Youth Confirmation Prep

(Above: St. Julia Parish Class of 2024 Youth Confirmation class.)

What is Confirmation?

The Sacrament of Confirmation, along with the Sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist, is one of the sacraments of Christian Initiation. Through Confirmation, we are sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, that is “necessary for the completion of baptismal grace” (CCC, no.1285). It confirms our adoption as a son or daughter of God, and gives us the special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the Catholic faith in word and action as a true witness of Christ.

In the rite (celebration) of Confirmation, the renewal of baptismal promises are made along with the anointing with sacred chrism oil and the laying of hands by the bishop. This is a sign of consecration expressing and imparting a spiritual seal, the seal of the Holy Spirit.

The Confirmation Preparation Program

The Confirmation Preparation is a two-year program of study and service starting in 7th grade, involving faith formation clasees, community service, family Mass participation, and retreat attendance (in year 2). In addition, students are required to write a confiramtion letter to the Bishop, choose a confirmation name and a non-parent sponsor (that is baptized, confirmed, and a practicing Catholic).

Community Service Hours

As part of the confirmation-prep community service is required to practice our Catholic faith as disciples of Christ. Ten hours of community service is required per year. There are many ways to achieve this by helping out at our parish events, serving at Mass (lector, greeter, alter-server, choir), or volunteering at your school, or neighborhood community.

Choosing a Confirmation Name

It is common practice to choose the name of a saint. Consider selecting a saint whose life story inspires you, reflects qualities you want to cultivate, or aligns with your passions and interests. You may also choose a saint who is a family namesake or someone your family has a devotion to. Pray for guidance and ask God to help you choose a saint who will be a good guide for your faith journey.

Choosing a Sponsor: Requirements

A sponsor for the Sacrmanet of Confirmation must be:

Fully intitiated into the Catholic church (received the Sacaments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Echarist).
A practicing Catholic, living out and bearing witness to the Catholic faith.
A sponsor cannot be the parent of the person being confirmed.

The Church encourages that the baptismal Godparent (godmother or godfather) be chosen as the sponsor, showing the connection between Baptism and Confirmation (Code of Canon Law, 893-894).

Letter to the Bishop

Once you understand the Sacrament of Confirmation and have decided to accept this gift from God, it’s time to express your decision by requesting to be confirmed. To do this, write a one-page, typed letter to Most Reverend Robert Reed.

Your letter should include:

Basic information about yourself (interests, hobbies, family, etc.)
Why your Catholic faith and the Church are important to you
Why you want to be confirmed
Key moments from your preparation
Who your sponsor is and why you chose them
How your sponsor serves as a role model of faith

Clearly state that Confirmation is your personal choice, that you’ve prepared through study, service, and prayer, and that you’re committed to living a more mature Christian life. This is not an application or résumé—it’s a personal expression of your faith and readiness.

Submit the letter as a Word document.

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If you are interested in nurturing your child’s faith in this important ministry, find out how to volunteer by contacting the Parish Office at 781-899-2611.