1316 Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds. 1309 Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit - his actions, his gifts, and his biddings - in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community. The latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands.(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1316, 1309)
Adult Confirmation Information & Class Information
For all adults interested in receiving the sacrament of Confirmation, please contact Mr. Reyes Ruiz at (703) 880.4332. Because the Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation, you are highly encouraged to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church prior to receiving any of the other Sacraments (i.e. marriage).
The sacrament of Confirmation in the Diocese of Arlington is typically done in 8th grade. If you have children ready to receive this Sacrament, please contact the Religious Education Office to see what preparations are needed (see below). If your children are enrolled at St. Joseph's Catholic School they will automatically be provided with Confirmation preparation.
Confirmation Sponsors
“Insofar as possible, there is to be a sponsor for the person to be confirmed; the sponsor is to take care that the confirmed person behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the obligations inherent in this sacrament” (Can. 892).
SPONSOR REQUIREMENTS:
1) The sponsor should be 16 years of age or older, more mature, more informed, and more experienced than the candidate and willing to share his or her faith with the candidate.
2) He/she is an active, practicing Catholic who has received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
3) He/she is a practicing Catholic who can receive Eucharist (Communion) at Mass
4) If married, he/she is married in the Catholic Church, or if single, he/she is not cohabiting.
5) He/she is not the parent of the candidate
Please Note: The completed Confirmation Sponsor Certification form is to be returned to St. Joseph’s Parish Office with the pastor’s signature and church seal of the parish that the sponsor is registered.