Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian initiation,” whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For “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. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” (CCC 1285)
Confirmation for high school students is structured by the St. Dominic Faith Formation program. Those entering 9th grade or older who have not yet received the sacrament are invited to join the preparation. Classes begin in September each year and the program lasts two years.
Please see the Faith Formation page or contact Mara Mangan, Director of Faith Formation, with questions.
Adults who need to receive Confirmation should contact the Parish Office to become involved with the RCIA Program–the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. This year-long program begins around September and concludes with Baptism, Confirmation, and/or the Eucharist conferred on Easter Vigil for any adults who wish to join the Catholic Church or have not yet received one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation.
Participants in the Confirmation program are required to submit a newly-issued baptismal certificate from their church of baptism. Certificates older than 6 months are not permitted. This is to assure that the confirmand has not already received the sacrament so that we do not confer an invalid sacrament.