willing to accompany you to Mass, meetings with a priest or minister, and other activities related to your Confirmation preparation.
Spiritual Guidance
The primary role of a sponsor is to provide spiritual guidance and support. Look for someone who can help you deepen your relationship with God and understand the teachings of the Catholic faith. Ideally, your sponsor will be someone who can offer wisdom, encouragement, and accountability as you grow in your faith.
Commitment
The Confirmation process can be lengthy, and the sponsor's role is ongoing even after the Confirmation ceremony. Choose someone who is committed to accompanying you on this journey and who will be present for the important milestones. Ensure your sponsor understands the time and dedication required and is willing to make that commitment.
Support Network
While the sponsor plays a crucial role, it is also beneficial to cultivate a broader support network during your Confirmation journey. This could include other members of your parish community, mentors, or friends who can provide additional spiritual and emotional support.
Communication
Open and honest communication is essential in the relationship between a sponsor and their confirmand (the person being prepared for Confirmation). Ensure you feel comfortable expressing your doubts, questions, and concerns to your sponsor. Regular communication will help ensure that both parties are committed to the process and are benefiting from the spiritual guidance provided.
In conclusion, choosing a sponsor for Catholic Confirmation is a significant decision that should be made thoughtfully and prayerfully. By considering the eligibility criteria, personal connection, spiritual guidance, commitment, and communication, you can select a sponsor who will accompany you on your faith journey and help you grow in your relationship with God and the Catholic Church.
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Understanding foundational truths
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ and continued in the Catholic Church. It confirms and completes the graces that a soul received during the Sacrament of Baptism. Confirmation is not a graduation from religious education but instead makes a Catholic a soldier for Christ, called upon to live, defend, and spread the faith to others.
To receive confirmation, a Catholic must know and believe at least the foundational truths of the Catholic religion. This means having a basic grasp of the Catholic faith and professing it in word and deed. Confirmation students learn about the Rite of Confirmation and their role in the ceremony, the importance of choosing a Confirmation name, and they choose a sponsor for their Confirmation. A sponsor is a confirmed Catholic over the age of 16 who actively participates in the life of the church and is committed to their faith.
Confirmation classes are typically taken as part of a student's 8th-grade Catholic education classes, though some places require a two-year preparation and confirmation in the 10th grade. There are confirmation classes for all ages, from young children to adults. Classes cover the theological importance of Confirmation, the role of the Holy Ghost, why Christ our Lord instituted Confirmation, and the fruits and gifts of the Holy Ghost.
Confirmation requires a period of education and discernment, and the individual must be a practicing and committed Catholic. The first year of preparation is typically basic faith formation, finding a sponsor, filling in educational gaps, completing preparatory paperwork, and building group cohesion. The second year focuses on Confirmation itself, ethical and moral obligations, discernment, and applying Catholic principles to life in the secular world.
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Rite of Confirmation
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ and continued in the Catholic Church. Confirmation completes the graces that a soul receives during the Sacrament of Baptism.
The process by which individuals become Catholic is known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults or OCIA. This process takes place during the academic year, beginning in September, and ends with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. These sacraments are usually celebrated during the Easter Vigil, the night before Easter Sunday, or during the Easter Season, the 50-day period between Easter Sunday and Pentecost.
During the OCIA program, individuals deepen their relationship with God and learn about the basic teachings of the Catholic faith. They also explore their desire to become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church. The program includes a mix of optional and required events, such as weekly discussion meetings, prayer life exploration, and retreats.
Confirmation students specifically learn about the Rite of Confirmation and their role in the ceremony. They also learn about the importance of choosing a Confirmation name and a sponsor for their Confirmation. A Confirmation candidate should know all the Church's fundamental teachings and prayers and be a practicing and committed Catholic.
The local Catholic parish or priest will provide guidance on the specific steps and requirements for Confirmation, as there may be variations between different dioceses and parishes.
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Confirmation name
In many countries, it is customary for a person being confirmed in some dioceses of the Catholic Church to adopt a new name, generally the name of a biblical character or saint. This practice is also observed in parts of Lutheranism and Anglicanism. The saint whose name is chosen becomes the patron saint of the person being confirmed.
Some people choose the name of a saint that has a special significance for them or whose story has impacted them. For example, someone who loves music might choose the name Cecilia, while someone who has always felt a connection to Saint Dymphna might choose that as their confirmation name. Others might choose a confirmation name that has personal or familial significance, such as a parent or grandparent's name.
Some people might also choose a confirmation name based on a feeling or intuition they have. For instance, one person shared that while speaking with a priest about confirmation names, they heard a small voice whisper "Agnes," a name they didn't recognize at the time. After researching the name, they felt it was significant as Saint Agnes is the patron saint of sexual assault survivors.
While confirmation names are not widely used today, some people choose to add their confirmation name as an additional middle name. For example, George R. R. Martin added his confirmation name, Richard, as a second middle name.
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Frequently asked questions
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ and continued in the Catholic Church. It confirms and completes the graces that a soul received in the Sacrament of Baptism.
The process by which inquirers become Catholic is known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults or OCIA. This takes place during the academic year, beginning in September, and it culminates with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. Confirmation classes are also available for all ages.
Confirmation classes typically last one year, with some places requiring two years of preparation. The first year is typically basic faith formation, finding a sponsor, filling in the education and information gaps, getting the preparatory paperwork done, and building group cohesion. The second year is about Confirmation itself, the ethical and moral obligations of adult Catholics, discernment, and applying Catholic principles to life in the secular world.
The requirements for Confirmation are an honest belief in the Catholic faith, a free choice to be confirmed, a period of education and discernment, and that the person is not otherwise prohibited from participating in the Eucharist.
