Confirmation

"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." (Catechism, #1285)

Along with Baptism and Holy Eucharist, Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation. By reception of these three sacraments, one becomes a full member of the Catholic Church. In the Latin rite, Confirmation completes the initiation process. It is usually received when a person reaches the age of discretion (around 12 years of age).  At St. Thomas of Villanova, beginning in the of Fall of 2019, students entering the 7th grade will begin a year of preparation to receive Confirmation in the Spring of 2020.  Registrations will open up in May 2019.  A minimum of two consecutive years of religious education (Catholic schooling or REP) is required before a child may be confirmed.
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Parents of children who do not attend our parish Religious Education Program are asked to complete a Sacrament Registration Form 2019 - 2020 and send it to Tara Penza rel.ed@stvparish.org

Adults - see RCIA

Sponsors for Confirmation
To be a sponsor a person:

• must be at least 16 years of age,
• may not be the parent of the one to be confirmed
• must be a Catholic who is fully initiated having celebrated Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist
• must worship regularly
• if married, must be in a valid Catholic marriage,
• be living a Christian Way of Life,
• must get a letter (certificate) of Eligibility from their parish.

Since the role of the Confirmation sponsor is to provide witness and support to the candidate, the Church recommends that a Baptismal Godparent who meets the above criteria, be the Confirmation sponsor. However, someone else who qualifies may be the sponsor.

For more information contact the DRE: Tara Penza at 610 525 4801 ext. 204
email rel.ed@stvparish.org