One of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, Confirmation is the final sacrament of initiation, making a person a fully initiated Catholic. With this sacrament, the candidate receives the gift of the Holy Spirit.  This gift of the Holy Spirit deepens our baptismal life which calls us to be missionary witnesses to Jesus Christ in our families, our neighborhoods, society, and the world.

Through Confirmation, our personal relationship with Christ is strengthened. We receive the message of faith in a deeper and more intensive manner  with great emphasis given to the person of Jesus Christ, who asked the Father to give the Holy Spirit to the Church for building up the community in loving service.

United States Catholic Catechism for Adults pg. 207

• An adult is ready for Confirmation when he/she accepts what Catholics believe (the Nicene Creed). 

• The Candidate truly believes that the Eucharist we receive is the body and blood of Christ. 

• They desire to be a fully initiated and practicing Catholic:

• Attends Mass at least weekly and on Holy Days of Obligation.

• Goes to Confession at least once per year.

• Receives the Eucharist as often as possible.

• Follows the Lenten practices of fasting and abstinence during Lent.

• Prayer is a meaningful part of their life and continues to be developed throughout their life as part of the journey to eternal life.

• They promote the culture of life and serve others. 

• They believe God is always with us.

Yes. Every adult seeking the sacraments of initiation in the Catholic Church must have a person who walks with you on your formation path, as well as to speak for you on behalf of the Church during your sacraments.  Once you have decided (with the help of the OCIA/Confirmation team) who your Sponsor will be, please have them fill out the Sponsor Attestation, have it signed by their parish priest, and returned to Ann Emsley. If you do not know anyone to serve as your sponsor, our team will assist you.

If you or your spouse have been married more than once or outside the Catholic Church, please review this chart to see if an annulment or convalidation is required.