Sacraments
Confirmation
A spiritual surprise as rose petals descend to mark the end of our 2025 Confirmation liturgy. (Photo: Maribeth Joeright)
Sealed with the Spirit.
Those who have been baptized continue on the path of Christian Initiation through the Sacrament of Confirmation, by which they receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, whom the Lord sent upon the Apostles at Pentecost. By this gift of the Holy Spirit the faithful are more fully conformed to Christ and are strengthened with the power to bear witness to Christ for the building up of his Body in faith and charity.
The Role of Sponsor
The sponsor’s duty is to see that the one confirmed acts as a true witness to Christ and faithfully fulfills the duties inherent in this sacrament. It is desirable that one’s baptismal godparent also serve as the sponsor for Confirmation. This expresses more clearly the relationship between Baptism and Confirmation and makes the function and responsibility of the sponsor more effective. Nonetheless, the choice of someone else who meets the requirements is not excluded.
Instruction and Preparation
Preparation for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation begins at Baptism, with the faith witness of the family and home. At St. Noel, official preparation to celebrate this sacrament is open to those beginning eighth grade or older, a process which includes:
- Participation in liturgy with the parish community
- Attendance at eight Candidate Sessions (Sundays, 12:15—1:30 pm, September through April)
- Attendance at a retreat/rehearsal (usually a Sunday in May)
- Catechesis in St. Noel Family Faith Formation or attendance at a Catholic Day School
At St. Noel, in recent years, the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation has occurred during the Easter Season, and in collaboration with St. Mary Magdalene Parish, Willowick, and St. Justin Martyr Parish, Eastlake. Each year, a parish hosts on rotation.
The next celebration is scheduled for: Saturday, May 29, 2027, at 5 pm at Saint Noel Parish, Willoughby Hills, with Bishop Michael Woost.
If you are ready to begin formal preparation to celebrate Confirmation in the spring of 2027, please contact Michele.
