How to Request the Sacrament of Confirmation

Last Updated: June 17, 2022

Confirmation is when confirmands receive the Holy Spirit and are considered full members of the Catholic Church. One of the steps in the ~ 2 year process of preparing for confirmation is requesting the sacrament. In most churches, confirmands write a letter to their priest to formally request the sacrament of confirmation. To be eligible for confirmation, a candidate must be baptized and attend confirmation or catechism classes. Use these tips to write a letter requesting the sacrament of confirmation.

1

Determine to whom to address your letter of request.

In most cases, the letter should be addressed to the priest at the church where the confirmand attends. In rural locations or small churches, the letter may be sent to the bishop of the local diocese. A diocese is a geographical territory divided into parishes and overseen by a bishop.

2

Format the letter using a formal letter writing style.

Include a greeting, body of the letter, and signature. Type your letter using a word processing software program. Do not handwrite it, except for the signature at the conclusion of the letter.

3

Address the priest in the greeting.

Begin your letter with "Dear," followed by the name of the priest. Use the title of "Father" when addressing the priest. If your priest's name is Michael Jones, the letter should begin, "Dear Father Jones.

4

Introduce yourself in the first paragraph.

Tell the priest your name, gender, age, year in school and what school you attend. Include some information about your background, family, activities and interests. This paragraph shouldn't be a long biography, but a brief description of who you are.

5

Request the sacrament of Confirmation in the second paragraph.

Tell the priest why you want to be confirmed in the Catholic Church. Explain what Confirmation means to you and why it is important that you receive the sacrament. The second paragraph should provide specific information about why you want to be confirmed.

6

Explain your spiritual preparation for Confirmation in the third paragraph.

Note any formal preparations within the church setting, such as Confirmation or catechism classes. Address how you are preparing for Confirmation through prayer. Indicate how often you are attending Mass, and how the worship services are helping you to prepare for Confirmation.
- Explain how any mission work or community service is deepening your spiritual life and contributing to your Confirmation preparations. Take time to honestly evaluate your spiritual life and note areas where you are strong in your faith, as well as areas needing improvement.
- Tell your priest why you feel you are ready to accept the sacrament of confirmation. Explain why you are ready for Confirmation, both spiritually and psychologically.

7

Apply Confirmation to your future in the fourth paragraph.

Explain how you plan to stay connected to God throughout your life. Evaluate the role the Holy Spirit will play in your spiritual growth. Tell how you will continue to serve others and God in your life. Tell your priest how you plan to live out your Confirmation promises in the future.

8

Thank your priest in the fifth paragraph.

Thank your priest for his role in preparing you for confirmation. Tell him that you appreciate his spiritual leadership and teachings. If you have a personal relationship with your priest, note a specific attribute or quality that he shares for which you are thankful.

9

Conclude the letter.

Use the words "Sincerely" or "Best Regards" before your signature line. Be sure to sign the letter with your complete name using a blue or black ink pen.

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Community Q&A

Question

Can I be 14 or 15 years old when I get confirmed?

Community Answer

Yes. The age of a person is not important for Confirmation. It varies depending on your town, church, and Bishop.
Question

I don't know if I am already confirmed, how do I find out?

Community Answer

Usually confirmation happens at 13-14 years of age, and often churches have photo books of past confirmations, so call your church and ask them about this.
Question

Is comfirmation necessary to be fully a Catholic?

Martin Bilis

Community Answer

As it is one of the sacraments that Catholics would have to complete, it is recommended to pious Catholics.