Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation

The Catholic Church considers Confirmation the second of the three Sacraments of Initiation, along with Baptism and First Holy Communion. Confirmation is regarded as the perfection of Baptism, because the baptized are enriched and sealed with the special strength of the Holy Spirit.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is usually celebrated in Grade 9 at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich. A copy of the candidate’s baptismal certificate is required if he or she was not baptized at St. Michael Church.

Attire

To maintain the decorum and proper respect for the Sacrament of Confirmation, proper attire is required:

Male Candidates

Dress shirt and tie with optional suit jacket or blazer, dress pants, and appropriate dress shoes (no sneakers or work boots are allowed)

Female Candidates

Appropriate dress, skirt, or slacks, a respectable top, and dress shoes (no mini-skirts, sleeveless, low cut or shoulder-baring tops, or flip flops)

Sponsors

A sponsor for Confirmation is someone who leads a good Christian life and is a good role model. Sponsorship requirements:

1. 1. 1. A sponsor must be an adult (age 16 or older).
      2. A sponsor must have received the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation.
      3. A sponsor must be a practicing Catholic, attend church regularly, and live a moral life in accordance with Church teaching.
      4. If the sponsor is married, they must be married within the Catholic Church.
      5. Parents are not allowed to be sponsors.
      6. Since Confirmation is a sealing of Baptism, it is preferred that a Godparent be a sponsor if possible (if they meet all listed requirements).
      7. If a sponsor is not a member of St. Michael Church, he or she must receive a sponsorship certificate form from his or her parish.

Contact Crystal Wilcox, Director of Religious Education, with any questions.