Everyone who acknowledges Me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies Me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father. (Matthew 10:32-33)

Baptism makes us adopted child of God the Father. The Sacrament of Confirmation makes us His soldiers, strengthened to witness to Jesus Christ publicly in actions and words. This grace to witness (“martyr” in Greek) is the same grace bestowed upon the disciples at Pentecost: they would overcome their fears and courageously live - and die - for Jesus Christ. “Peter and the Apostles said in reply, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” (Acts 5:29)

It is proper for the bishop to bestow the Sacrament of Confirmation, because he is the successor to the twelve Apostles. A baptized Catholic is bonded even more firmly to his Catholic Church. A bishop may delegate this privilege to a priest when necessary (e.g. if a person is in prison, or is dying).

An adult receives Confirmation immediately following Baptism. At Holy Family, our Catholic 8th graders receive Confirmation in the spring. If you are an baptized Catholic adult, but have not yet received Confirmation, please contact the pastor, Father Loftus.