What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?
Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist are called the Sacraments of Initiation. Through these sacraments we become members of the Catholic Church, a community of Spirit-filled people who have been saved by Christ and who witness Christ’s love in the world.
As one of the Sacraments of Initiation, Confirmation impresses the candidates with a special character. Through this sacrament the candidates are enriched by the gift of the Holy Spirit, are bound more perfectly to the Church, and are strengthened in faith. They are enabled to witness more courageously to Christ and to spread and defend the faith.
The Role of Those to be Confirmed
Those to be confirmed must be suitably instructed and properly disposed. They must be willing to be involved in the preparation program with the intention of remaining faithful to Christ and His Church.
The Role of Parents
As parents, you play a primary role in the sacramental preparation program. You help your son or daughter grow in faith as you prepare him or her for the fruitful reception of the sacrament. Your attendance at required meetings and the Sunday parish celebrations of the Eucharist is vital. There is, and can be, no substitute for your actual presence at such moments. Your interest, involvement, and concern make a difference in your son’s or daughter’s perception of what this sacrament and the Christian life are all about.
The Role of the Sponsor
Each candidate, with the help of his or her parents, is responsible for choosing a sponsor. It is recommended that, if possible, the baptismal sponsor also be the confirmation sponsor. This choice would express more clearly the relationship between Baptism and Confirmation and would make the function of the sponsor more effective. There is no regulation determining that men be sponsors for boys and women be sponsors for girls.
The sponsor must be of a mature age. He or she must be a confirmed Catholic who has received Holy Eucharist and is currently living according to the Catholic faith. The sponsor may not be the mother or father of the one to be confirmed. It is the responsibility of the sponsor to give assurance of his or her qualifications.
Sponsors take a lifelong commitment to help their candidates fulfill the obligations of this sacrament. During the time of preparation, the sponsors are expected to take an active role in the confirmation program and meet with their candidates. Persons who are too young, live too far away, or who are too busy to devote proper time and care to the candidates would not be able to fulfill this role.
Confirmation Requirements
•You must be a parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle. If you are registered in another parish, you must provide a letter from that parish giving your child permission to attend Confirmation preparation classes at St. Thomas.
• Original Baptism and Communion Certificates (we will make copies and return the originals to you).