Confirmación
# Sacrament of Confirmation
At **St. George Catholic Church**, we are honored to accompany young people and families as they prepare for the **Sacrament of Confirmation**. Confirmation is a powerful moment in the life of faith, when the grace of Baptism is strengthened and the Holy Spirit is received in a new and deeper way.
Confirmation is not a graduation from faith formation. It is a **commitment to live as a mature disciple of Jesus Christ** within the Church.
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## What Is Confirmation?
The Church teaches:
> *“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.”*
> *(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285)*
Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit strengthens the gifts given at Baptism and equips the confirmed to witness to Christ in word and action. This sacrament empowers the faithful to live their faith with courage, responsibility, and love.
In Confirmation, we are sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit and sent forth to take an active role in the life and mission of the Church.
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## Confirmation Is a Sacrament of Commitment
Confirmation involves a **personal decision** to live the Catholic faith. While parents and sponsors continue to support the candidate, Confirmation requires the candidate to say “yes” for themselves.
This means:
* choosing to live as a Catholic in daily life
* participating in Sunday Mass regularly
* growing in prayer and understanding of the faith
* serving others as a witness to Christ
Confirmation calls young people to move from simply receiving faith to **taking ownership of it**.
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## A Sacred Responsibility
By presenting yourself or your child for Confirmation, you are accepting a sacred responsibility.
To **live the Catholic faith** means remaining rooted in **Sunday Mass**, recognizing the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life. It also means developing a habit of **daily prayer**, seeking God’s guidance and strength.
To **grow in faith** means continuing formation beyond Confirmation—remaining engaged in parish life, learning the teachings of the Church, and striving to live the Gospel with integrity and compassion.
To **walk with the Church** means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your choices, strengthen your conscience, and send you forth to serve others in love.
Confirmation is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of a deeper life of discipleship.
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## Eligibility
### CANDIDATE
* Must be **baptized** and have received **First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion**
* Must be of appropriate age according to parish and diocesan guidelines
* Must be actively participating in **parish faith formation or Catholic school**
* Must demonstrate readiness and willingness to receive the sacrament
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## Sponsor Requirements
Sponsors serve as spiritual companions and role models in faith.
Sponsors must:
* Be **at least 16 years old**
* Be a **practicing Catholic**
* Have received the Sacraments of **Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation**
* Be an **active member of a Catholic parish**
* If married, be **validly married in the Catholic Church**
* Commit to supporting the candidate through prayer and example
A sponsor may be one of the candidate’s godparents, highlighting the connection between Baptism and Confirmation.
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## Preparation Process
Preparation for Confirmation includes:
* Participation in **faith formation classes**
* Retreat experiences and spiritual reflection
* Instruction on the Holy Spirit and the life of discipleship
* Opportunities for service and community involvement
* Regular participation in Sunday Mass
Preparation is a shared responsibility between the candidate, family, and parish.
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## Confirmation Celebration
Confirmation is celebrated according to the diocesan schedule.
Families and candidates will receive details regarding:
* rehearsal dates
* liturgy expectations
* attire guidelines
* participation of sponsors
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## Continuing the Journey
Confirmation strengthens the gifts of the Holy Spirit so that the confirmed may live as active members of the Church. Candidates are encouraged to continue:
* faithful participation in Sunday Mass
* ongoing prayer and formation
* involvement in parish ministries
* service to others in the name of Christ
The Church needs the gifts and witness of the confirmed to remain alive and faithful.
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## Questions or Ready to Begin?
If you have questions or would like more information about Confirmation preparation, please contact the Parish Office. We are happy to walk with you as you continue your journey of faith.