Rachel Evans
Confirmation is a Catholic ceremony 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, and involves attending Mass regularly, celebrating Reconciliation at least once a year, and receiving an initial interview with a representative of the Church. Candidates for confirmation are expected to choose a sponsor who will support them on their faith journey and attend the Rite of Confirmation with them. The sponsor must be over 16, confirmed, attend Mass regularly, and be married in the Catholic Church if they are married. The confirmation ceremony typically takes place within the context of mass, after the homily but before the consecration of the Eucharist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Requirements | Baptized Catholic adults who have celebrated First Holy Communion but lack the Sacrament of Confirmation. |
| A newly dated Certificate of Baptism with notations from the church of their baptism, dated no more than 6 months from the time preparation begins. | |
| A Certificate of First Eucharist. | |
| If married, marriage must be formally recognized by the Catholic Church. | |
| If divorced, must not be remarried or engaged, and must acknowledge that if this status changes, they must complete a petition for nullity before marrying in the Church. | |
| Candidates must practice the faith by attending Mass regularly (daily or weekly). | |
| Candidates must celebrate Reconciliation at least once a year. | |
| Candidates must choose a sponsor who is over 16, confirmed, attends Mass regularly, and (if married) is married in the Catholic Church. | |
| Candidates must attend the Rite of Confirmation with their sponsor. | |
| Candidates must review online learning modules on www.formed.org prior to meeting with a clergy member. | |
| Cost | $50 fee for adults wishing to be confirmed, covering the cost of the Confirmation gown for the Ceremony. |
| Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) | A series of formation that typically culminates with full communion in the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. |
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What You'll Learn
Attend Mass regularly
Attending Mass is a key part of practising the Catholic faith. If you are seeking adult confirmation, you should aim to attend Mass regularly, either daily or weekly. If your job prevents you from attending Mass at the weekend, you are encouraged to attend on a weekday instead.
Attending Mass is an important way to nurture your faith and receive Jesus in the Eucharist. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), which should be done at least once a year, and before your Confirmation.
The Mass is a communal celebration, and you will be joining other Catholics in prayer and worship. The Mass is typically led by a priest, and includes readings from the Bible, hymns, prayers, and the consecration of the Eucharist. As a Catholic, you are expected to participate in the Mass, and not simply observe. This includes standing, kneeling, and reciting prayers.
When you attend Mass, you will be able to receive guidance and support from the priest and other members of the congregation. This can be especially helpful if you have any questions or concerns about your confirmation journey. It is also an opportunity to meet potential sponsors, who can provide spiritual support and guidance as you prepare for confirmation. Sponsors must be over 16, confirmed, attend Mass regularly, and be married in the Catholic Church if they are married.
Attending Mass regularly will help you to become more familiar with the Catholic faith and its practices, and will also allow you to become a part of the Catholic community. This sense of community can be a source of support and encouragement as you prepare for confirmation.
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Choose a sponsor
When choosing a sponsor for your confirmation as an adult, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, a sponsor must be a practising Catholic who is registered in a parish and regularly celebrates Mass on Sundays and Holy Days. They should have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. Sponsors should be committed to their faith and be good examples of Catholic Christian living.
It is also important to choose someone who is able to provide prayerful support and guidance, helping you to deepen your relationship with God and understand your confirmation. This person should be someone you feel comfortable sharing your faith with and who will encourage you to live a Catholic Christian life.
While some people choose their spouse or parent as a sponsor, this is not allowed in all parishes. It is worth checking with your local priest or parish to see if there are any restrictions on who can be a sponsor.
Once you have chosen a sponsor, they will need to sign a sponsor verification form. They may also need to attend preparation sessions with you.
Remember, being a sponsor is a lifelong commitment and a spiritual bond will be formed between you and your sponsor. Choose someone who you believe will take this responsibility seriously and be a supportive presence in your faith journey.
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Submit certificates
To receive the sacrament of confirmation as an adult Catholic, you must submit copies of your baptism and First Eucharist certificates. These certificates are required as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), which is a formation process that typically culminates with full communion in the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.
The RCIA is designed for converts to Catholicism, but it can also be applicable to those who were born into the religion. If you are unable to provide your baptism certificate, you may be provisionally baptized. In some cases, the parish may be able to help you obtain the necessary records or provide alternative solutions.
