Confirmation I & II
What is a Sacrament?
St Augustine described a sacrament as “an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible grace.” It sounds like a very simple answer, but what exactly does it mean?
As Catholic Christians, we move on a sacramental journey from Baptism to Last Rites as a member of a community striving to be a sign of Christ in the world. Our hope is to receive eternal life with Jesus, but this can only be accomplished by our willingness to allow the sanctifying grace of God to transform us as we live out our lives.
While God bestows grace as God wills, we receive the assurance of it in the sacraments. Since we are physical as well as spiritual beings, we require both physical and spiritual help. Through the concrete rituals of ancient rites and the power of the Holy Spirit, we receive God’s grace in the sacraments. They are glorious gifts indeed!
What is Confirmation? – Watch this video to find out!
Our Program
The Confirmation Program at St. Patrick parish is a two-year commitment that begins after candidates have completed eight years of Religious Education. Students who attend a Catholic High School may enter the Confirmation program in Grade 10 after successfully completing their first year of theology.
The Confirmation Program at Saint Patrick Parish follows the guidelines of the Archdiocese of Boston. All parish Confirmation programs in the Archdiocese of Boston have the same requirements: weekly Mass attendance, faith development, service to the Parish and the greater community, and a Confirmation focused retreat.
Upon completion of the program, the young person participates in celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation in the presence of the Bishop, their sponsor, and the Congregation.
By this time, with the support of their parents & sponsors, a candidate should:
- Be actively seeking the grace of God through Christ in the Eucharist, the Scriptures, and the Church.
- Have a clear understanding and appreciation of the fundamental doctrines of the Catholic faith, the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, and Christian standards of personal morality.
- Express the values and virtues of a Christian life in his or her own behavior and towards others.
- Be empowered to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a Christian way of life, and the Catholic Church with others.
At Saint Patrick Parish our Confirmation program combines elements of the Alpha Youth Film Series and the Decision Point Confirmation program, as well as other resources to help prepare our young people to meet these objectives.