"Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation." - Elton Trueblood
conform (v.) 1: to agree. 2: to obey customs or standards.
confirm (v.) 1: to establish and firmly accept the truth, accuracy or reality of.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the third and final Sacrament of Initiation. Initiation is the process of beginning instruction in the fundamental principles of a significant body of work. In and through the process of Confirmation, we are "initiated" into a most significant "body of work" . . . the Body of Christ! We join the community of those who believe in Jesus, desire to know and love him more fully and choose to become more like Jesus by practicing his way of life.
Your parents and those of us who are part of your parish community believe that following in the way of Jesus brings a real vibrance and fullness to life. Right now, you may imagine that we want you to conform to our belief. In truth, we hope that as you explore and encounter the person of Jesus and the precepts of the Catholic faith, you may confirm for yourself that following in the way of Jesus will bring you, and so many others, a life filled with hope and joy.
If you choose to make the Catholic faith we are sharing with you your own, we will celebrate this great step in the Sacrament of Confirmation. We gather to affirm and confirm the faith that has become more firmly rooted in your heart and soul. This affirming and confirming strengthens you, inviting you to experience the Gifts of the Holy Spirit more fully and giving you the courage to bear witness to Christ in the world more freely.
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation began at your Baptism and has continued throughout your life. The most influential part of your formation has come from the way of life practiced by your family at home. The process of Faith Formation provided by the parish offers significant encouragement to families in forming their young people in the Catholic faith. Through the process of preparing you for Confirmation, we enter into a time of discernment with you, reflecting on the knowledge and experience that has shaped your life. As we talk, worship, serve, play and pray together we will identify with you that you are maturing in a Catholic Christian character and are ready to affirm your faith at the Confirmation celebration. We look forward to sharing in this special time with you!