Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation

“Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the ‘sacraments of Christian initiation,’ whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of 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.’” (CCC 1285)

Confirmation Preparation is a two-year process typically during Grade 9 and Grade 10 including catechetical sessions and additional prayer, service, and/or social opportunities (see info. below). The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in the Spring of Grade 10. The date is determined by the Diocesan Bishop's Office and traditionally held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.


If you are an adult who has not received any Church Sacraments, please visit our OCIA page.

The Details

  • Schedule:
  • Grade 9:
  • Sundays AM September - May
  • Grade 10:
  • Mondays 6:00 – 7:30 PM  September – May (a few sessions will be on Wednesdays)
  • Immediate Preparation is a formal period of preparation a few months prior to the sacrament which occurs January through May. This formal period of Confirmation Preparation includes:
  1. Rite of Blessing Mass (held during the 9am at OLV in early 2026)
  2. Retreat (date TBD)
  3. Reconciliation
  4. Service and Prayer Opportunities
  5. Candidate and Sponsor Workshop
  6. Chrism Mass (optional attendance, date TBA)
  7. Rehearsal (Date TBA)
  8. Sacrament of Confirmation (Date TBA, determined by Bishop's Office)
  • Expectations and Requirements
  • Candidate is at least 15 years old.
  • It is Diocesan policy that youth must complete formal faith formation the year prior to and of their Confirmation Preparation. This means 9th and 10th Grade are required catechetical years.
  • Attendance throughout your sacramental preparation is essential. The required dates include your faith formation sessions, Diocesan required activities, and enrichment opportunities. Sessions are interactive and often time question-and-answer based.
  • You will pick a Sponsor who will stand with you at the Sacrament of Confirmation and throughout your life. This individual is a mentor to you on your Catholic faith journey and must fulfill the following requirements:
  • Fully initiated in the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation
  • At least 16 years of age
  • Actively practicing his/her Catholic faith
  • Cannot be the candidate's parents, however, it is common practice to have one's godparent serve as sponsor
  • Additional Opportunities -  Candidates will complete 5 YM Opportunities
  • These opportunities are social, service, and prayer centered activities and events. Many are organized by Youth Minister Matt while others are in partnership with our several parish ministries.
  • Our goal is to encourage our youth to know God, be actively engaged in their faith, and become life-long well catechized Catholics. As they prepare to make the Sacrament of Confirmation, we hope these additional opportunities will enrich their faith. 

To register for Confirmation Prep:

Our Lady of Victory

55 North Lake Avenue

Troy, NY 12180


If registering by mail, remember to include the registration fee ($65 for 1 child | $120 for 2 children | $165 for 3 children | $170 for 4 or more children). If you have a child making a sacrament (First Reconciliation/First Eucharist or Confirmation) there will be an additional $25  fee to cover supplies.


Contact:

Matt Levine | Youth Minister & OCIA Coordinator

youthministry@olvols.org | (518) 273-7602 ext. 102

Caitlin Levine    Coordinator of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry

faithformation@olvols.org | (518) 273-7602 ext. 102

"Only in Christ can men and women find answers to the ultimate questions that trouble them. Only in Christ can they fully understand their dignity as persons created and loved by God." —Pope St. John Paul II

 

The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of seven sacraments that the Catholic Church offers to the faithful as an ordinary means of grace and is also the third and final Catholic sacrament of initiation. However, final Sacrament does not mean that you have arrived at the end of your Catholic journey nor is it a "rite of passage," but, rather, it is a commissioning of your individual vows and promises of your Baptism and the beginning of your lifelong adult faith journey. With the anointing of chrism oil you are sealed with the Holy Spirit and called to live a life of holiness and obedience to God’s will. Typically most were baptized as infants and anointed with the same chrism oil at their baptism, but, our parents made our baptism vows for us, promising to teach us the Catholic Faith and to help us grown in the faith. At Confirmation you will say these vows for yourself.


If you are an adult looking to receive your Sacraments or Confirmation please visit our OCIA Page.


Making Confirmation means you are making a serious decision to continue, spread, and defend the Catholic Faith, but do not fret, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to come and help the disciples and the Holy Spirit will be there for you too through the gifts that help us on our lifelong faith journey. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are:

  • Wisdom – Helps us to rightly order our interpersonal relationships and the centrality of God and his will in our lives.
  • Understanding – Helps us to comprehend the Gospel and the will of God as communicated through his message.
  • Knowledge – The capacity for exploring and pondering God’s revelation along with the awareness that some mysteries of faith are beyond our ability to grasp completely.
  • Counsel – Helps us to choose the path of God when presented with choices that relate to our journey toward him.
  • Fortitude – Also referred to as courage or strength helps us to do what we know is right even when it might be difficult or costly.
  • Piety – Is a strong devotion to God through prayer
  • Fear of the Lord – Is not to be afraid of God, but to be in wonder of his power and might, and to marvel at his majesty.

The blessing that the Bishop gives over the confirmands during the Roman Rite of Confirmation encapsulates all of these gifts beautifully.