Sarah Mitchell
Confirmation is a Catholic ceremony meant for practicing 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. The process is relatively short, taking about a year or less. Candidates are admitted to the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), which is a series of formation that typically culminates with full communion in the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. Requirements for Confirmation include practicing the faith by attending Mass regularly and choosing a sponsor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rite | Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) |
| Requirements | Baptism and First Holy Communion |
| Frequency of sessions | Weekly |
| Session topics | Faith, prayer, Scripture, Catholic beliefs and teachings |
| Session duration | 2 hours |
| Session timings | 7:00-9:00 pm |
| Session days | Thursday |
| Session period | September to June |
| Session fees | $50 |
| Requirements for confirmation | Certificate of Baptism, First Eucharist certificates, initial interview |
| Marital status | Recognized by the Catholic Church |
| Sponsor | Over 16, confirmed, attends Mass regularly, married in the Catholic Church |
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What You'll Learn
Attend Mass regularly
Attending Mass regularly is a crucial aspect of preparing for adult confirmation in the Catholic Church. This process is intended for practising Catholics who received Baptism and Holy Communion as children but were never confirmed in their faith. By attending Mass regularly, candidates demonstrate their commitment to their faith and actively nurture their spiritual journey.
Mass attendance is typically expected to be either daily or weekly. However, it is understood that work or other commitments may occasionally prevent individuals from attending weekend Mass. In such cases, individuals are encouraged to attend Mass on a weekday instead, ensuring they continue to receive Jesus in the Eucharist and nurture their faith. This flexibility ensures that individuals can maintain their spiritual practice despite their busy schedules.
When attending Mass, individuals are actively participating in the Catholic rituals and traditions. They listen to the homily, take part in prayers and hymns, and receive the Eucharist. Through regular attendance, candidates for confirmation familiarise themselves with the liturgy, rituals, and community of the Catholic Church. This regular participation helps them develop a deeper understanding of the faith and a stronger connection to their local parish community.
Additionally, during the Mass, candidates have the opportunity to choose a sponsor who attends Mass regularly and fulfils the other requirements. The sponsor plays a significant role in supporting the candidate's spiritual journey, similar to the role of a father or mother. Sponsors are expected to guide and accompany their candidates through the confirmation process, including attending the Rite of Confirmation with them.
By making Mass a regular part of their lives, candidates for adult confirmation actively engage in their faith journey. They not only deepen their understanding of Catholic teachings but also find support and guidance from the community and their sponsors. This regular attendance helps create a strong foundation for their confirmation and their ongoing commitment to the Catholic Church.
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Choose a sponsor
When choosing a sponsor for your confirmation as an adult Catholic, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, a sponsor must be a practising Catholic who is registered in a parish, regularly attends Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, and has received the Holy Eucharist. They should be someone who can serve as a role model for you, embodying the values of the Catholic faith and leading a life of faith. It is desirable, although not required, to choose one of your godparents from your baptism as your sponsor. This is because the role of a sponsor is similar to that of a godparent, as they are responsible for providing spiritual guidance and support before and after your confirmation.
Your sponsor should be someone who can commit to being a part of your life and spiritual journey, offering prayerful support and guidance. They should be someone you feel comfortable sharing your personal faith journey with and who can help you cultivate a deeper relationship with God and a better understanding of the Holy Spirit.
While some parishes may allow spouses or fiancés to serve as sponsors, others may discourage it due to potential issues such as infighting and the preference for peer-to-peer discussions on certain topics. It is worth checking with your local parish to understand their specific guidelines and restrictions regarding sponsor selection.
When choosing a sponsor, consider someone who is already actively involved in your parish or community and whom you respect and admire for their faith and holiness. This person could be a close friend or relative who meets the requirements and is willing to make a lifelong commitment to supporting you spiritually.
Remember, the role of a sponsor is not just an honour but a serious responsibility and commitment to God. Your sponsor will play an important part in your confirmation journey and will help you fulfil your baptismal promises faithfully under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
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Submit certificates
To get confirmed as an adult Catholic, you must submit certain certificates as part of the process. The specific certificates required may vary depending on your personal circumstances and the parish or diocese you are a part of. However, here is a general overview of the certificates you may need to submit:
Certificate of Baptism
One of the essential certificates you will need to provide is a newly dated Certificate of Baptism. This certificate should include notations from the church where your baptism took place and be dated no more than six months from the start of your confirmation preparation. It is important to note that you should not submit the original certificate issued at the time of your baptism. Instead, you must contact the parish or diocese where you were baptised and request a new certificate. The certificate can be mailed, faxed, or scanned and sent as an attachment.
First Eucharist Certificate
In addition to the Certificate of Baptism, you may also be required to provide a copy of your First Eucharist Certificate. This certificate serves as proof that you have received Holy Communion. It is typically required for those who received Holy Communion as children but were never confirmed in their faith.
