The completion of our baptismal grace
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is regarded as the final sacrament of Christian initiation, along with Baptism
and the Eucharist. Historically, Confirmation generally comprised one single celebration with
Baptism as confirmation completed the gifts associated with our baptismal grace. Over
time though, confirmation became a separate rite and sacrament as it was considered a
"sealing in" of the grace that God affords to each and every one of us. As the Catechism notes,
through confirmation we are "more perfectly bound to the Church, and are enriched with a
special strength of the Holy Spirit." For the youth of our parish preparing to receive
Confirmation, a series of preparatory classes are required to understand more fully what
it is to become a "true witness of Christ and to defend the faith by word and deed."
Preparing for the sacrament at St. Peter's
Every two years, we offer a series of weekly classes designed to increase the faith
and understanding of our youth in the reception of this sacrament. Our belief in the
Confirmation is that is a sacrament which "seals" the Holy Spirit within us and unites
us more fully to Christ and to the Church. It is vital that both parents and catechists
work together to impart this essential piece of our faith.
In this age of the XBOXLive, text and instant messaging, understanding the importance of
Confirmation in relation to their faith life is extremely critical for our youth as they
grow in awareness of how they are tied to a "living" history of our Church, replete with
saints, sinners and the grace of God moving through us all. Through Confirmation, our youth
become more capable of assuming the apostolic commandments of Christian life.
Below is a list of the full requirements for both parents and their children seeking to
receive Confirmation at St. Peter's. A parent must:
- Be a confirmed Catholic in the Church.
- Be a registered parishioner at St. Peter's for a minimum of 3 months
- Attend all required preparatory classes
The youth must:
- Be of the age of 14 years or older
- Be baptized and have also received Eucharist
- Attended Youth Group or Catholic School for a minimum
of 1 year prior to requesting the sacrament
- Attend all required preparatory classes
Receiving the sacrament at St. Peter's
In the reception of Confirmation, the youth of our community become role models
of charity, love and service to the Church. As this sacrament can only be
administered by the Archbishop , confirmation is offered during a special liturgy
for the youth, their parents and relatives and the whole of our community to
celebrate in this most august occasion.
To register your child or for more information about our other sacramental preparatory
programs, contact our Office of Faith Formation.
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