Confirmation

If you're a currently registered Confirmation family and looking for information specific to this year, visit the Confirmation Hub.

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is changing in the Archdiocese of Baltimore! The standard age of preparation is being lowered to age 9. If you would like to learn more about this Archdiocesan decision, click here. 

2026-2027 is our major transition year at St. Alphonsus. ALL children in 4th-7th grades (who are also enrolled in a faith formation program or Catholic school) are invited to prepare for the sacrament. See below for a basic understanding of what this process entail.

Older children (8th grade and above) will be accommodated needed. Please contact Clare at clare@stalchurch.org to discuss what this might look like.

Adults (18+) looking to receive Confirmation should contact Dee Papania at dee@stalchurch.org for information regarding the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).

Q&A

Q: Who will be eligible to prepare for Confirmation?

A:  ANY child in 4th-7th grade who is also enrolled in a Faith Formation program (whether here at St. Alphonsus or elsewhere) or in Catholic school.

Q: What if I have a 9-year-old who is in 3rd grade?

A: While 9-years-old is becoming the “standard” age of Confirmation, our program will be built for 4th grade and above, regardless of when the child turns 9 or if they will be 10-years-old while preparing for the sacrament.

Q: What if my child is NOT ready to prepare for Confirmation?

A: THAT’S OKAY! Children in 4th-7th grades are NOT required to prepare for Confirmation in 2026-2027. They are simply INVITED to. Beginning with the 2027-2028 year, Confirmation preparation will be open for 4th-6th grade children to join on a standard basis. Come that time, children in 7th grade and above will be accommodated as needed.

What Will Be Expected of Your FAMILY

Both children and parents are required to participate in the Confirmation Sessions and Retreat (schedule detailed below). Children will need A LOT more support in preparing the sacrament at a younger age.

Faith Formation families: The parent component of our Confirmation program will count as your Faith Formation Parent Session. You will NOT be required to attend on Sunday mornings, unless you ALSO have a child preparing for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.

Sponsors: All children must choose ONE sponsor. Sponsors are required to attend a Zoom meeting in January and the Confirmation Mass itself.

2026-2027 Schedule

A printable copy of this schedule can be found HERE.

Parent Meeting: September 1 at 7 PM

Sessions: Fall OR Spring. You commit to ONE set of sessions. Sessions are held from 6-8 PM and dinner is provided.

• FALL - September 22, October 13, November 3, & December 1
• SPRING - January 19, February 23, March 16, & April 6
• Final Session (for all): May 25

Zoom Sponsor Meeting: January 12 at 7 PM

Retreat: April 17 (location and time TBD)

Confirmation Mass (TENTATIVE): May 15 at 4 PM

• Other possible dates are May 8 and May 22.

Required Paperwork

1. Registration and Baptismal Certificate
2. Declaration of Sponsor
3. Saint Project

The Fire Fellowship

This is our program! It is very different from what we’ve done previously in Confirmation preparation. It is much less book based and more hands on. Parent involvement is KEY!

The topics we’ll cover are:
Misconceptions about Confirmation
Who is the Holy Spirit?
Understanding Baptism
Understanding Confirmation
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Fruits of the Holy Spirit