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Confirmation

confirmación

"Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Confirmation is the second sacrament of Christian initiation.  It is called Confirmation because it confirms and strengthens baptismal grace. It is conferred by the anointing with Sacred Chrism (oil mixed with balsam and consecrated by the bishop), and the laying on of the hand of the minister, marking the recipient with the seal of the Holy Spirit.  Confirmation strengthens and deepens the graces already received at Baptism.

Canon law acknowledges the (arch)bishop as the ordinary minister of the sacrament of confirmation and also allows him to appoint priests of the diocese to administer the sacrament in his place. 

Confirmation

If not Catholic or never Baptized, please visit the OCIA/Becoming Catholic page.

If your teenager (high school or older) is Catholic but has not received their Confirmation, please also visit the OCIA/Becoming Catholic page.

For more information, reach out to the point of contact for your church, listed below. 

PREPARATION Program

The Confirmation preparation program consists of these components:

  • The young person must be baptized and attend PSR/Catholic school regularly and actively participate in a two-year preparation period. Immediate preparation is during the 7th and 8th grade.

  • Attendance at a retreat is required.

  • Christian Service is an integral part of discipleship. Faithfulness to one's commitment is essential. Children are to complete 20 hours of service to their parish, immediate community and wider community.

  • Active participation in prayer, regular attendance at Sunday Mass.

  • All forms (Baptismal Certificate, Sponsor Form & Confirmation name) must be submitted.

Criteria for Readiness

The candidate:

  1. Verbally expresses desire to be confirmed to the interviewer.

  2. Participates weekly in the Liturgy of the Eucharist with an awareness of what he/she is doing.

  3. Gives evidence of being a person of integrity and responsibility.

  4. Gives evidence of a commitment to his/her beliefs, regardless of personal cost.

  5. Gives evidence of an understanding and appreciation of his/her Catholic beliefs and traditions.


It is also possible for a student to choose to be confirmed as an adult or during later adolescence.

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Confirmation

Adult Inquiries

Contact: Spencer Hargadon | shargadon@smafp.org | 937-426-1733 xt. 6304

Mary, Help of Christians

Contact: Julie Sewell | jsewell@smafp.org | 937-878-8353 OR Michael Barclay | mbarclay@smafp.org 

Sacred Heart

Contact: Luz Maria Perez | lperez@smafp.org | 937-845-3121 | Bilingual OR Michael Barclay | mbarclay@smafp.org 

St. Augustine

Contact: Della Weidel | dweidel@smafp.org OR Mary Pyper | mpyper@smafp.org | 937-426-1733 xt. 6306

St. Brigid & St. Brigid School

Contact: Mary Pyper | mpyper@smafp.org | 937-426-1733 xt. 6306 OR Royce Silverwood (for St. Brigid School) | rsilverwood@stbrigidxenia.org

St. Luke, St. Luke School, & St. Paul

Contact: Mary Pyper | mpyper@smafp.org | 937-426-1733 xt. 6306

Sponsor Requirements

A fully initiated, practicing Catholic (Baptised, Confirmed, and received Eucharist).

At least 16 years of age.

Not the father or mother of the candidate.

Willing and able to accompany the candidate through the preparation process.

If not a member of one of the Family's churches: a written letter from the pastor of his/her Catholic Church verifying that he/she is a practicing member of that parish.

It is preferred, but not required, that a godparent be the candidate's Confirmation sponsor.

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Choosing a Confirmation Patron Saint

Selecting a patron saint is an important part of your journey towards Confirmation. Pray for direction, seek guidance, and research saints. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Look up your birthday and see who has a feast day on that day.

    • Check the liturgical calendar- there may be another saint that sticks out!​

  • Research saints by their patronage- such as a hobby, virtue, current or future career, or other aspiration that inspires you.

  • Ask family members who their patron saint is. Saints often come in groups, so there may be one their patron interacted with.

  • Read the lives of many saints- one may resonate with you, or have virtues you strive to emulate.

  • Ask a friend or family member what saint you remind them of.

  • Pray- sometimes saints desire to be your friend and seek you out!

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