Confirmation
Together with Baptism and the Eucharist, Confirmation forms the unity that constitutes the “sacraments of Christian Initiation.” As such, the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. By this sacrament the baptized are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Through it they become true witnesses of Christ, and are obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and in action. (Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, §1285)
With the implementation of the Restored Order of Sacraments, beginning in 2019-2020, children in the 3rd grade will be Confirmed and receive First Holy Communion at the same mass.
The 8th grade students begin their preparation for Confirmation in the spring of their 7th grade. Our preparation process is in cooperation with the other Catholic Parishes in Quincy, which means our requirements and opportunities for service are similar as well as all meetings which are required of candidates, parents and sponsors. This allows candidates to attend meetings at other parishes if they are unable to attend the one scheduled at their own parish.
The process requires 8th grade candidates to complete enrichment opportunities in the parish, diocese or larger church and within the community. A mandatory retreat is also part of the process. This gives our 8th grade candidates a bigger picture of the Catholic Church as well as many opportunities to be of service to the community.