Confirmation

CONFIRMATION
“Baptism, the Eucharist, and the Sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the ‘Sacraments of Christian Initiation.’ 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, fully graced to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1285

The Rite of Confirmation is celebrated by anointing a person with the sacred chrism, in which they receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and confirm one’s Baptismal promises. It is normally conferred by the Bishop and strengthens the person for service to the Body of Christ. At our Sheboygan North Catholic Parishes, Confirmation can be celebrated in a few ways:

  • For Children and Youth, we have an active program for the development and deepening of our children’s faith, including preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
  • For Adults who were baptized Catholic and have received First Reconciliation, we offer a shorter course. Please note: It is recommended that Adult Catholics should have been Confirmed before celebrating their sacramental marriage, but this is not an absolute rule. There is an opportunity to be confirmed after marriage. See the section on RCIA.
  • For Adults who have never been Baptized and/or come from another faith tradition, we encourage you to participate in our Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program.

For more information on Confirmation preparation and celebration of the sacrament for youth please visit the High School Faith Formation webpage or contact the Director of Youth Ministry, Dylan Zastrow, zastrowd@sheboygannorthparishes.org
For more information on adults in need of Confirmation preparation and celebration of this sacrament please contact Lulu Torres, torresl@sheboygannorthparishes.org


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS CONFIRMATION?
Confirmation is one of the seven Sacraments, a Sacrament of Initiation. The particular grace of Confirmation is the gift of the Holy Spirit, given to equip the believer to continue the work of Christ in the world.

HOW IS CONFIRMATION ADMINISTERED?
Ideally, Confirmation is conferred by a bishop, a successor of the Apostles who first received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Priests may, however, confirm those who are received into the Church at the moment of their conversion; and priests may confirm in other cases when delegated to do so by the bishop.

Today, Confirmation is typically celebrated during a Mass, with the ritual inserted after the Gospel and homily. The essential elements in the Sacrament of Confirmation are the laying on of hands, the anointing of the forehead with Chrism, and the invocation of the Holy Spirit.

WHO SHOULD BE CONFIRMED?
Certainly, any adult Catholic who has not yet been confirmed should receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. In accord with current diocesan practice, students who are now in high school are at the age to prepare for Confirmation.

HOW DOES A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT PREPARE FOR CONFIRMATION?
Formation for Confirmation is a two-year program, followed by final preparations and Confirmation in fall, which begins as early as 9th grade. The program allows them to learn more about the faith as well as develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Confirmation classes meet twice a month on Sunday evenings, starting with 6 p.m. Mass, followed by class from 7-8:30 at the Northside Faith Formation Center.


LEARN MORE
For more information on Confirmation preparation and celebration of the sacrament for youth please visit the High School Faith Formation webpage or contact the Director of Youth Ministry, Dylan Zastrow, zastrowd@sheboygannorthparishes.org


EXPLANATION OF CONFIRMATION
Watch a quick video explaining Confirmation in the Catholic Faith.


CONFIRMATION GALLERY