“The effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles. ... Preparation for Confirmation (should lead Christians) to a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit.” (CCC 1302, 1309)

Baptism, the Eucharist, and Confirmation together constitute the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace, but this Sacrament is by no means a “graduation” from religious formation or a simple “rite of passage”. 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, enabling them to be zealous witnesses to the Catholic Faith. Confirmation imparts the efficacious grace needed to abide with the Holy Spirit and live the fullness of the vocation God has called each to individually, to build up the Body of Christ.

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is held at each local parish to prepare those who are candidates for Confirmation. This preparation, often called “Catechesis” will normally be held within the year or two years before eighth grade, according to the norm in the Diocese of Toledo. Those entering the Church as adults will be confirmed after experiencing formation through RCIA (Rite of Christian initiation for Adults) and will receive the Sacrament at the Easter Vigil liturgy.

Learn more about Faith Formation.