Requirements for Confirmation

The Diocese of Yakima sets forth the requirements for confirmation for our Diocese. Below we outline how we fulfill these guidelines at Christ the King.

Faith Formation: Each candidate for confirmation must receive some form of regular faith formation. This requirement is typically fulfilled by being registered members at the parish and enrolling Christ the King Catholic School or religious education through the parish. 

Confirmation Prep Classes (Super Sundays): Super Sundays are  specifically focused on confirmation prep as we ensure that the candidates "know what they are saying yes to." They are also designed to build community between all members of the confirmation class, no matter which school they attend. There are a total of ten 3 hour Super Sundays  which are spread over the 2 year process, with 5 Super Sundays each year.  Super Sundays include activities, small groups, and prayer facilitated by an adult core team. Small groups are maintained throughout the two year process to foster bonds between group members.

Confirmation Retreat: The goal of the confirmation retreat, which is held during the second year of confirmation prep, is to provide the confirmation class an opportunity to get away from the distractions that can come with daily life and truly focus on prayer and their relationship with God It is held at a location away from Christ the King and imitates Jesus' frequent retreats to be with God the Father during His ministry. 

Service Hours: In order to highlight the apostolic nature of the sacrament of confirmation, we ask candidates to complete service projects both as a class and independently.  We ask for ten hours of service each year of confirmation prep. Five of those hours are to be liturgical ministry as ushers, altar servers, lectors, and/or singing in the choir. Two hours will take place during the final Super Sunday each year, and the remaining three hours may be fulfilled however the candidate wishes. Some examples of service have been serving at Sausagefest, Vacation Bible School, service with the Boy Scouts or helping with the Early Childhood Religious Ed Lenten program. Any service hours earned in other clubs can also be used as confirmation service hours.

Finding a Confirmation Sponsor:
Feeling overwhelmed by these requirements? Talk to your confirmation sponsor! Each confirmation candidate needs a confirmation sponsor who will accompany him/her on the confirmation prep journey. A confirmation sponsor has a personal prayer life, participates in the sacraments, is willing to help the candidate navigate learning about the Catholic faith, and sets a good example for the candidate. 

In addition the confirmation sponsor should meet the following requirements:

1. Must be a confirmed Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church

2. Must be at least 16 years old

3. If married, must be married in the Catholic Church

4. Cannot be the candidate's parent

Some people who you may want to ask to be a sponsor are:

1. The candidate's godparents

2. Family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, or even older siblings

3. Teachers, catechists, youth ministers, or other volunteers who have been examples in the faith

Finding a Confirmation Saint:

Just as we have people here on earth who help us on our faith journey, we also have friends in heaven who are eager to help us! LifeTeen.com puts it nicely when they say, "We choose a Confirmation saint (like we choose a Confirmation sponsor) not out of due diligence to the “rule,” but rather because we realize how unfortunate it would be to travel alone. 

We recognize how important it is to know your Confirmation saint not only by name, but also by story. The saints have so much to teach us about this journey...Choosing a Confirmation saint mirrors the act of selecting confirmation sponsor; it’s not about fulfilling a requirement but realizing the value in companionship on our journey. In this spiritual adventure, much like exploring the page of life’s offers, the importance lies not merely in knowing your saint by name but by their story, understanding the profound lessons they impart. These saints, canonized, blessed, or servants of God, are beacons of faith. Their stories are a treasury of wisdom, offering insights and the powerful gift of their intercession, akin to asking a friend for support. By inviting a saint into your life, you acknowledge the strength found in spiritual camaraderie, making your path richer and more meaningful. Let this be a journey of discovery, where you not only find a Confirmation saint but gain an extraordinary friend, enhancing your soul’s journey."