Confirmation

Confirmation is a Sacrament of Initiation (along with Baptism and Eucharist) in which a baptized Catholic, through prayers, imposition of hands, and the anointing with chrism oil, receives a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit that completes baptismal grace. The Sacrament of Confirmation impresses a character, and by it the baptized, continuing the path of Christian initiation, are enriched by the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and bound more perfectly to the Church. Confirmation strengthens them and obliges them more firmly to be witnesses to Christ by word and deed and to spread and defend the faith (CCC 1285). Through this Sacrament of Initiation, the bishop (or his delegate) confirms the sacramental journey of faith begun at baptism and initiates candidates into the Greater Church community.

 

In 2020, all parishes in the Archdiocese of Denver completed implementation of the Restored Order of the Sacraments of Initiation at the request of Archbishop Samuel Aquila. This means children who are baptized prior to age seven and have already received the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the second grade, prepare for the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist in the third grade.

 

Families who move to the Archdiocese of Denver from other dioceses may have older children (between the ages of 8 and 18) who have already received their First Eucharist and need the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Most Precious Blood Office of Faith Formation is prepared to help these families.

 

Children in grades 3, 4, or 5 who only need the Sacrament of Confirmation will complete their sacrament preparation working with the Director of Children’s Faith Formation and will receive the sacrament at the same Mass together with the third graders.

 

Youth in grades 6 through 12 will work with the youth minister and may receive the sacrament at a separate Mass.

 

Sacrament preparation is always a time of spiritual growth for young people and an opportunity for parents to renew and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and his Church alongside their children. During the mandatory parent meeting, parents will learn more about the process of preparation and their part in that process.