Confirmation & First Holy Communion

The Sacrament of Confirmation is a special moment in our children’s Catholic lives where the grace given at Baptism is sealed and perfected by the Holy Spirit who strengthens them as disciples to share in the mission of Jesus Christ. Confirmation is the second Sacrament of Initiation following Baptism.

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion enables our children to become one with God by receiving the Body and Blood – the soul and divinity – of Jesus Christ through the Eucharistic meal. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith and completes the three Sacraments of Initiation.

In the Diocese of Phoenix, children in 3rd grade and above prepare and receive both the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of First Holy Communion together. Here at the St. Benedict Catholic Church, we follow a family-focused sacrament preparation model which allows families to grow in the understanding of their faith together and share that faith within their community.

3rd-5th Grade Children

Registration

Contact Heather Mooney for registration information.

  • Please bring a copy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate.
  • Family must be currently registered and active at St. Benedict Catholic Church.
  • Child must already be enrolled in a St. Benedict Faith Formation program and must have completed at least one full year of religious education before preparation begins.
  • Sacrament Materials Fee of $25 per child.

Program Preparation

This Sacramental preparation program includes the following components:

  • Family-study at home using books, lesson plans, and timeline provided by the parish
  • Four multi-family group meetings that include a Scripture study and activities that reinforce essential Confirmation, Communion, and Church teachings
  • One Required Retreat
  • Service Component
  • One Required Mass Rehearsal

6th-12th Grade Teens

Registration

Contact Sr. Delia for registration information.

  • Please have a copy of your teen’s Baptismal Certificate ready.
  • Family must be currently registered and active at St. Benedict Catholic Church.
  • Teen must already be enrolled in a St. Benedict Faith Formation program or a student at St. John Bosco Catholic School.
  • Sacrament Materials Fee of $50 per teen.

Program Preparation

CALENDAR  REQUIREMENTS & INFO

COMMUNITY SERVICE REQUIREMENTS  COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT FORM (PDF)

SAINT REPORT REQUIREMENTS  SAINT REPORT FORM (PDF)

Sacrament Paperwork

Service Component

Each Confirmandi in the Diocese of Phoenix is expected to find service opportunities and share their gifts with others and the community during the time of sacrament preparation. As Catholics, our call to discipleship begins at Confirmation and continues throughout our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

A sponsor must be at least sixteen years old, fully initiated into the Catholic faith (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) and a practicing Catholic in good standing. It is important your child understands a Sponsor’s significance and chooses someone who is actively involved in their life of faith before, during, and after Confirmation. It is desirable, but not required, that Godparents, as extensions of the spiritual family, continue this role at Confirmation. Parents may not be a child’s Sponsor.

If the child’s sponsor cannot be present, a proxy may stand in for them.

No. Parents already have the most important role in the life of their children as they guide and raise them in their Catholic faith. The responsibility of the sponsor is to walk closely with and remain active in the lifelong faith journey of your child.

The bishops suggest that the most appropriate name for confirmation is the one with which you were baptized. If your child would like to choose another name, it should be the name of a biblical person or Saint with whom they connect and would like to model.

Yes, if you are already active as an EME at St. Benedict Catholic Church. We will try to accommodate as many people as possible and will let you know when you are scheduled.

Girls may wear white or pastel dresses (like Easter dresses). Veils, flowers, or ribbons in the hair are acceptable but not required. The Bishop prefers that girls choose dresses that cover their shoulders in respect and reverence of the celebration.

Boys may wear suits or dark pants and white/pastel shirts, a tie (or not) as long as it is comfortable for them to do so. Dark shoes, even if they are of the athletic style, are appropriate.

Your child and his or her Confirmation sponsor will be assigned seats with your immediate family (parents and siblings). Other guests, including grandparents, will be able to sit in the non-reserved sections of the church. Seat assignments will be given at the Mass Rehearsal.

  • Attend the Mandatory Registration Parent Meeting
  • Complete the Confirmation Book at home (Believe Celebrate Live)
  • Attend every Multi-Family Group meeting
  • Attend the required Confirmation/Eucharist Retreat
  • Bring Confirmation Book to the Retreat to verify completion
  • Complete service hours and submit a Service Reflection Sheet (link found above)
  • Choose a Confirmation Sponsor and invite them to the Rehearsal and Mass
  • Attend Confirmation/First Eucharist Mass
  • Attend the Mandatory Registration Parent Meeting
  • Complete the Confirmation Book at home (Believe Celebrate Live)
  • Attend every Multi-Family Group meeting
  • Attend the required Confirmation/Eucharist Retreat
  • Bring Eucharist Book to the Retreat to verify completion
  • Attend Confirmation/First Eucharist Mass