Confirmation
“After saying this he breathed on them and said: Receive the Holy Spirit.”
— John 20:22
The gift of the Holy Spirit was given to the Church when Jesus breathed on the disciples. It was at that moment that the disciples gained the courage to leave the upper room and to share the Good News of the Gospel. We celebrate the birthday of the Church on the Feast of Pentecost in remembrance of this Gift of God’s love. We participate in this gift in a very special and specific way at the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is the third and final Sacrament of Initiation. It is when we transition from being the future of the Church to being the Church. Collectively, we are the Body of Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit helps us to live our faith with great enthusiasm and courage.
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation takes place in the context of our parish school and Religious Education Program. The Archdiocese of Chicago requires two full years of religious instruction in preparation for reception of the sacrament. Practically speaking, this means enrollment in the parish school or Religious Education program for 6th, 7th and 8th grade since we celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation in November on the Feast of Christ the King. Adult participation in the sacrament happens as a part of the RCIA program that runs from September through the Easter Vigil.