Just as our bodies and minds grow, Catholics believe that our souls need to grow in the life of grace. Just as the human body must grow in childhood, adolescence, and then adulthood, the human soul needs to grow into maturity. Catholics believe that the Sacrament of Confirmation is the supernatural equivalent of the growth process on the natural level. It builds on what was begun in Baptism and what was nourished in the Holy Eucharist. It completes the process of initiation into the Christian community, and it matures the soul for the work ahead.
Confirmation means accepting responsibility for your faith and your destiny. The focus is on the Holy Spirit, who confirmed the apostles on Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) and gave them courage to practice their faith. Catholics believe that the same Holy Spirit confirms Catholics during the Sacrament of Confirmation and gives them the same gifts and fruits.
If you are an adult who is seeking more information on how to become a member of the Catholic Church, or if you are a baptized Catholic who never received Confirmation, please check out The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). There you will find good information on what that process is and also contact information for the person who can tell you more about it.
If you are visiting our site because your child is in high school and you want to know the process for your child to receive Confirmation, we say welcome! We know what a busy and exciting time this is for your family, and we want to continue to assist you in raising your child in the faith and prepare them to make their faith their own.
Now, you want to know what is necessary for your child to receive Confirmation. Below are some frequently asked questions to get you started. If your question or situation does not fit neatly into these answers, don't panic. Life happens! Please call the Parish Office by phone at 419.289.7224 or email us for further information or with your questions.
At St. Edward, children are confirmed in high school. Confirmation is scheduled for every other year.
At a minimum, your child must:
• Be baptized in the Catholic Church, or another Christian denomination recognized by the Catholic Church. Basically, they must have been baptized with water and "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." In the case of a youth baptized in another Christian denomination, they will make a Profession of Faith in the Catholic Church before making their Confirmation - please contact the Parish Office to discuss this. You can contact the Parish Office by phone at 419.289.7224 or email us to get more information.
• Have completed a program of religious education (Catholic school, PSR, or Catholic home school). If your child has not completed a program of religious education, we have developed a comprehensive program of instruction that can "catch up" your child's religious instruction when years were missed. Contact Mrs. Linda Cuzzolini, our PSR Director, if that is the case.
• Have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation should have taken place along with First Holy Communion. If your child has not received one or both of these sacraments, please contact contact Mrs. Linda Cuzzolini by phone at 419.289.7224.
The instruction for Confirmation will take place on scheduled Sunday afternoons. Please see the Confirmation calendar for the exact dates.
Every person being confirmed must have a sponsor. To be a sponsor, you must:
• Be at least 16 years or older.
• Have received Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
• Be an active Catholic and be registered at a Catholic parish.
• Not be the parent of the one being confirmed.
• Be willing and able to meet with the child as required.
If you are an adult who is seeking more information on how to become a member of the Catholic Church, or if you are a baptized Catholic who never received Confirmation, please check out The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). There you will find good information on what that process is and also contact information for the person who can tell you more about it.