When we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, we are anointed with the Holy Spirit and reaffirm the promises made on our behalf in Baptism. In Baptism, whether an adult, child, or infant, we join the Christian community of believers. In Confirmation, we publicly commit ourself to a life as a Catholic Christian.
The confirmed individual is making the decision to dedicate their life to Catholic Christian values, and to serve the Catholic community.
Confirmation Eligibility Requirements
- Has received the Sacrament of Baptism into the Catholic Church
- Is attending Mass and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly
- Has already completed, or is currently enrolled in 8th grade
- Has received at least a full year of Catholic formation, and was enrolled in a Catholic faith formation program the year prior to enrolling in Confirmation Preparation
- In addition to Confirmation Preparation, is enrolled and actively participating in the parish regular/weekly Faith Formation Program (a.k.a. PREP) or Youth Ministry
- Exception to the PREP requirement is that the Confirmand is enrolled in a Catholic school
- Register by the parish’s prescribed deadline for Sacramental Preparation
- Attend all six Confirmation Preparation sessions, held monthly
- Submit copy of Baptismal Certificate to the Faith Formation Office by the prescribed deadline
- Seek a Confirmation Sponsor who is also a practicing Catholic. See Sponsor Requirements below.
- Attend the Confirmation Rehearsal
Sponsor Requirements
The Confirmation Sponsor is a person of influence over the spiritual life of the Confirmand. It must be somebody with whom the Confirmand has a relationship of trust, and who models the values of a Catholic Christian.
- Must be a person who observes and practices the Catholic faith in and out of church
- Receives the sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion frequently
- Is attending Mass regularly
- Whether married or single, must be living a Catholic lifestyle
- If married, the marriage must be in the Catholic Church.
Preparing for Confirmation
Our catechesis for the Sacrament of Confirmation is held once a month. Confirmands (and their parents, if Confirmand is a minor) are expected to attend all sessions. Sponsors are also welcome to attend.
Confirmation Preparation is a mandatory program of the Diocese of Orlando. It is different, separate, and in addition to the P.R.E.P. classes. Registration is separate from P.R.E.P..
Confirmation References
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church – found on Vatican.va
- The Sacraments of Initiation (1212)
- The Sacrament of Confirmation (1285-1321)
- The Sacraments at the Service of Communion (1533-1535)
- Sponsors (892-893)
Code of Cannon Law – found on Vatican.va
Confirmation Dress Code
Click here to download the Confirmation Dress Code
The dress code for Confirmation is ELEGANT and MODEST. Confirmands should demonstrate respect for themselves, their sponsors, the church, their guests, the Bishop, and most importantly, God.
Ladies – Conservative & Elegant. Dress or skirt no higher than knee length. No evening gowns or dresses with high slits. No spaghetti straps, no bare backs or bare shoulders. No cleavage showing. Dress pants/slacks and dress shoes may be worn, however no shorts, jeans, no sports shoes or flip flops.
Gentlemen – Formal/Business Attire. Dress slacks, dress shirt, and dress shoes. Suits, jackets and ties are nice, but optional. No casual clothing – no t-shirts, shorts, jeans, sports shoes, or flip flops.
Sponsors – Observe the same dress code as your confirmand!
Parents and Invited Guests – Observe the same dress code as your confirmand!