This sacrament fully initiates us into the life of the Church and confirms our faith so that we may be faithful witnesses to Christ and His Kingdom.

The Confirmation program begins in the seventh grade. Confirmation is administered to the eighth grade students each year. The children must attend either Seven Sorrows School or our Religious Education program for both seventh and eighth grades in order to be confirmed.

Each Confirmation candidate is expected to fulfill Community and Parish service by completing the requirements set forth by their instructors. All 8th grade candidates are required to make the yearly retreat. The 7th and 8th grade candidates are expected to show a commitment to regular Sunday worship by their attendance at Mass and Communion.

Interview

Each candidate will be interviewed toward the end of their eighth grade classes to evaluate their readiness for the sacrament. The interview will seek to evaluate the candidate's understanding of the basic teachings and prayers of the Catholic faith, the meaning of Confirmation, and commitment to the Church.

Sponsors

Each eighth grade candidate must have a sponsor to assist them in the preparation program and to stand with them at the Confirmation ceremony. Sponsors best fulfill their responsibilities by:
• being 16 years of age or older;
• being baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church;
• receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist regularly;
• worshiping at Sunday Mass regularly;
• being active in Church and community service;
• submitting a Sponsor Certificate from their church if not a Seven Sorrows Parishioner;
• if married, must be a valid marriage by the laws of the Catholic Church.

Canon Law does not permit a parent to be a sponsor. The Church, however, does encourage that one of the Baptismal Godparents be considered as a sponsor.

Confirmation Name

All eighth grade candidates must select a "Confirmation name." If the candidate's baptismal name is that of a recognized saint, the baptismal name may be used for Confirmation as well. The candidate may also choose another saint's name. Any Christian name may be chosen because a new name symbolizes the taking on of a new nature or the anointing by God for a special purpose.

Adult Confirmations are arranged as part of the RCIA program.