Confirmation
“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.”
— Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285
— Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285
Preparing for Confirmation at Mary, Queen of Peace
Confirmation is an exciting and important step in a young person’s faith journey! Through this sacrament, we receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, strengthening us to live out our Catholic faith and become witnesses of Christ in the world.
At Mary, Queen of Peace, we believe Confirmation preparation should be about more than completing a checklist. Our goal is to help teens deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, better understand the teachings of the Catholic Church, and discover what it means to live as disciples of Christ.
We strive to create a welcoming environment where teens feel comfortable asking questions, exploring their faith, and growing closer to God.
Confirmation is not graduation from the Church. It is another step in a lifelong journey of faith!
Our Confirmation Program
Mary, Queen of Peace offers a one-year Confirmation preparation program for students in 8th through 12th grade, generally ages 13–18.
Class Schedule: Sundays, 9:15–10:15 a.m., during the religious education year.
Our classes are designed to be engaging, interactive, and discussion-based. Rather than simply reading from a textbook, we encourage students to ask questions, share their thoughts, and explore what the Catholic Church teaches and why.
Throughout the year, students will explore topics including:
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Who God is and what it means to have a relationship with Him
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Jesus Christ, His life, death, and Resurrection
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The Holy Spirit and the gifts we receive through Confirmation
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The Eucharist and the importance of the Mass
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Mary, the saints, and their examples of faith
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Prayer, Scripture, and the teachings of the Catholic Church
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How to live out our faith in everyday life
Our hope is that every teen leaves the program not only prepared to receive Confirmation, but also more confident in their Catholic faith and their relationship with Christ.
Who Can Prepare for Confirmation?
Our program is designed for students in 8th through 12th grade who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Candidates should:
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Be baptized Catholics who have not previously received Confirmation.
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Have received First Eucharist and Reconciliation, or work with the parish to determine appropriate sacramental preparation.
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Be willing to participate in Confirmation preparation and grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith.
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Participate in the preparation activities and expectations outlined in the current Confirmation Handbook.
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Demonstrate a desire to continue growing in their relationship with Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church.
Families are encouraged to be registered members of Mary, Queen of Peace Parish and actively participate in parish life.
What if my teen hasn’t attended religious education regularly?
We understand that every family’s faith journey looks different! If your teen has missed religious education classes, has not received First Communion, or has other circumstances that may affect their preparation, please reach out to our Youth Minister, Beth Clark at [email protected].
We would love to talk with you about the best path forward.
Confirmation Preparation Expectations
Throughout the year, candidates and their families are asked to participate in several important aspects of preparation.
Faith Formation Classes
Regular participation in Sunday morning Confirmation classes is expected. These classes provide opportunities for teens to learn, ask questions, build friendships, and grow together in faith.
We understand that school, sports, and family commitments occasionally create scheduling conflicts. When a student needs to miss class, we ask families to communicate with the Youth Minister so that appropriate make-up work can be arranged.
Confirmation Retreat
Candidates participate in a Confirmation retreat designed to provide an opportunity to step away from everyday distractions, spend time in prayer, build community, and deepen their relationship with Christ.
Service to Others
Service is an important part of living our Catholic faith. Candidates are asked to participate in service opportunities that encourage them to put Christ’s love into action.
Specific service expectations are outlined in the Confirmation Handbook.
Choosing a Confirmation Sponsor
Each candidate selects a sponsor who will support and encourage them throughout their preparation and beyond.
Sponsors must meet the eligibility requirements established by the Catholic Church, including being a confirmed, practicing Catholic who has received the Eucharist and is at least 16 years old, unless an exception is permitted under Church law. Parents cannot serve as their own child’s Confirmation sponsor.
Choosing a Confirmation Saint
Candidates prayerfully select a recognized saint whose life and example inspire them to grow in holiness. They may also retain an appropriate saint’s name received at Baptism.
Learning about the lives of the saints helps candidates discover examples of ordinary people who answered God’s call in extraordinary ways.
Parent Participation
Parents are the first and most important teachers of the faith. We ask parents to attend the Confirmation parent meeting, encourage their teen’s participation, and support them through prayer and conversation throughout the year.
Required Documents
Families will be asked to provide the following information during preparation:
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Confirmation Candidate Information Form: Completed by the candidate and their parent or guardian.
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Baptismal Certificate: Candidates who were not baptized at Mary, Queen of Peace must provide a copy of their baptismal certificate.
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Additional Preparation Materials: Any other documentation outlined in the current Confirmation Handbook.
Questions? We’d Love to Hear From You!
Whether your teen is ready to begin Confirmation preparation, has questions about the Catholic faith, or needs additional sacramental preparation, we are happy to help.
We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ, discover their place in the Church, and grow in faith.
Contact Beth Clark in the Mary, Queen of Peace Youth Ministry Office at [email protected] for information about Confirmation registration, preparation requirements, or upcoming opportunities.
For adults wishing to receive this sacrament, see the RCIA Section
