Confirmation
Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation, deeply linked with Baptism and the Eucharist. Together, they form one unified journey that inserts us into Christ’s life, death and resurrection, making us new in the Church.
The word “Confirmation” points to a strengthening of baptismal grace. Through the anointing with sacred Chrism, we are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and conformed more deeply to Christ—the true “Anointed One.” As Pope Francis explains, this Sacrament “gives us a special strength... to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of his Cross” (cf. CCC 1303).
Confirmation also deepens our bond with the Church and prepares us to live out our faith with courage and love. It is God’s work, not ours—God molds us through the Holy Spirit, shaping us in the image of His Son.
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit—Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety and Fear of the Lord—are poured into our lives through Confirmation. When we welcome these gifts, Christ begins to act in us: praying, forgiving, consoling, serving and building peace through us.
Pope Francis urges us not to overlook this vital step. If young people have not yet been confirmed, we must do all we can to help them complete their Christian initiation. It is through Confirmation that Christ fully takes shape in their lives—and in ours.
(based on Pope Francis, General Audience, 29 January 2014)
Confirmation
Registration
We are now accepting registrations for our 2025–2026 Catechetical Year! Sessions will begin on Saturday, October 11th. As outlined in the Archdiocese of St. Boniface Catechetical Policy (which can be found here), ongoing catechism is required prior to participation in all Sacrament Preparation programs. If you have any questions about our family faith formation program, please contact the parish office.
Confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should My child receive the sacrament of confirmation?
A child is invited to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation when they are in Grade 6 or older. The suggested age is only a guideline. If parents feel that their child is not yet ready to further their faith formation, they are encouraged to undergo preparations for the Sacrament of Confirmation when they are more mature and more sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
What preparation is required for my child to be confirmed?
Children preparing to be Confirmed must be baptised into the Roman Catholic Church, and have celebrated their First Reconciliation and First Communion. Before being Confirmed, children must complete a minimum of twenty hours in an ongoing program of catechesis (either catechism classes or in a Catholic school). These twenty hours should be completed in the year prior to the reception of the sacrament. These sessions assist the parents in initiating their children into the fullness of Christian life.
In addition to participating in an ongoing program of catechesis, children must complete twelve sessions of sacramental catechesis before they can receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. These are catechetical sessions offered specifically to prepare children to receive the Sacraments.
Since Eucharistic celebrations are at the heart of our faith, children are expected to participate in Mass with their families each week. It is also expected that children be reasonably familiar with what happens at Mass.
Are there requirements of the parents who wish to have their child confirmed?
Our Sacrament Preparation Program is family-based, meaning that parents and children attend the sessions together. While children participate in their classes, parents engage in the Household of Faith process. These gatherings provide parents the opportunity to build friendships, grow in faith and reflect on the Holy Scriptures using a simple guided process, helping them support their children’s faith formation. This approach recognizes parents as the primary educators of their children in the faith and provides a meaningful opportunity for families to grow together. Both parents are encouraged to attend all preparation sessions. If time constraints are an issue, parents can speak with our Sacrament Preparation Coordinator to make alternative arrangements.
When are confirmation preparation sessions?
Sacrament preparation sessions take place Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. After you have registered your child for the program, our Sacrament Preparation Coordinator will send you the 2025-2026 Sacrament preparation schedule.
Are there costs associated with sacrament preparation?
Yes. Costs will cover instructional materials.