Sacraments are visible signs instituted by Christ to give us grace. The grace that flows from each sacrament is specific to the sacrament itself. In confirmation, the grace deepens and strengthens our faith so that it is strong enough not only for our needs but also for the needs of others. This grace helps us see our responsibility to the church and to our neighbors and the strength to act on those responsibilities.
For Our Youth
The Archdiocese of Baltimore has begun the process of moving the age for the preparation and reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation to the age of nine. For those concerned with whether the younger candidates will “know” enough, we remind you that Confirmation is not a sacrament of knowledge, but rather a sacrament of initiation and participation which invites candidates into an active and deeper relationship with Jesus and our Church. Confirmation is NOT a graduation from the faith and community, but rather the beginning of an ever-growing understanding of our faith and more active participation in the life of our faith community.
Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the fullness of the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply as children of God, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with its mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.
A candidate for Confirmation who has attained the age of reason must profess the faith at an age appropriate level, be in the state of grace, have the intention of
At The Pastorate of the Visitation, we will make that age transition over the next few years. The Confirmation preparation for the 2025-2026 Faith Formation year will be offered to both 8th and 9th graders, and anyone else in high school wishing to join us.
Our Pastorate Confirmation Process begins in the early Fall of 8th and 9th grades, and Candidates will receive the Sacrament in the late fall of the 2026-2027 year, along with older high school candidates. All 8th and 9th graders who wish to become Candidates register for our Confirmation Process. In addition, public school students register for our respective Youth Ministry programs (Monday afternoon Middle School meetings for 8th graders, and Sunday evening High School meetings for 9th graders and older). Catholic school students are invited and strongly encouraged to register and join our Youth Ministry programs. Click on the link for more information about our High School Faith Formation Meetings.
The Pastorate Confirmation Process begins in September with group Family Intake Meetings, to be attended by the family team (Candidate, Sponsor, and at least one parent). IMPORTANT: Please click to use Flocknote to RSVP for the Group Intake Meeting of your choice.
For questions or more information, please contact Carrie Hilmer, Associate Youth Minister at 410-255-4646 or via email.
Adults Seeking Confirmation
Please contact the parish office to sign up for preparation for the Adult Confirmation. Our staff will work with you to determine the best course for proceeding in sacrament preparation whether through OCIA or another method.
Biblical references for Confirmation
Acts 8:14-17
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 19:1-6
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
Heb 6:1-2
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, with instruction about ablutions, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
Wis 9:17
Who has learned thy counsel, unless thou hast given wisdom and sent thy holy Spirit from on high?
2 Cor 1:21
But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has commissioned us…
Eph 1:13
In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit…