“I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:12-15)

Jesus promised the Apostles that he would send the Holy Spirit to them.  At Pentecost, that promise of Christ was fulfilled.  The effects of Confirmation include: a permanent character; a perfection of baptismal grace; an increase in the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit; a deepening of our identity as adopted sons and daughters of God; a closer bond to the Church and her mission; and helps for bearing witness.  In the Western or Latin Church, Confirmation is administered after the age of reason is attained and is normally conferred by the bishop, signifying one’s bond with the Church and its apostolic origins. (Excerpted from United States Catholic Catechism for Adults)

Young people who have been baptized and are partaking of the Eucharist and have regularly attended religious education classes typically prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation in the eighth grade. It is expected that all young people will participate in Religious Education classes in the year prior to preparing for the Sacrament. The Confirmation Program begins with an orientation meeting for parents and candidates, and includes monthly Confirmation sessions (in addition to grade-level Religious Education classes), a Confirmation retreat, and service opportunities.  There is a materials fee (in addition to the RE registration fee), which covers the cost of the retreat and additional materials.

For more information, please contact the Religious Education Office at 301-258-9193.

Christian Initiation for Children and Teens (CIC/CIT)
Children of catechetical age who have not been baptized prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) in a process modeled on the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Children and their families participate in the program for at least one full year prior to preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation.  For more information, contact the Religious Education Office at 301-258-9193.

Adults
Adults who have not been baptized nor received First Communion prepare for Confirmation as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).

Adults who have been baptized and received First Communion can prepare for Confirmation as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). They may also prepare for Confirmation in the six-week class offered by the Pastor that begins just before Easter each year. Adults participating in this program would receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Cathedral at Pentecost or the Parish Confirmation in May.  Please contact the Pastor for more information at 301-840-1407.

Process to Obtain a Sponsor Form
Please contact the Parish Office to obtain a Sponsor Form for Baptism or Confirmation.