Parish Confirmation Requirements
 
Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For "by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed."  (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285)
 
For adult Catholics who seek the sacrament of Confirmation, contact Deacon Wayne Matthews at  wmatthews@stfrancis-stmary.org.
 
Confirmation for the young people of St. Francis-St. Mary is offered to all high school students.  Young people must have completed at least one year of religious education immediately prior to preparing for Confirmation.  Contact Caroline Rohr at crohr@hfccmd.org or call 301-473-4800 for more information. 
 
 
Diocesan Guidelines
The following guidelines have been established in the Diocese for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation:
            †   An appropriate understanding of the Christian life. The candidate must understand and accept the life of Christ in their lifestyle.
            †  A firm determination to live the Christian life to the best of their ability. The candidate must be a good steward, giving in Christian proportion of time, talent, and treasure.
            †  Appreciation of the importance of worship and prayer in the life of the Church. The candidate must understand the importance of personal and communal worship.
            † Faithful participation in parish religious education program.
            † Commitment to further religious education by the candidate and parents or guardian. 
            † The candidate should be willing to be involved in parish religious education programs after Confirmation.
 
Preparation
Baptized Catholic youth who have reached the 10th grade are invited at the beginning of the year to enter into preparation for Confirmation at St. Francis-St. Mary and concludes with the celebration of Confirmation. This period is a time for opportunities for service and retreats. As with Baptism, preparation for Confirmation takes place within the context of the total parish community. This period of sacramental preparation is the time for specific focus on Confirmation. This time should reflect a more faith-sharing, Scripture intense conversion process similar to that of adults in our parish RCIA program. This includes instruction in the doctrines of our faith, but in a way that deepens our regular catechetical sessions.

Candidates are expected to participate in sessions verbally by sharing their faith experience. Instructors will guide candidates in their sharing and help them to reflect on the meaning of the Catholic faith experience in their lives. The role of parents/guardians, sponsors and catechists are of special significance. As with the Sacrament of Eucharist, a Baptismal Certificate must be presented for Parish records.
 
Sponsors
The candidate may select his or her sponsor from Catholics in good standing with the Church. It is recommended that in order to complete the cycle of the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptismal sponsors become Confirmation sponsors. Sponsors from outside St. Francis-St. Mary parish must obtain a written notification from the parish in which they are registered indicating that they are in good standing in their Church. The role of the sponsor in Confirmation, like that of the sponsor in the total RCIA process, has become a vital part of the candidate's journey before, during, and after receiving this sacrament. Sponsors must be fully initiated (have received Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation), active Catholics. Sponsors must be over 16 years of age and cannot be the Candidate's parent.