Confirmation
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, our 8th grade students reached a beautiful milestone in their faith journey as they received the Sacrament of Confirmation. We were honored to welcome Bishop Sullivan to St Christina Parish to preside over this special liturgy and to witness our youth "sealing" their commitment to Christ.
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
SERVICE OUTREACH
As members of the Catholic faith, we recognize the importance of passing our faith on to the next generation. An essential part of that responsibility is preparing our young people for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Service is an important part of Confirmation preparation because it gives students an opportunity to live out Christ's command to love God and love their neighbor. Service hours are not intended to be simply another requirement to complete. They are meant to help young people recognize the needs of others, grow in compassion and understand that faith is expressed through action.
Our students need guidance as they learn what meaningful service looks like. Parents and guardians play the most important role in helping children understand why they are serving, how their actions affect others and how service connects to their Catholic faith. Confirmation preparation is most meaningful and lasting when families are actively involved in the process.
Please review and discuss the service requirements with your child. The information provided explains the number of required service hours, acceptable service opportunities, supervision requirements, documentation and completion deadlines. All service must be completed under the supervision of a responsible adult.
We encourage families to approach these experiences as opportunities for conversation, reflection and spiritual growth, not simply as a requirement.
For more information, please the Religious Education Office
at 773-779-7181 or jkazaniwskyj@archchicago.org
