Sacrament of Confirmation

Strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Sent on Mission. 

We are delighted to accompany your family and your young person as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

Confirmation is much more than a milestone or the completion of a program. Through this sacrament, the Holy Spirit strengthens us to live as disciples of Jesus Christ, participate more fully in the life of His Church, and share His love with the world. 

As young people mature in faith, Confirmation invites them to take ownership of the promises first made on their behalf at Baptism and to grow as active participants in the life and mission of the Church. 

At Our Lady of Sorrows, we believe that parents are the first and most important teachers of the faith. Our role is to partner with families as together we help young people encounter Jesus Christ, grow as His disciples, and live their faith with confidence and joy. 

Whether your family has worshipped at OLS for years or is taking steps to reconnect with parish life, you are welcome here. 

Why Receive Confirmation? 

The Holy Spirit is not simply someone we learn about. He is God, present and active in our lives today. 

Through Confirmation, we receive a special strengthening of the Holy Spirit so that we can grow in faith, make good decisions, serve others, and live as followers of Jesus Christ in our homes, schools, friendships, and communities. 

What Does Preparation Include? 

The Confirmation journey is built around four elements: 

Worship 

We begin with a Teaching Mass attended by candidates, parents, sponsors, and family members. 

Sacraments 

Candidates explore the sacraments that shape Catholic life: 

• Baptism 

• Reconciliation 

• Eucharist 

• Confirmation 

The final two sessions focus on Confirmation and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 

Service 

Candidates participate in an Outreach Experience, putting faith into action through service to others. 

Mission 

Confirmation is not the end of a journey but the beginning of a deeper life of discipleship. 

Program Structure 

The preparation process includes: 

• Teaching Mass & Meet and Greet 

• Four Formation Sessions 

• One Outreach Experience 

• Letter of Intent 

• Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation 

Candidates are assigned alphabetically to one of two groups: 

Group A – Mondays 

Group B – Thursdays 

A Personal Response of Faith 

As part of their preparation, candidates will be invited to write a brief Letter of Intent to Father Chris explaining why they wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and what they have learned through the preparation process. 

More information will be provided during the year. 

"I thought Confirmation was just something everyone did in Grade 7. The Outreach Day helped me realize that faith isn't just something you learn—it changes how you treat other people." 

— OLS Confirmation Candidate 

Sunday Mass Matters 

The most important preparation for any sacrament is participation in Sunday Mass. 

We recognize that today's young people often have demanding schedules that include sports, music, academic programs, clubs, and other activities. Because the Confirmation program involves only a small number of gatherings, families are asked to make these dates a priority when planning other commitments. 

Confirmation prepares young people not simply for a ceremony, but for a lifetime of worship, discipleship, and mission. 

Who Can Register? 

Candidates should: 

• Be baptized Catholic. 

• Have celebrated First Holy Communion. 

• Normally be in Grade 7 or older. 

• Participate regularly in Sunday Mass. 

• Be supported by a parent or guardian who will accompany them through the preparation process. 

Families preparing for Confirmation at Our Lady of Sorrows are expected to participate in the life of the parish. 

Families who are not yet registered parishioners are warmly invited to register and begin worshipping with us regularly. 

Parish Registration Form: 

https://olsorrowset.archtoronto.org/siteassets/media/files/registration-for-parish-20250424.pdf  

Confirmation Celebrations 

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m. on: 

• Wednesday, April 14, 2027 

• Thursday, April 15, 2027 

• Friday, April 16, 2027 

Candidates will be assigned a Confirmation date and notified by email. 

Confirmation may be received only once. 

Every Young Person Is Welcome 

Every young person is a beloved child of God. 

If your child has learning, developmental, behavioural, communication, sensory, physical, or other needs, we would be honoured to accompany your family and adapt the preparation process as needed. 

Please let us know how we can best support your child. 

Ready to Begin? 

We look forward to accompanying your family and your young person as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

Register Now 

Registration Deadline:  October 30, 2026

Questions? confirmation@sorrows.ca or 416-231-6016