Confirmation

Confirmation is the second sacrament of initiation, although it is normally received third. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)," 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" (par. 1285).

Like Baptism, Confirmation can only be received once since it imprints on our soul an indelible spiritual mark. At Confirmation, we are marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit. It is called Confirmation because it confirms and strengthens baptismal grace.  Through this sacrament, the grace given in baptism is deepened. 

In order to be confirmed, an individual must participate in the program that is offered through the Religious Education program.  In addition to reflecting on their faith in classes, candidates are asked to participate in service projects and a day of prayer.

Confirmation is conferred in the tenth grade. Preparation begins in the 9th grade. Classes focus on the sacrament itself and on Church teachings so that students are fully prepared to be members of the Catholic faith. The candidates choose a patron saint and a sponsor. The patron saint is chosen based on attributes he or she exhibited in life that the candidate wishes to emulate, or for some other similar reason. A man or woman, faithfully living out the Catholic faith, is chosen as a sponsor - to be a support and a role model of Christian living. It is appropriate to choose one's baptismal godparent as one's sponsor, with the connection that Confirmation and Baptism truly have.

Adults who are not yet confirmed are invited to contact Maritza Lopez Holland in the parish office at 256-534-8459 to make arrangements to celebrate the sacrament.