“Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bound with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.”
— CCC 1316
What is Confirmation?
At Confirmation we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and confirm our baptismal promises. Greater awareness of the grace of the Holy Spirit is conferred through the anointing of chrism oil and the laying of hands by the Bishop. Through the Sacrament of Confirmation we renew our baptismal promises and commit to living a life of maturity in the Christian Faith.
At St. Joseph Catholic Church we follow the requirements indicated by Canon Law and the Archdiocese of San Antonio for the reception of the Sacraments. These are some of the guidelines for the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation at our parish.
Confirmation (For High School Students)
-Parents must present a copy of the student’s Baptism and First Communion certificates to the Religious Education Office.
-The family of the Confirmation student that is enrolled in the Religious Education program.
-It is a requirement that the student attends and participates in classes and attends Holy Mass on Sundays. It is also required for parents/legal guardians to attend Holy Mass.
-Students must attend a retreat [date and time will be provided by the Religious Education Office], and if for any reason they cannot attend, they must do so in another parish that the Director of Religious Education will suggest.
*Adults (18 and above) who have not received Confirmation yet can attend Adult Confirmation classes. Those adults who have not received First Holy Communion AND Confirmation can be enrolled in the Adult Confirmation and First Communion Classes Program. Adults who have not received Baptism can be enrolled in the OCIA Program (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults).*
For more information on registration fees, dates, and requirements, please visit us or call the Religious Education Office.