“Baptism, the Eucharist, and the Sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian Initiation. The reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of Baptismal Grace.” (CCC1285)
In the Diocese of Memphis, Confirmation is celebrated during the Easter Season for those in the eighth grade or above. Besides preparation through Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and Religious Education Program, students participate in six additional sessions of particular preparation for the celebration of the Sacrament. Diocesan norms require that preparing for Confirmation be a two-year process. Children who are not attending Catholic schools should be attending our Sunday morning catechesis sessions for two years before Confirmation (usually grades 7-8). The Confirmation year is comprised of additional requirements such as service hours, parent and Confirmandi meetings, confirmation sessions and a retreat.
During the course of the year, the candidates for Confirmation will be invited first to hear, then to respond with faith to the voice of God who has called us to become his sons and daughters – simply because “He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
Adults who are interested in being Confirmed will be prepared within the Rite of Christian Initiation process.