Office: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed 12–1)

SacramentsConfirmation

Confirmation

Grade 7 students prepare from October to spring and are confirmed by the Bishop at St. Columba each May. Adults are confirmed at the Easter Vigil.

In Confirmation the Holy Spirit, first given at Baptism, is sealed and strengthened in a young person so that they can live and share their faith as an adult member of the Church. In the Archdiocese of Toronto it is normally celebrated in Grade 7.

StageWhenDetails
RegistrationSeptember 1 – October 10Baptism certificate required (copy)
Parent & candidate meetingSunday, October 18, 3:00 PMChurch; one parent and the candidate
SessionsMonthly Sunday afternoons, 3:00–5:00 PMNovember – April; includes the 5:00 PM Mass together
Sponsor eveningWednesday, February 3, 2027, 7:00 PMSponsors welcome online if out of town
RetreatSaturday, April 17, 2027Full day, off site, led by the youth ministry team
RehearsalWednesday, May 19, 2027, 7:00 PMCandidates and sponsors
ConfirmationSunday, May 23, 2027, 3:00 PMWith the Bishop; reception follows

Requirements

  • Baptized Catholic, in Grade 7 or older, who has made First Communion (if not, we prepare for both — please call).
  • Attendance at all monthly sessions and the retreat; one session may be made up.
  • Regular Sunday Mass with the family through the year.
  • Ten hours of service — at the parish (pantry, picnic, Coffee Sunday, altar serving) or in the community — recorded on the service sheet.
  • A short letter to the pastor, written by the candidate, asking to be confirmed and saying why.
Teen friends smiling outdoors

Choosing a sponsor and a name

The sponsor stands with the candidate and promises to support them in living the faith. A sponsor must be a confirmed, practising Catholic at least 16 years old — a godparent is ideal, and a parent may not be the sponsor. Sponsors provide a letter of good standing from their parish. Candidates may take a confirmation name: the name of a saint whose story they have read and want to imitate. Many keep their baptismal name if it is already a saint's.

The celebration

The Bishop (or his delegate) celebrates Mass at 3:00 PM. After the homily the candidates renew their baptismal promises; then each comes forward with their sponsor's hand on their shoulder. The Bishop anoints the forehead with chrism, saying "Name, be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit," and the candidate answers "Amen." Candidates wear a red gown provided by the parish over neat clothes. Families may invite as many guests as they wish; a reception with the Bishop follows in the hall.

Adults

Baptized Catholics who were never confirmed — often because they moved, or simply missed it — are confirmed at the Easter Vigil or at Pentecost after a short preparation with the OCIA group from January. Many are engaged couples who want to be confirmed before marriage, or parents preparing to be godparents. See Becoming Catholic or call Sr. Agnes.

Questions

My child goes to a public school.

The parish program is the same for everyone; nothing depends on the school. All candidates prepare together.

What if my child is not sure they want to be confirmed?

Honesty is good. Come to the first meeting anyway; the program is designed for questions. Nobody is confirmed against their will, and anyone can be confirmed later, at any age.

Is there a fee?

$60 covers the candidate book, retreat, gown and reception; waived on request.

Register (contact the office)
Youth ministry

Coordinator: Sr. Agnes Ibeh, SSND (ext. 25) with Marcus Lee, Youth Minister (ext. 27).