Confirmation

What is Confirmation?

Confirmation is the last of the three Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church, along with Baptism and the Eucharist. It is the final step in becoming a fully initiated member of the Church. In Confirmation, the grace of Baptism is strengthened and deepened through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit—just as it was at Pentecost.

Through this sacrament, we are:

Sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit
Strengthened in our faith
Sent forth as courageous witnesses of Christ in the world

Confirmation is not a “graduation from faith”—it's a beginning. It marks the moment when we take personal ownership of our Catholic identity, respond more fully to God's call, and receive the spiritual strength to live as faithful disciples. Just as the Apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel, we too are empowered through Confirmation to live and share our faith boldly.

Confirmation Requirements for 2025-2026

To enter the Confirmation 2025-2026 program at Holy Family, the student should be in at least 9th grade and have been in a faith formation or Catholic school program in the previous year. If this is not the case for your child, please contact the parish about your child's situation. Sessions will start Monday, October 6, 2025. There will be 6 sessions, held on the first Monday of every month. Registration for the 2025-2026 year has now closed.

Parish membership is required for Confirmation. Please click here visit our Become a Member page to fill out the registration form.

Live Your Faith Through Service:
Candidates must complete 15 hours of service, reflecting a commitment to both the Church and the wider community. These hours should include a variety of activities. At least 10 of these hours will be completed at Holy Family Catholic Church.
Complete Volunteer Service Requirements: To serve at the parish, teens need to complete the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s volunteer requirements. If you're unsure of your compliance, please contact Louisa Woolery at [email protected].
Attend Confirmation Sessions (6): The purpose of the sessions is to encourage and facilitate relationship among the Candidates as they enter deeper into relationship with Christ and to enter into full communion with the Church.
Participate in the Confirmation Retreat at Holy Family:
This retreat is a powerful opportunity to grow closer to Christ, connect with peers, and prepare your heart for the sacrament.
Choose a Faithful Sponsor:
Candidates choose a Confirmation sponsor—someone who is a practicing Catholic in good standing (and not a parent)—to support and guide them on their spiritual journey.
Who Can Be Confirmation Sponsor? Sponsors must be:
(1) a practicing Catholic;
(2) if married, must be married in the Catholic church or have had their marriage blessed by the church through convalidation;
(3) at least 16 years of age;
(4) received the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation;
(5) attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation regularly;
(6) Sponsors may NOT be a parent.
Candidate Interview:
Each candidate will have an interview to reflect on their faith and readiness. Dates and times will be shared soon.
Attend the Confirmation Mass:
We ask families to keep Saturdays from late April through early June open until the Archdiocese confirms our date. If you're unavailable, please let us know early so we can arrange for another celebration of the sacrament.
Celebrate the Sacraments Regularly:
Ongoing participation in the Eucharist (Sunday Mass) and Reconciliation is an essential part of preparing to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Write a Letter to the Bishop:
Candidates will write a personal letter to the Bishop sharing their journey and desire to be confirmed in the Catholic faith.
Choose a Confirmation Saint (Optional):
Many candidates choose a Confirmation Saint—a heavenly friend and patron—to inspire and guide them.

Walk the Journey Together – Join Your Child in Confirmation Prep

Dear Parents,

Confirmation is not just a milestone for your teen - it’s a powerful moment for your entire family. As your son or daughter prepares to receive this beautiful sacrament, your presence and support can make all the difference. Parents should plan to be part of their preparation journey. By attending sessions with your teen, you’ll not only grow in your own faith, but also show them, through your example, how valuable this step is.

Why join in?

Your presence shows your teen that faith is a shared and lifelong journey.
It opens the door to meaningful conversations about life, faith, and purpose.
You’ll be better equipped to answer your teen’s questions and guide them with confidence.
It’s a great opportunity to reconnect with your own spiritual life.

Your role in this process is irreplaceable. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming sessions - let’s walk this journey together. (One parent at each session is fine.)

Confirmation Program Schedule

Session: October 6, 2025: 7:00-8:30 pm Unity Hall
Session: November 3, 2025: 7:00-8:30 pm Unity Hall
Session: December 1, 2025: 7:00-8:30 pm Unity Hall
Session: January 5, 2026: 7:00-8:30 pm Unity Hall
Session: February 2, 2026: 7:00-8:30 pm Unity Hall
Retreat Day: February 21, 2026: Time TBD, Holy Family Church
Session: March 2, 2026: 7:00-8:30pm Unity Hall
Confirmation Day: April 25, 2026, Time TBD, Holy Family Church, Main Sanctuary

Food will be provided before all of the sessions, starting at 6:30pm. 

Confirmation Forms

We pray that this year may be a year of grace and blessing for our many Confirmation Candidates and their families.

Adult Volunteers Needed

This program would not be possible without the time, talent, and energy of our incredible adult volunteers! We invite parents to take a moment in prayer to ask if God is calling you to serve in some capacity to support our Youth!

Some examples of sharing gifts include volunteering as a small group leader, or helping with administration, technical, communications, or hospitality areas--or maybe you have other gifts to share? All volunteers must complete VIRTUS requirements and can begin this process by contacting Louisa Woolery: [email protected].

You must register with the Archdiocese to volunteer - click here.

To inquire about Confirmation please contact Dodie Seppi, Director of Religious Education at [email protected].

Confirmation Age Change Ahead in 2026 - 2027

Beginning in 2026–2027, the Archdiocese of Baltimore will begin shifting the standard age for Confirmation to 9 years old (around 4th grade). The goal is to foster earlier formation, greater family involvement, and a stronger foundation in the life of the Church. This will not impact the upcoming Faith Formation at Holy Family in the fall of 2025.

Watch Archbishop Lori explain this change and its significance:

Are You an Adult Seeking Confirmation?

If you are over 18 and have not yet been confirmed, we invite you to learn more about preparation through our Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) program. Whether you are baptized Catholic or exploring the Catholic faith for the first time, we are here to walk with you.

Click here to visit our OCIA page and learn more.