Confirmation
Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism and seals us with the gift of the Holy Spirit.
"Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit … Then they began laying their hands on them and they were receiving the Holy Spirit."Acts 8:14-17
Confirmation is the sacrament by which God completes the graces of Baptism and deepens His seal on us, marking us as His own (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14). Received within a life of faith, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit empowers us to live the Christian life. It is not a person's "adult choice to be Catholic"; it is God who chooses us, and we then choose Him day by day.
Baptism, the Eucharist and Confirmation together are the "sacraments of Christian initiation." By Confirmation the baptized "are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit" (CCC 1285). The bishop, or a priest who represents him, extends his hands and asks the Holy Spirit to come with seven gifts: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.
Who prepares, and how
Children prepare in second and third grade through Family Catechesis, following the Archdiocese of Denver's restored order.
Teens who were not confirmed prepare through the Order of Christian Initiation for Teens (OCIT).
Adults who were baptized but not confirmed prepare through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). See Becoming Catholic.
For all of these, contact Br. Michael Paul at family@loyoladenver.org or call the office at 303-322-8042.
Questions
At what age are children confirmed in the Archdiocese of Denver?
Preparation takes two years, in second and third grade. First Reconciliation is in second grade; Confirmation and First Communion are received together in third grade.
Are third graders old enough for Confirmation?
Confirmation is a gift of God's grace that increases the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It completes the graces of Baptism and can be given at any age if there is danger of death; in the United States it is given between ages seven and sixteen.
What do children need to know?
The Archbishop has set objectives for preparation for Confirmation and First Communion: Archbishop's Sacramental Prep Objectives (PDF; en español). The Archdiocese's two-year curriculum for second and third grade, Saints Among Us, with sample books and parent handouts, is at saintsdenver.com.
What if we'd like a different age for our child?
If you have a just reason to ask for Confirmation and First Communion at another age, speak with the pastor. For an age younger than third grade, the pastor writes to the Archbishop's office.
My child missed Confirmation in third grade. What now?
Speak with Fr. Francis, or email family@loyoladenver.org, to arrange preparation.
How are people who aren't baptized prepared?
Adults and children older than seven are prepared for Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion together through the Order of Christian Initiation.
Who can be a sponsor?
A sponsor must be chosen by the one being confirmed (or their parents), be at least 16, be a confirmed Catholic who has received the Eucharist and leads a life of faith, not be under a canonical penalty, and not be the candidate's parent (Canon 874). Choosing the person who was godparent at Baptism is encouraged. A baptized Christian who is not Catholic may serve only as a witness, together with a Catholic sponsor. If the sponsor can't attend, a proxy may stand in.
Do I need a Confirmation name?
Taking a Confirmation name is a pious practice, strongly encouraged though not required. Choose a saint (Venerable, Blessed or Saint) or a Christian virtue.
Can parents prepare their children at home?
Parents interested in homeschooling for sacramental preparation should talk with the parish.