Confirmation means accepting responsibility for your faith and your destiny. The focus is on the Holy Spirit, who confirmed the apostles on Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) and gave them courage to practice their faith. Catholics believe that the same Holy Spirit confirms Catholics during the Sacrament of Confirmation and gives them the same gifts and fruits.

Just as our bodies and minds grow, Catholics believe that our souls need to grow in the life of grace. Just as the human body must grow in childhood, adolescence, and then adulthood, the human soul needs to grow into maturity. Catholics believe that the Sacrament of Confirmation is the supernatural equivalent of the growth process on the natural level. It builds on what was begun in Baptism and what was nourished in the Holy Eucharist. It completes the process of initiation into the Christian community, and it matures the soul for the work ahead.

Confirmation candidates are encouraged to perform acts of service during their time of preparation.

Service Overview Presentation

Volunteer Service Experience

If you are an adult who is seeking more information on how to become a member of the Catholic Church, or if you are a baptized Catholic who never received Confirmation, please see our Becoming Catholic page to find more information on The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) and what the process is as well as contact information.

If you are visiting our site because your child is approaching eighth grade, or a little older; and you want to know the process for your child to receive Confirmation, we say welcome! We know what a busy and exciting time this is for your family, and we want to continue to assist you in raising your child in the faith and help prepare them to make their faith their own.

Below are some FAQs to help answer some of your questions. Please contact Fr. Rich Samide at the Religious Education office at (440) 333-2133 with further questions.

FAQs

What is necessary for my child to receive Confirmation?

At a minimum, your child must:

Be baptized in the Catholic Church, or another Christian denomination recognized by the Catholic Church. Basically, they must have been baptized with water and “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Have received at least one year of religious education instruction before eighth grade. Enrollment in St. Angela Merici school in eighth grade, or enrollment in our Parish School of Religion in level eight, is the norm. If your child is older than eighth grade please contact Fr. Rich Samide to discuss options for your child.
Have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation should have taken place along with First Holy Communion. If your child has not received one or both of these sacraments, contact Fr. Rich Samide.

When does the instruction of children take place?
For Children in both the St. Angela Merici day school and PSR program, preparation for Confirmation typically takes place during their second grade year.

When does Confirmation take place?
Confirmation for eighth graders is usually scheduled in March or April, but may change to allow a bishop to preside. Please contact the Parish Center at (440) 333-2133 for the exact date.

Who can be my child's sponsor for Confirmation?
Every person being confirmed must have a sponsor. To be a sponsor, you must: