The Sacrament of Confirmation
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.
WHO CAN REGISTER?
Students in Grade 7, 8, 9, 10 or older who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation are invited to register. Candidates should have already received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation and First Communion. If this is not the case, please contact your parish priest.
WHO HAS TO ATTEND THE PREPARATION SESSIONS?
Due to our limited capacity and restrictions, only the Candidates for Confirmation must attend the Confirmation Sessions. Parents and Sponsors should chat with the Candidate so that they are also understanding what they are learning at the Confirmation sessions.
CHOOSING A SPONSOR
Every Candidate for the Sacrament of Confirmation is asked to choose a “Sponsor” to journey with them in this process. Your sponsor should be a good example of someone who is actively living and practicing the Catholic Faith, attending Sunday Mass regularly, and involved in their parish community. This way, they can be the best example and support to you at this important time of your own faith journey. Before you choose a sponsor, there are some qualifications that are required to choose a legitimate sponsor. Your sponsor MUST BE: 1) at least 16 years of age; 2) has received the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation for themselves; 3) in good standing with the Catholic Church; and 4) has to provide proof of their Sacraments to the parish by requesting a recent record (within six months) of their Sacraments from the parish of their Baptism, that shows the date of their Baptism and date of their Confirmation.
CHOOSING A CONFIRMATION SAINT
The long tradition of choosing a Confirmation Saint is to be able to choose a Saint that the Candidate feels a connection to, and asks for guidance from Heaven during this journey through the Sacrament of Confirmation. You can choose a Saint you relate to and admire, and ask them in your prayers to pray for you during this time. More direction on choosing a Saint name will be given during the Preparation Program.
ATTENDANCE AT MASS
Since you are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation, you are asked to make a renewed commitment to your life of faith, which includes attending Sunday Mass each Sunday as Catholics are required to do. Even with current restrictions, best efforts should be made to attend Sunday Mass where you feel safe to do so.
SUBMITTING NECESSARY DOCUMENTS FOR REGISTRATION
To register for the Sacrament of Confirmation, the following is necessary: 1) complete the Registration Form - available online only - at www.holynamestalphonsus.com/confirmation; 2) a copy of the Candidate’s Baptism Certificate (unless you were baptized in the parish where you are registering for Confirmation); 3) when you have chosen a Sponsor for Confirmation, they too must submit proof of their Baptism and Confirmation by requesting a recent record (within six months) of their Sacraments from the parish they were Baptized that will show the date of their Baptism and the date of their Confirmation.
Safety Precautions during this time
With current restrictions in place, we will be doing our best to provide a safe environment for all in our Confirmation program. Due to the changing nature of our situation, we will follow all recommended precautions as required by health officials for the duration of our program.
THE CELEBRATION OF CONFIRMATION
While our preparation program will be completed together as a region —because of capacity
restrictions, the celebration of the actual Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in your own parish church. This means on Saturday, October 30, there will be three different celebrations taking place in North Bay with our Bishop presiding. You will attend at the parish where you are registered.
OUR PREPARATION SESSIONS
Will take place on Thursday evenings at Holy Name of Jesus during the EDGE Program. Each evening is designed to inspire, have fun, deepen our faith and build new friendships as we journey together in
faith.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
SEPTEMBER 29, 2021
NEW! DATES FOR OUR PREPARATION PROGRAM
Registration is now closed.