Confirmation

Confirmation is sometimes referred to incorrectly as a sacrament of Christian maturity.  It is actually a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit which brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace - it seals our baptism.  Through Confirmation we are rooted more deeply to God the Father, united more firmly to Christ, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are increased within us, and our bond with the Church becomes more perfect.  We also receive the special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith in our words and actions - and in the world today all of us, including our children, need all the strength we can get to do good and avoid the distractions and temptations that can draw us away from God.

The norm in the Diocese of Phoenix is that children are Confirmed in the third grade following a two-year preparation beginning in second grade.   Just because one completes their sacraments at third grade it does not mean their religious education is complete.   A third grade education in any discipline is inadequate as we grow older.   In order to meet this need, at Our Lady of Joy we offer continuing education and formation programs through grade school, Jr. High, High School and for adults.

Since the norm is for the children to receive the sacraments in the third grade, they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation after the Homily during the same Mass as their First Holy Communion.   This follows the "restored order" of the Sacraments.

The restored order means that the Sacraments of Initiation are received in that same order as they had been for many centuries in our Church history.   That order is:  Baptism/Confirmation/First Eucharist

This restored order helps us recognize that sharing in the Eucharist completes our initiation into the Church.   Preparation for Confirmation is closely integrated with preparation for First Eucharist as well as instruction regarding the close connection between Baptism and Confirmation.  The Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation may only be received once but we are frequently nourished through the rest of our lives by receiving Holy Communion at Mass.   

For further information, please click on the appropriate link below.

Confirmation for Grade School through Jr. High School – more info

Confirmation for High School Students – more info

Confirmation for Adults – more info