Confirmation

Sacrament of Confirmation

Juniors and seniors in high school, who have not been confirmed, and have been baptized and received their First Communion, are eligible to participate in the preparation program for Confirmation.

All students must have participated in prior religious education training (Grades 9 & 10) or have made up for that training before being Confirmed. Candidates select a sponsor who works with them throughout the final stages of the preparation process. In addition to classes, the candidate attends a retreat, and completes service in the parish and larger community.

This year, we will celebrate Confirmation in late April. The Confirmation liturgy will be celebrated here at St. Gabriel.

Confirmation Sponsor

Role of Sponsor

“As they become familiar with the Christian way of life, and are helped by the example and support of sponsors, godparents, and the entire Christian community, the catechumens learn to turn more readily to God in prayer, to bear witness to the faith, in all things to keep their hopes set on Christ, to follow supernatural inspiration in their deeds, and to practice love of neighbor, even at the cost of self renunciation.” RCIA 75.2

Expectations of Sponsors

A sponsor should be someone who models the Catholic faith and a life of discipleship to the best of their ability. A sponsor should according to Canon Law be:

  • Not a parent of the candidate
  • At least 16 years old
  • Has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation in the Catholic church
  • Is a practicing Catholic

Corporal Works of Mercy

  1. Feed the hungry
  2. Give drink to the thirsty
  3. Shelter the homeless
  4. Visit the sick
  5. Visit the prisoners
  6. Bury the dead
  7. Give alms to the poor

“The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise. They’re charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily needs’ (USCCA). They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through his life.” (usccb.org)

Works of Mercy Service Reflection Document