Parent FAQ
Does my child need to register if they attend a Catholic school?
Yes.
Catholic schools support faith formation, but immediate sacramental preparation belongs to the parish and the family. All candidates preparing for Confirmation at OLS participate in the parish preparation program.
Does my family need to be registered at Our Lady of Sorrows?
Families preparing for Confirmation are expected to participate regularly in the life of the parish.
If you are not currently registered, we would be delighted to welcome you.
What documents are required?
Candidates baptized outside Our Lady of Sorrows must upload a copy of their Baptism Certificate during registration.
The original certificate must be brought to the Teaching Mass for verification.
What if I cannot find my child's Baptism Certificate?
Please contact the parish where your child was baptized and request a recently issued Baptism Certificate.
What will candidates learn?
Preparation explores:
- Baptism
- Reconciliation
- Eucharist
- Confirmation
- The gifts of the Holy Spirit
- Christian discipleship
- Service and mission
Why do we learn about Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist when preparing for Confirmation?
Confirmation builds upon the grace received through Baptism and the ongoing sacramental life of the Church.
Revisiting these sacraments helps candidates better understand who they are as Catholics and prepares them to receive Confirmation more fully.
Why is service part of the program?
The Holy Spirit strengthens us not only to know the faith but to live it.
The Outreach Experience gives candidates an opportunity to put faith into action by serving others and reflecting on what it means to follow Jesus Christ.
Is attendance important?
Yes.
Confirmation preparation is a process of spiritual and sacramental formation. Each component contributes to a candidate's preparation for the sacrament.
Candidates are expected to participate fully in:
- Teaching Mass & Meet and Greet
- Four Formation Sessions
- One Outreach Experience
- Celebration of Confirmation
We recognize that today's young people have many commitments and activities. Because the Confirmation program involves only a small number of gatherings, families are asked to make these dates a priority.
Candidates who miss two or more formation sessions will normally not be confirmed that year and will be required to participate in the preparation process again the following year.
If illness, family emergencies, or other serious circumstances arise, please contact the parish as soon as possible.
What is a sponsor?
A sponsor is a practising Catholic who supports the candidate and serves as a model of Christian faith.
Who can be a sponsor?
A sponsor must:
- Be a baptized and confirmed Catholic.
- Be at least 16 years of age.
- Practise the Catholic faith.
- Participate regularly in Sunday Mass.
- Be willing to support the candidate's faith journey.
Can a parent be a sponsor?
No.
Parents already have a unique role as the primary educators of their children in the faith. A sponsor should be another practising Catholic who can accompany the candidate as a mentor and role model.
Can a grandparent be a sponsor?
Yes.
Grandparents may serve as sponsors.
Can a godparent be a sponsor?
Yes.
The Church encourages choosing a baptismal godparent whenever possible.
How many sponsors may a candidate have?
One sponsor only.
Do I need a sponsor when registering?
No.
Sponsor information will be collected later in the preparation process.
What is the Letter of Intent?
As part of their preparation, candidates will be asked to write a brief Letter of Intent to Father Chris.
The letter provides an opportunity for candidates to reflect on their faith journey, what they have learned during preparation, and why they wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Further instructions will be provided later in the year.
What happens after Confirmation?
Confirmation is not graduation from faith formation.
It is the beginning of a deeper commitment to prayer, Sunday worship, Christian service, and participation in the life and mission of the Church.
"What surprised us most was how naturally faith became part of our family conversations. The program gave our daughter the confidence to ask questions about God and gave us opportunities to talk about faith at home."
— OLS Parent
I'd Like to Help. How Can I Get Involved?
One of the greatest gifts we can offer our young people is the witness of adults who are striving to follow Jesus Christ.
The Confirmation preparation process relies on parishioners who are willing to accompany candidates, share their faith, and help create an environment where young people can encounter Christ and grow as His disciples.
If you would like to learn more about serving on the Confirmation team, we would be happy to hear from you.
No previous teaching experience is required. Training and support are provided. Contact confirmation@sorrows.ca
