Confirmation

Confirmation, together with Baptism and Eucharist, form the Sacraments of Initiation that are all intimately connected.  In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized person is “sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit” and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ.

In the New Testament, those who believed in the Apostles’ preaching were baptized and received the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands.  “The imposition of hands is rightly recognized by the Catholic tradition as the origin of the sacrament of Confirmation, which in a certain way perpetuates the grace of Pentecost in the Church.” (CCC, no. 1288, citing Pope Paul VI, Divinae Consortium Naturae, no. 659).  By the second century, Confirmation was also conferred by anointing with holy oil.  For more information on the Sacrament of Confirmation download:  Confirmation Handout 

Preparation for Children

Children are normally prepared for their 1st Reconciliation (Confession) in the second grade; followed by preparation for the sacraments of Confirmation and 1st Communion (Eucharist) in the third grade.  In the Diocese of Phoenix the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist are celebrated in the same Liturgy.  St. Mary’s Basilica also provides sacramental preparation programs for children older than the third grade.  For more information Visit: Confirmation and 1st Eucharist for Children

Preparation for Adults

Need Only Confirmation:
If you are a Baptized Catechized Catholic and only need the sacrament of Confirmation your preparation for the sacrament will be completed through our seven week Adult Confirmation Program.

Registration Form:  Adult Confirmation Inquirer Information Form 2025
Fill out the Adult Confirmation Inquirer Information Form and return it via mail, email, or in person before March 26, 2025.

Adult Confirmation Schedule: To be determined

Need First Eucharist and Confirmation:
If you are a Baptized Uncatechized Catholic and haven’t received your 1st Communion (Eucharist) and Confirmation your preparation will be completed through the year-long OCIA process

For More Information:

Coordinator of Faith Formation
Theresa Rodriguez
Phone:  (602) 354-2068
Email:  trodriguez@smbphx.org