Thank you for your inquiry about Adult Confirmation! Adult Confirmation is meant for adult practicing Catholics who received Baptism and first Communion as children but were never confirmed. As an adult who is continuing to practice the Catholic faith (attending Mass weekly, being married in the Church if married, celebrating Reconciliation at least once a year, etc.), you already fulfill the main requirements for Confirmation! Therefore, the process is relatively short and can be fairly self-paced. Many can be completed in any order and there is no fee for Adult Confirmation. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Requirements for Confirmation are:
1. Register and attend Mass at St. Catherine’s.
Registration can be done online at www.stcatherine.org and you need to be registered on your own (not on parent’s registration) if you are over 23 years old and/or live in a separate place from parents. Sunday Mass must be attended weekly! Please greet the priest after each Mass so he recognizes you. If your job completely prohibits you from attending a weekend Mass on any given weekend, you have a dispensation for that day’s obligation, but please attend a weekday Mass to maintain a connection to Eucharist and the community.
2. Registration form
Let me know when you are available to fill out a registration form here at the church with me. My hours vary depending on scheduled events, but usually include Sunday daytime and Monday and Wednesday evening hours. Contact me for an appointment. It should take about 20-30 minutes.
3. Baptismal certificate
We need a NEW copy of your baptismal certificate. It should be dated within the last 6 months. To obtain a new copy, contact the church where you were baptized and ask for a new certificate with notations. They will know what you need. It can be sent to you or to us. We only need a copy.
4. Choose a sponsor
You may choose any person as a sponsor as long as they are over 16, confirmed, attend Mass, and (if married) are married in the Catholic Church. Your sponsor may not be your parent. There is a form (attached) for your sponsor to fill out with their parish priest attesting to the requirements for a sponsor. You only need 1 sponsor.
If you are having trouble finding a sponsor, let me know as soon as possible so I can contact a parishoner who will be happy to be your sponsor. Sponsors are asked to review the online learning module described below and discuss with you before you meet for your discussion with a clergy member.
5. Choose a ministry
If you are not already involved in any ministry or group at St. Catherine’s, we have a lot to choose from! You do not need to volunteer, but it is important to connect to the parish in some way. If you don’t have any ideas, please talk to me about it.
6. Attend the Kerygma Experience
The Kerygma Experience is a 90-120 minute mini-retreat offered as needed. The next scheduled opportunity is usually the first Monday of each month at 7 pm, but we can also schedule individually. You do not need any materials but you do need to let me know when you will attend.
7. Complete online learning module
Go to www.formed.org and use code NHR3Z6 to register for free access.
Required videos that will be discussed are:
Recommended videos are:
8. Discuss online learning with clergy
Meet with one of the clergy members to discuss the online learning. Bring your participant guide to aid in the conversation. Conversation should take 1 hour at a mutually agreeable time.
Fr. Sushil Tudu – frsushil@stcatherine.org
Deacon Walter Stone – deaconwalt@stcatherine.org
9. Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation
It is important to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) before your Confirmation. If you need a refresher for Reconciliation, we recommend “Forgiven” available free on Formed.org. It has 5 videos, each approximately 30 min. in length. We are always available for questions, no matter how big or small, as well.
10. Attend the practice and celebration of the Rite of Confirmation (with your sponsor)
The next opportunity for Adult Confirmation will be discussed as early as possible so you are aware of any time limits. Generally, the practice will be directly before the Mass in which Confirmation is celebrated. If you would like to choose a Confirmation (Saint) name, please let me know as soon as possible.