How to Prepare Your Teen to Receive Confirmation in the Roman Catholic Church

Receiving Confirmation

Confirmation is one of the sacraments of initiation in the Catholic Church. In the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church, Confirmation is normally administered immediately after baptism, so one would have received the Sacrament of Confirmation as an infant. In the Roman Catholic rite of the Church, the Sacrament of Confirmation is administered to those who have reached the age of reason, as a sign of one's adulthood in the faith. Customarily, the Sacrament of Confirmation is now usually administered to Catholics once they are teenagers, at age sixteen or seventeen. This how to will assist parents in preparing their teen to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Instructions

1. This sacrament perfects the graces bestowed in Baptism and fully initiates us into the Roman Catholic Faith. Teens should only receive the Sacrament of Confirmation if they are sufficiently mature to understand the commitment they are making---to live their adult lives as Catholics and full participants in the Faith. Discuss this sacrament with your teen, and encourage them to pray and discern whether they are ready to begin preparation.

2. If you have not already done so, register as parishioners at the parish where you wish your child to receive Confirmation, and attend Mass there with your teen regularly. Your good example is very important as your teen prepares to receive this sacrament.

3. Request your child's baptismal certificate from the parish where they were originally baptized. Children cannot receive the Sacrament of Confirmation without having proof of being baptized.

4. At the age of 14 or 15, enroll your child in the Confirmation preparation class at your parish. These courses can consist of either one or two years of instruction, and end with the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. However, if your child attends a Catholic private or parochial school, these classes will often be part of their curriculum, and there may not be a need to take a parish class as well.

5. In many parishes, in addition to catechesis (classes), teens are also required to do a service project or some other form of ministry, and attend at least one retreat. Assist your teen with choosing and accomplishing their service project.

6. Candidates for Confirmation must have a sponsor - an adult, practicing Catholic (other than their parents) who can assist in preparing the teen and act as a sponsor during the Sacrament of Confirmation itself. Assist your teen in selecting an appropriate sponsor. The teen's godfather or godmother would be an ideal candidate, as this shows the connection between Baptism and Confirmation.

7. There are often preparatory rituals at one or more Masses prior to the Sacrament of Confirmation. Attend these Masses with your teen.

8. For receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, the traditional attire for young men is a dark suit, and for young women a (modest) dress or skirt ensemble. Assist your teen in picking out appropriate attire.

9. In most cases, your teen will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation at a Mass with the rest of his or her Confirmation class; the Sacrament is often administered by the local bishop. Be sure to invite friends and family to attend this very important event!

Resources

• Catechism of the Catholic Church - Confirmation