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 8:14-17) 

Confirmation, along with Baptism and Eucharist, is one of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. These are the sacraments that lay the foundation for our life in Christ. The Catechism tells us 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 seals us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, that we may receive the graces to best serve Christ and His Church.

At Archangel Gabriel Parish, immediate preparation for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation takes place in a "track" that is outside of and in addition to regular religious instruction (EDGE, Family Catechesis, Archangel Gabriel School, etc.). The track is "family-based," meaning a parent/guardian accompanies the candidate through preparation and participates in the sessions with them.

To be eligible for the Confirmation preparation track, candidates need to be baptized and regularly participating in the sacraments of Penance & Reconciliation (confession) and Eucharist.  In the summer before eighth grade (eighth year of regular religious instruction not counting Kindergarten), candidates may enter the immediate preparation process which culminates in the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation during the following spring.

Candidates who not registered at Archangel Gabriel Parish as parishioners and want to receive the sacrament at AGP will need to ask their home pastor for a letter authorizing this.  Please mail the letter to the following address:
Faith Formation Office
Archangel Gabriel Parish
5718 Steubenville Pike
Robinson Township, PA 15136-1311

Due Date to Submit Sponsor Form and Letter of Good Standing

   Faith Formation Office
   Archangel Gabriel Parish
   5718 Steubenville Pike
   Robinson Township, PA 15136

Service Experiences

A personal encounter with Jesus is foundational for the Christian life. Unfortunately, many Christians go their whole lives without such an encounter.  These encounters usually take place in prayer and/or in serving those in need. This is why we ask candidates to serve others during their preparation.

Questions to consider when reflecting on your service:

1. What are some of your thoughts and feelings looking back at your service experience?
2. God gifts each of us talents and abilities we can use to help others.  Which of your talents/abilities did you notice most during the service experience? 
3. How did you notice that talent/ability playing out?
4. How do you think this service experience helped you share the good news that Christ became man, died, and rose from the dead?

Need help thinking of service experiences? 
Check out these ideas based on the Corporal Works of Mercy.

• Children's Liturgy of the Word

Forms for Sponsors

Submit your Sponsor's Information
AGP Sponsor Form

How to Choose Your Confirmation Sponsor

No one journeys through life alone. We walk with many people within the Christian community. We form close ties with certain people who demonstrate in their lives what it means to be a Catholic.

A sponsor at Confirmation is someone who stands with you before the community, presents you to the Bishop, and witnesses the anointing with chrism.

Your sponsor’s influence on your life continues after this celebration. The sponsor you choose should be someone you can turn to for help and guidance as you continue the journey of faith in the years ahead.

The sponsor should be more than simply a good friend. Is this person someone whose maturity can provide you with good example?  Can you relate to this person, talk with them, ask them for guidance? Are they free and willing to spend time with you?

As you discern who to ask to be your Confirmation sponsor, an ideal person to consider is one of your baptismal godparents.

Requirements for Confirmation sponsors:

• Are selected and designated by the candidate
• Have the ability and intention of carrying out their responsibilities
• Are at least sixteen years old
• Are Roman Catholic 
• Have received Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation
• If married, they are married in the Catholic Church
• Attend Mass and receive the sacraments regularly
• Are not the parent of the candidate

The Diocese of Pittsburgh requires all candidates for Confirmation to attend a dedicated Confirmation retreat as part of their preparation for the sacrament. 

This year there are two options for AGP candidates:

Confirmation Name

If you wish, you may use the name given to you at Baptism as your Confirmation name. Confirmation is a continuation of what began in Baptism, therefore choosing the name given to you at Baptism is a very good choice. However, you may choose a different name as your Confirmation name. 

If you choose a different name, your Confirmation name should be the name of a saint. Pick a saint you can identify with, someone you would be comfortable praying to and praying with. You will want to learn about their feast day in the Church and something important about their lives. You should also be able to say why you chose this saint and this name. If you are having difficulty deciding on a Confirmation name, pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance and talk to your parent or sponsor.
 

• Life Teen's Biggest and Best List of Confirmation Saints
• How to Choose a Confirmation Saint
• Learn More About Saints
• Bishop Barron on Confirmation Names

If you are an adult (age 18+) seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation,
please contact OCIA Leader Patty Sampogna at [email protected]