Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation

" If you are who you were created to be, you will set the world on fire!" - St. Catherine of Siena 

The sacrament of Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation, necessary for completion of the grace needed for each soul to live the Christian life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us: 

 The sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For "by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly  bound to the Church and are enriched with a  special strength of the Holy Spirit . Hence they are, as true  witnesses of Christ , more strictly obliged to  spread and defend the faith by word and deed." (CCC 1285) 

While it is true that the sacrament of Confirmation marks a certain maturity in the faith, this is not a maturity that is achieved through human age or effort - this is a  maturity of grace! Bearing this in mind, the Diocese of Toledo typically confirms children in 8th grade. However, the Catechism tells us that a baptized soul is prepared to receive the sacrament of Confirmation whenever he or she "has attained the age of reason" and is able to "profess the faith, be in the state of grace, have the intention of receiving the sacrament, and be prepared to assume the role of disciple and witness to Christ, both within the ecclesial community and in temporal affairs." (CCC 1319) 

The sacrament of Confirmation sets our hearts on fire with the Holy Spirit! Our parish helps prepare young people to receive this incredible outpouring of grace through:

- bi-monthly classroom sessions & study of the faith

- monthly Youth Nights which help integrate the content of the faith, the experience of faith in the context of a community, and the opportunity to encounter the Person of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit

- small group discipleship conversations & the mentorship of faithful adult disciples

- Works of Mercy opportunities helping young people live out the call to discipleship in daily life

- a weekend retreat at Damascus Catholic Mission Campus

Please note that the typical formation for this sacrament is a two-year process - usually 7th and 8th grade years. However, this is not the only time that one may receive this sacrament. If you or your child is in high school or beyond and would still like to prepare to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, please do not hesitate to contact us! 

Please find additional information about the Confirmation Formation Program below, or contact Jessica Pehmoeller in the Parish Office.