Confirmation may be celebrated at any time during the year except Lent. In this sacrament, the baptized candidate prepares to be sealed in the seven-fold Gift of the Holy Spirit as the Church confirms him or her. This sacrament strengthens one to live as a disciple of Christ, as one nourished by the Holy Eucharist.
In this archdiocese Catholics baptized in early childhood who have reached the age of 16 are invited to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation is being offered in cooperatively with Christ the King Parish, so candidates or their guardians are to be registered either at St. Alphonsus Parish, or Christ the King, with some exceptions. The location of preparation alternates each year between St. Alphonsus and Christ the King, with St. Alphonsus hosting classes on even numbered years (2010, etc).
Although lately many Catholics have treated this Sacrament as largely a matter of one's own choice and therefore easily dispensable, this understanding of Confirmation is inadequate and wrong. It is very important that Catholics be confirmed: unless confirmed, a Catholic may not serve as a godparent or a sponsor. Some dioceses require Confirmation for marriage, and the rest, including this one, strongly urge it, and allow one to marry with the promise that preparation for Confirmation will follow at an early opportunity. It is required for candidates for Holy Orders and the consecrated life, and is necessary for any successful ministry either public or private. Without this great Sacrament one is living an incomplete Sacramental life; they are not fully initiated members of the Catholic family.
There is no upper age limit for preparation. Adult and older teen Catholics who missed out on religious education and wish to be confirmed, especially if they have not prepared for other sacraments, should contact the parish office and make arrangements to attend RCIA. Adult Catholics who have been more or less regular in their practice of the Faith may also contact the parish office and arrange to receive comprehensive adult faith formation.
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