Confirmation
“Those whose hearts are pure are temples of the Holy Spirit.”
—St. Lucy
THE SACRAMENT OF INITIATION
Strengthening the Gifts of the Holy Spirit - wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of God.
Confirmation
In the Catholic Church, Confirmation is a Sacrament that deepens the grace received at Baptism, strengthening the baptized individual's bond with the Church and equipping them with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It's considered the second of the three Sacraments of Initiation, following Baptism and preceding Eucharist.
Catholic Confirmation
Confirmation is the beginning of the rest of our lives as Catholics. It is the moment where you stand up for yourself, claiming that God has a primary place in your life and you are choosing to live differently because of that it. Once again, the Holy Spirit enters your heart and stirs up the gifts God gave you at Baptism to be your truest self. Typically, Catholics are Confirmed as teenagers, and our regular process is open to High School students as early as Freshman year.
In the Diocese of Springfield, the minimum age for Confirmation is 15, so we encourage teens to consider beginning their preparation as they enter high school. Many will go through the preparation process as usual, while others take more time to discern or wait until they are farther into high school to make this commitment.
There are also times, that a baptized Catholic hasn't been confirmed at the ordinary time and we certainly welcome them too. Whether you’re coming back to the Church, considering converting, or preparing to be a Godparent or sponsor, we want to help you see the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that are already at work in your life. Confirmation is all about living your Catholic faith and doing so fully, as God created you. If you are an adult over 18 years seeking confirmation, please go to the Becoming Catholic Adult Education (OCIA) page.
The Confirmation process is a journey with the hope of making God
a tangible presence in your life and fostering a lasting relationship with Him.
Who should participate?
In the Catholic Church, anyone who has been properly baptized can and should be confirmed.
What will the process look like for Youth?
For Youth, Confirmation preparation at Saint Brigid Parish is a two-year process for high school age teens to help them grow in their relationship with Jesus as His disciples. Candidates will continue their faith formation by participating in a small group, the sacramental life of the Church, retreat experiences, and service to the community.
Candidates are expected to participate in the following:
Youth small group session in the fall and spring
Large group meetings as scheduled
Weekly Sunday celebrations of the Eucharist
Retreats as offered
Opportunities to serve the community
What will the process look like for Adults?
We offer RCIA classes that form each September and meet on a weekly basis through Easter. Some are ready at the end of the session, but others may need more time. Everyone is encouraged to follow their own path on this journey.
When is the 'right time' to get confirmed?
In the Diocese of Springfield, the minimum age for Confirmation is 15, so we encourage teens to consider beginning their preparation as they enter high school. Many will go through the preparation process as usual, while others take more time to discern or wait until they are farther into high school to make this commitment.
There are also times, that a baptized Catholic hasn't been confirmed at the ordinary time and we certainly welcome them too. Whether you’re coming back to the Church, considering converting, or preparing to be a Godparent or sponsor, we want to help you see the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that are already at work in your life. Confirmation is all about living your Catholic faith and doing so fully, as God created you. Contact us to learn more.
need to reach us?
Contact us 413.256.6181 to request your Confirmation certificate if you were confirmed at St. Brigid's
or to request a letter of good standing to be a confirmation sponsor.