Marriage Certificate
If you are married, you must submit a marriage certificate that is formally recognised by the Catholic Church. This requirement applies to both civil and common-law marriages. Your marriage must be solemnised by the Church, either by a deacon or priest, before you can receive the sacrament of confirmation. If you are divorced or remarried, there may be additional requirements, such as completing a petition for nullity on the previous marriage(s).
It is important to note that the specific requirements and certificates needed may vary depending on your local parish and your individual circumstances. Therefore, it is always advisable to contact your parish office or the Director of Education to schedule an initial interview and gain a clear understanding of the specific certificates and requirements for your confirmation.
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Interview with the Director of Education
Q: What is the process for adult confirmation?
A: The process for adult confirmation is relatively short, usually about a year or less. It involves attending Mass regularly (daily or weekly) and celebrating Reconciliation at least once a year. Candidates are also required to attend an initial interview with the Director of Education, where we will inquire into their faith and marital status background, assess their sacramental and formation needs, and cover any other necessary details.
Q: What are the requirements for confirmation?
A: The main requirements for confirmation are that the candidate has received Baptism and Holy Communion as children but were never confirmed in their faith. We also require a copy of the candidate's Baptism and First Eucharist certificates, as well as a newly dated Certificate of Baptism from the church of their baptism, dated no more than 6 months from the start of preparation. If the candidate is married, their marriage must be formally recognized by the Catholic Church, and they must marry in the Church prior to being confirmed.
Q: What is the role of a sponsor?
A: The sponsor plays a supportive role to the candidate throughout the confirmation process. They are expected to validly receive Holy Communion during the Rite of Confirmation with their candidates. The sponsor is also asked to review some online learning modules and discuss them with the candidate before they meet with a clergy member.
Q: What is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)?
A: The RCIA is a series of formations that typically culminate with full communion in the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. It is meant for non-Catholics who want to convert to Catholicism.
Q: Are there any fees associated with adult confirmation?
A: There are no fees for sacramental formation, but there may be a low or null cost for materials. Some parishes may charge a small fee (around $50) to cover the cost of the Confirmation gown for the ceremony.
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Receive the Rite of Confirmation
Confirmation is meant for practicing 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 the latter case, candidates are admitted to the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, or RCIA. The process is relatively short, taking about a year or less.
Receiving the Rite of Confirmation
Confirmation is a powerful experience. It is a sacrament performed by a Bishop, though they may delegate the task to a priest. The sacrament takes place within the context of mass, after the homily but before the consecration of the Eucharist. The candidate's sponsor stands behind them, their hand on the candidate's right shoulder, and the candidate goes up to the Bishop and states their name.
To receive the Rite of Confirmation, you must first choose a sponsor. Your sponsor must be over 16, confirmed, attend Mass regularly, and be married in the Catholic Church if they are married. Your sponsor may not be one of your parents, but other family members who practice the Catholic faith are eligible. You will need to submit a form for your sponsor, which their parish priest will need to sign off on. If you are having trouble finding a sponsor, your parish may be able to help.
Next, you will need to schedule an initial interview with the Director of Education. In the interview, the director will inquire into your faith and marital status background, assess your sacramental and formation needs, and cover the necessary details before admitting you to preparation.
If you are married, your marriage must be formally recognized by the Catholic Church. If you are divorced, but not remarried or engaged, you may prepare for Confirmation as long as you acknowledge that if your status changes, you must complete a petition for nullity on the failed marriage(s) before marrying in the Church. If you are remarried, you must obtain a formal decree of nullity on the prior failed marriage(s) before receiving the sacraments.
You will also need to provide a copy of your Certificate of Baptism, dated no more than six months from the time preparation begins. If you cannot find your certificate, you can contact the parish (or diocese) where your baptism took place and request a new one.
Finally, you will need to attend Mass regularly and celebrate Reconciliation at least once a year. It is important to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) before your Confirmation.
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Frequently asked questions
Adult confirmation in the Catholic Church is meant for practicing Catholics who received Baptism and Holy Communion as children but were never confirmed in their faith. The process is relatively short, about a year or less. It involves attending Mass regularly and practicing the faith. Candidates are also expected to attend reconciliation at least once a year and celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) before their confirmation.
The main requirements for adult confirmation in the Catholic Church are that the candidate must have received Baptism and Holy Communion as a child and must not have been confirmed in their faith before. Candidates must also be practicing the faith by attending Mass regularly and celebrating reconciliation at least once a year. Additionally, they must have a sponsor who is over 16, confirmed, attends Mass regularly, and (if married) is married in the Catholic Church.
There are no fees for sacramental formation, but there may be a low or null cost for materials. Some parishes may charge a fee for adults wishing to be confirmed, which typically covers the cost of the confirmation gown for the ceremony.
