Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us to bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.   (CCC#1316)

Children and teens anticipating reception of First Communion and Confirmation should participate in a religious education program at least one year prior to the celebration of the sacrament. For instance, if a parent wants his or her child to receive First Communion in second grade, the child must attend class for all of the first grade and second grade. Children preparing to receive the sacraments and are home schooled will be asked to participate in retreats or other special programs designed to help in faith formation of all the children in the parish.