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A sacrament of Christian initiation

Confirmation

In the Restored Order, children are confirmed in 3rd grade and receive First Holy Communion together, completing their initiation into the Church.

How it works → (217) 602-9293
Third graders in their First Communion clothes at the front of St. Francis Solanus Church
About Confirmation

Sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit

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

The Restored Order

Confirmed in 3rd grade

The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois follows the Restored Order, which returns the sacraments of initiation to their ancient sequence: Baptism, then Confirmation, then First Holy Communion.

01

Baptism

Usually received as an infant, welcoming a child into the Church.

02

Confirmation

Received in 3rd grade. Our third graders are confirmed by the Bishop at the Cathedral in Springfield, alongside children from across the diocese.

03

First Communion

Received together with Confirmation, so the Eucharist completes a child's initiation.

Children prepare through religion class at St. Francis Solanus School or through the Parish School of Religion (PSR), with a retreat day each year for the students preparing. A required parent meeting and home study materials help parents in their role as first teachers.

Preparing for First Communion →
Never confirmed?

It's not too late

  • Older children and teensIf your child is past 3rd grade and hasn't been confirmed, contact Grant Wilson and he'll help you find the right path.
  • AdultsAdults who were baptized Catholic but never confirmed can prepare through our OCIA process.
  • SponsorsA sponsor must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic. If you've been asked to be a sponsor and need a letter from the parish, call the Parish Office.
Sacrament preparation Grant Wilson Director of Religious Education

Questions about Confirmation preparation for children, teens, or adults.