Confirmation at St. Christina Parish
Confirmation
Confirmation is the Sacrament through which baptized Catholics receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This grace strengthens them to live their faith more fully, profess it with courage, and serve as witnesses of Christ in the world.
During the celebration of Confirmation, the Bishop lays hands upon the candidates and anoints each person’s forehead with sacred chrism while saying:
“Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Ordinary Form) or “I sign thee with the sign of the cross and confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Extraordinary Form).
Confirmation leaves an indelible spiritual mark on the soul and like Baptism, is received only once.
At St Christina Parish, preparation for Confirmation is a two-year formation process beginning in seventh grade. During this time, young people deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith, participate in worship and parish life, complete service experiences and prepare to take greater personal responsibility for living as disciples of Christ.
Candidates traditionally choose the name of a saint whose life and example inspire them. The saint serves as a spiritual role model and reminder of the candidate’s call to holiness.
Each candidate must also select a Catholic sponsor who is at least 16 years of age, has received Baptism and Confirmation and is actively practicing the Catholic faith. A godparent may serve as the sponsor when appropriate. The sponsor’s role is to support, encourage and guide the candidate as they prepare for Confirmation and continue growing in faith after receiving the sacrament.
For more information, please contact the Religious Education Office
at 773-779-7181 or jkazaniwskyj@archchicago.org
Confirmation
Service Hour Requirements
As Catholics, we are called to put our faith into action by loving and serving others. Service is an important part of Confirmation preparation because it helps young people move beyond simply learning about faith and begin living it.
The purpose of service hours is not to complete a checklist. It is to help students recognize the needs of others, grow in compassion, take responsibility, and understand that our Catholic faith should influence how we live and how we treat people.
Parents and guardians play an important role in helping students choose meaningful service opportunities and reflect on what they are learning through those experiences. We encourage families to talk about who was helped, why the service mattered and how the experience connects to our call to love our neighbor.
10 service Hours are required for each year of 7th and 8th grade.
7th Grade Due Date: April 9, 2027
8th Grade Due Date: February 12, 2027
A list of age-appropriate volunteer opportunities is available on the St. Christina Parish website under the Volunteer Opportunities button. The Service Hours Tracking and Reflection Form are also available there to download and print if your child needs an additional copy. (please print the grade appropriate one.)
New and time-sensitive volunteer opportunities will be shared throughout the year as they become available, so families are encouraged to check the website regularly.
If you need help finding an appropriate service opportunity or have questions about whether something will count toward service hours, please contact the Religious Education Office at 773-779-7181 or jkazaniwskyj@archchicago.org.
Our hope is that these experiences become more than required hours. We want students to begin developing a habit of noticing where help is needed and choosing to respond with faith, compassion, and service.
