"The Holy Spirit does not come to make us comfortable. He comes to make us courageous — to set a fire in us that the world cannot extinguish."
— In the spirit of St. Joan of Arc
Martyr, Patron of France
"Receive the seal of the Holy Spirit, the gift of the Father and the Son. Guard what you have received. God the Father has marked you with His sign."
— St. Cyril of Jerusalem
Doctor of the Church, 4th Century
"The Holy Spirit is the soul of the Church. The more a man desires to be useful to himself and his neighbors, the more he should seek to be united to Him."
— Pope Leo XIII
Divinum Illud Munus, 1897
What it means
What Is Confirmation?
Confirmation is the second of the three Sacraments of Initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Together these three sacraments constitute full initiation into the Catholic Church. Many Catholics were baptized as infants and received their First Communion, but were never confirmed — or were confirmed but didn't fully understand what it meant at the time.
In Confirmation, the bishop — or a priest he delegates — anoints the person on the forehead with sacred oil called chrism, saying: "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit." The confirmed person responds: "Amen."
Like Baptism, Confirmation leaves a permanent mark on the soul. It can only be received once. If you were confirmed, you are confirmed — forever.
Strengthens faith
The Holy Spirit deepens and strengthens the grace received at Baptism
Permanent mark
Like Baptism, Confirmation leaves an indelible mark — it cannot be repeated
Gifts of the Spirit
Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord
Full initiation
Together with Baptism and Eucharist, it completes initiation into the Church
A common situation
Never Been Confirmed?
This is more common than you might think. Many Catholics were baptized and made their First Communion, but drifted away before Confirmation — or simply never got around to it. The good news is it is never too late.
If you were baptized Catholic but never confirmed, you do not need RCIA. You are already Catholic. What you need is a shorter preparation process that most parishes can arrange specifically for adults seeking Confirmation.
Contact your parish
Tell them you were baptized Catholic and want to be confirmed as an adult. They will connect you with the right program.
Adult Confirmation preparation
Most parishes offer a shortened preparation program for already-baptized Catholics — typically a few months rather than a full year.
Choose a sponsor
You need a practicing Catholic to sponsor you — someone who will support your faith journey. If you don't know anyone, the parish can provide one.
Choose a Confirmation name
You may choose the name of a saint who inspires you. This is optional in many dioceses but a beautiful tradition.
Receive the sacrament
Confirmation is typically celebrated at a diocesan Mass with the bishop, often in spring. You will be anointed with chrism oil and sealed with the Holy Spirit.
Getting married in the Church? If you plan to marry in a Catholic ceremony, both parties who are Catholic are typically required to be confirmed. If you haven't been confirmed yet, this is the perfect time — and the parish will help you prepare alongside your marriage preparation.
Ready to complete your initiation?