Celebrating Confirmation The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation. Together with Baptism and Eucharist it marks the welcome of new members into the Catholic Christian community.   Confirmation can only be celebrated one time in the Catholic Church. Some Catholics (Eastern Rite) are Confirmed at Baptism. Others (Western or Roman Rite) are confirmed by the Bishop later in life. In Hamilton Diocese the Sacrament is celebrated most often with children in Grade 8.   Preparation is provided by our parish schools and by the parish team. Parents play a primary role in the preparation of their children for the Sacraments - especially by helping them grow spiritually and morally. We pray that the grace of this Sacrament will inspire the young people of our parish and help them grow in their Christian commitment to follow the Lord who loves them and guides them.   Registration for the Sacraments   In the Fall each family was asked to complete an Intention Form indicating to the parish whether their child would be celebrating the Sacraments with Holy Cross Parish this year. In January families will receive more information regarding the celebration of Confirmation   Commitment Celebrations   Our candidates and their parents will participate in an Enrollment Celebration at the beginning of February. All candidates are expected to be present for one of the celebrations.   Morning of Reflection   Each of our Catholic elementary schools will have a Morning of Reflection for Confirmation candidates in the month of February. These mornings will be an opportunity for candidates to deepen their understanding of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and reflect upon their call to live the Gifts in their daily lives.   Older Children Young people who did not celebrate Confirmation in Grade 8 and wish to do so while they are in High School may approach the parish for preparation and instruction.   Who can be Confirmed? Any person baptized in the Catholic church may be confirmed. Christians, baptized in other communities may be confirmed if they desire to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church.   Sponsors No one comes to faith alone. Confirmation sponsors act as witnesses of the community and supporters for those confirmed. A sponsor must be a baptized, confirmed and practicing Roman Catholic who is at least 16 years old. Parents may not act as sponsors for their own children. Grandparents, siblings and other family members may be sponsors if they are Roman Catholics.   Printable PDF version