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. For "by the Sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, p.203

Youth Confirmation

Our sacramental preparation program for Confirmation is designed for baptized youth in high school (Grades 9-12), though it is preferred that students participate in Confirmation Preparation during the Freshman or Sophomore years. Classes meet 2-3 Sundays per month from 5-6:30 pm. The Sacrament of Confirmation (for youth) is ordinarily celebrated and administered by the local Archbishop according to his schedule with other young people of the parish and surrounding parishes. Typically, this celebration takes place the 3rd or 4th weekend of October for the parishes of New Albany Deanery.
Confirmation Registration
All youth that plan to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation in the 2023/24 school year must complete a Confirmation Registration Form by September 24, 2023. The parent Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, September 24 at 2 pm. The first class meeting is Sunday, October 22, 5-6:30 pm. A detailed schedule will be shared with parents and candidates at the Parent Meeting. Youth preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation must meet the following minimum requirements:
  • Must be Baptized
  • Must be in High School (Grades 9-12)
  • Regularly attend and participate in Mass
  • Able to attend all scheduled Confirmation Classes, NET Retreats (hosted at St. Michael), a Confirmation Retreat, Confirmation Rehearsal, & the Deanery Confirmation Celebration (Dates TBD).
Confirmation registration form (click here)
Youth Confirmation Preparation Requirements
  • Regularly attend and participate in Mass
  • Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (as often as needed, and immediately prior to receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation)
  • Attend Confirmation Classes: typically held Sunday evenings at St. Michael, September - October each year (only 2 absences allowed)
  • Select a Confirmation Sponsor
  • Select a Patron Saint
  • Attend a Confirmation Retreat
  • Complete 15 Hours of Community Service
  • Write a Letter to Archbishop Thompson
  • Complete all other assignments
Youth Confirmation Sponsors
All Candidates for Confirmation must have a Confirmation Sponsor. Sponsors of Youth Confirmation Candidates must meet the following requirements:
  • Sponsor must be a practicing Catholic, in good standing with the Church
  • Sponsor must be at least 16 years of age
  • Sponsor must have received all Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, & Confirmation
  • Sponsor cannot be the youth's parent
  • Sponsor must attend at least one activity, be present at Confirmation Rehearsal, & be present at the Deanery Confirmation Celebration
  • Sponsor should assist Confirmation Candidate with Saint selection, pray with/for candidate, and encourage candidate to actively take part in the Confirmation

Adult Confirmation

For Baptized Adults, the Sacrament of Confirmation is ordinarily celebrated and administered by the local Archbishop at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, the mother Church of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, with the celebration taking place in June of each year.
Adults that wish to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation, to be Confirmed in June 2024, should complete an Adult Sacrament Registration Form by November 1, 2023. Adults preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation must meet the following requirements:
  • Must be Baptized
  • Must be at least 18 years of age and out of high school
  • Regularly attend and participate in Mass
  • Able to attend all scheduled Adult Confirmation Classes & the Archdiocese Adult Confirmation Celebration at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis
Adult Confirmation Preparation Requirements
  • Regularly attend and participate in Mass
  • Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation
  • Attend Adult Confirmation Classes and complete any associated assignments (Classes will begin in January 2024)
  • Select a Confirmation Sponsor
  • Attend a retreat or other adult faith formation activity
Adult Confirmation Sponsors
All Candidates for Confirmation must have a Confirmation Sponsor. Sponsors must meet the following requirements:
  • Sponsor must be a practicing Catholic, in good standing with the Church
  • Sponsor must be at least 16 years of age
  • Sponsor must have received all Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, & Confirmation
  • Sponsor must attend Adult Confirmation Classes with Confirmation Candidate and be present at the Archdiocese Confirmation Celebration
  • Sponsor should pray with/for candidate and encourage candidate to actively take part in the Confirmation process
For more information, please contact: Jessica Sarver Youth Religious Education Coordinator (502) 773-1853 religioused@northclarkcountycatholic.org