It is important to note that confirmation is not required for a valid or sacramental marriage within the Catholic Church. However, it is recommended to consult directly with a parish priest or deacon, as they are the record keepers and can provide accurate guidance on the requirements and processes for adult confirmation.
During the RCIA process, you will participate in sessions that cover basic information on faith, prayer, Scripture, and Catholic beliefs and teachings. These sessions will lead to your full membership in the Catholic Church through the sacrament of confirmation. The sessions are typically held weekly or biweekly and may vary in duration and frequency depending on the parish.
In addition to submitting your certificates, you will also need to participate in an initial interview with a member of the Adult Confirmation/RCIA Team or the Director of Education. This interview will cover topics such as your faith journey, sacramental history, and any impediments you may have to receiving the sacraments.
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Interview with the Director of Education
The Director of Education, Sister Mary, has graciously agreed to answer some questions about the process of adult confirmation.
Q: Who can seek adult confirmation?
A: Adult 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 wish to convert to Catholicism.
Q: What is the process for adult confirmation?
A: The process typically involves a series of formation classes, such as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), which culminates in full communion with the Catholic Church. The classes provide basic information on faith, prayer, Scripture, and Catholic beliefs and teachings. At St. Catherine of Siena, we offer a 90-120 minute mini-retreat called the Kerygma Experience, which is also available for those seeking adult confirmation.
Q: What are the requirements for adult confirmation?
A: The main requirements are that the individual must be practicing the faith by attending Mass regularly (daily or weekly) and celebrating Reconciliation at least once a year. Additionally, they must have received Baptism and Holy Communion as children. A copy of the Baptism certificate is required, as well as any First Eucharist certificates. If the individual is divorced or married, there are specific requirements that must be met, including acknowledgement of their marital status and, in some cases, completing a petition for nullity of any previous marriages.
Q: What is the role of a sponsor?
A: A sponsor serves as a spiritual guide and support for the candidate throughout their confirmation journey. They are expected to validly receive Holy Communion during the Rite of Confirmation and to participate in online learning modules and discussions with the candidate. Sponsors must be over 16, confirmed, attend Mass regularly, and if married, be married in the Catholic Church.
Q: What is the cost of adult confirmation?
A: There are no fees for sacramental formation, but there may be a low or null cost for materials. At the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Community, there is a $50 fee to cover the cost of the Confirmation gown.
Thank you, Sister Mary, for your time and insights. For those seeking adult confirmation, please reach out to your local parish or diocese for more information and to begin the process.
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Complete RCIA
RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. It is a formation process that usually concludes with full admission into the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil. RCIA is intended for converts to Catholicism, but it can also be used by those who were born into the religion.
RCIA courses are available online and in-person. The "My Catholic Life!" series, for example, is a free 24-week online course that covers the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It is available in electronic form via the website myrcia.org, or as an eBook or paperback. The Sycamore RCIA course is another option, which is also available online and consists of 20 modules. Registration is free and grants access to all core films and resources.
RCIA sessions are also held in-person at local parishes. These usually take place weekly over a period of several months and cover topics such as faith, prayer, Scripture, and Catholic beliefs and teachings. There is typically a fee associated with these sessions, which covers the cost of materials and a Confirmation gown for the ceremony. To enrol, individuals must contact their local parish and provide copies of their Baptism and First Eucharist certificates, as well as participate in an initial interview with a member of the Adult Confirmation/RCIA Team.
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Frequently asked questions
Adult confirmation in the Catholic Church is a relatively short process, taking about a year or less. It is meant for practicing Catholics who received Baptism and Holy Communion as children but were never confirmed in their faith. The process involves attending Mass regularly and celebrating Reconciliation at least once a year. Candidates are also required to attend an initial interview with the Director of Education and choose a sponsor who is over 16, confirmed, and attends Mass regularly.
RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. It is a series of formations that typically culminates in full communion in the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. RCIA is for non-Catholics who want to convert to Catholicism and be confirmed in the faith.
The requirements for adult confirmation include providing a copy of the candidate's Baptism and First Eucharist certificates, as well as an initial interview with the Director of Education. If the candidate is married, the marriage must be formally recognized by the Catholic Church. Additionally, candidates must choose a sponsor who meets the eligibility criteria.
There are typically no fees for sacramental formation, however, there may be a low or null cost for materials. Some parishes may charge a fee for adults wishing to be confirmed, which covers the cost of the Confirmation gown for the ceremony.
