Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation in the Catholic faith. In the early Church, Confirmation was a part of the sacrament of Baptism. Today, Confirmation is the sacrament that bridges our lives in Baptism to the continuing renewal of that Baptism in the Sunday Eucharist. Candidates, having had their initiation into the Catholic faith made for them by their parents and godparents, now come forward and personally become responsible for their own faith journey by regularly and actively participating in Sunday Eucharist (Mass), being of service to others, and growing in their spiritual formation within the church community.
The sacrament of Confirmation in the Archdiocese of Boston is usually celebrated in the early high school years. Confirmation programs in the archdiocese require two years of preparation. Since God’s grace touches us all differently, we do not presume that all candidates will begin the preparation process in ninth grade. We also do not presume that all will be confirmed at the end of their sophomore year. Formation can begin later in their high school years, and beyond. This is why our program is put in terms of Year 1 and Year 2, rather than grades 9 and 10. This program is for candidates attending public, Catholic, or private high schools.
The foundation of our Confirmation catechesis is Sunday Mass. This is so fundamental to our understanding of Confirmation as Catholics that if one does not regularly participate in Sunday Eucharist, they must seriously consider if he or she is truly ready for the sacrament. We fully expect all candidates to attend Mass each Sunday (or Saturday) during their time of preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation.
Because Confirmation calls us to a lifelong discovery of Christian living, candidates are required to participate in at least two years of preparation before receiving the sacrament.
First Year Candidates will meet one Sunday a month in November through March in the church hall from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.. Classes will consist of discovering God in every aspect of our lives through roundtable discussion, prayer, scripture, and group sharing. Since Confirmation is a lifelong renewal of our faith, first year candidates must be accompanied to the monthly classes by their sponsor, or a parent if the sponsor is not able to attend.
During the season of Lent, first year candidates will join the second year candidates in weekly Mass at 5:00 p.m. followed by class from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the church hall.
Second Year Candidates will be required to answer monthly reflection questions which will be emailed to them in the months of September through February. Each Sunday during the season of Lent, second year candidates will attend weekly Mass at 5:00 p.m., followed by class from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the church hall.
All candidates preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation must choose a sponsor. Although it is recommended that the sponsor for Confirmation be the candidate’s baptismal sponsor (a godparent), it is acceptable to select another person. A sponsor should be someone that the candidate feels comfortable sharing their faith with. Sponsors are asked to participate in the Confirmation preparation process, and therefore candidates should choose carefully.
Criteria for a Sponsor:
A person who is a practicing, faith-filled Roman Catholic.
A person who is able to relate in friendship to a teenager and is a good listener.
A person who is willing to participate in the Confirmation process through the two years by attending class and other sessions, including Sunday Mass with his/her candidate.
A person who is willing to share his or her own faith experience.
Sponsors must be fully initiated Catholics, meaning that they must have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. Preferably, the baptismal sponsor (godparent) should be the sponsor if possible.
A sponsor must be at least sixteen (16) years old.
Parents may not be sponsors of their sons and daughters.
The name of your sponsor should be included at the time you fill out your Confirmation Covenant.
All candidates entering the Confirmation Preparation Program are asked to fill out and sign, along with a parent, a Confirmation Covenant. This is viewed as a kind of contract between the candidate, their family and the parish community of St. Robert Bellarmine. First Year Candidates are expected to fill out and sign the covenant at our last class monthly class in March. First Year Candidates will also take part in the Rite of Enrollment at our first Mass during the season of Lent.
First Year Candidates who miss more than two (2) of the scheduled monthly classes/Lenten Masses/classes, will need to meet with the D.R.E. to determine how much has been missed, what can be done to fulfill these requirements, or if the candidate will need to repeat a year of the program.
Second Year Candidate who are missing any of the Reflection Questions, or miss more than one (1) of the scheduled Lenten Masses and Classes will need to meet with the D.R.E. to determine how much has been missed, what can be done to fulfill these requirements, or if the candidate will need to repeat a year of the program.
With the limited number of times that we meet during the program, we consider it extremely important that all scheduled sessions and Masses be attended. If commitments such as sports, family or school do not allow faithful attendance to the program at this time, it is recommended that a candidate wait until they have the time and attention needed to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation. With that said, we certainly understand how busy life can become. We at St. Robert Bellarmine are more than willing to work with families to help candidates fulfill all the requirements of the program.
It is our hope that you willingly and actively participate in this time of discovery and formation. We for our part will do our best to provide a program that is engaging, interesting, and informative. Sharing our personal faith and asking questions is encouraged. This is a wonderful time in your life to reflect on and grow in your personal faith, share your faith with others, and learn more about what it means to be Catholic.
Watch the following videos (5-7 min) with a parent or a sponsor before starting the Confirmation Form, Reflection on Confirmation Form, and the Saint Information Sheet. These videos, and discussions of them with your parent of sponsor, offer an opportunity to guide you in development of your reflections on confirmation.
Bored at mass?
Bishop Barron on Baptism
Bishop Barron on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit