Confirmation
Students at Ascension usually celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in eighth grade or above. During the process, our youth aim to deepen their personal relationship with God, to grow into full membership in the Church, and to come to understand the need for and participate in serving others.
Parish Mentors are spiritual companions chosen by the candidate. Any fully initiated, practicing Catholic is eligible.
A Partnership in Faith
The journey toward Confirmation is not one that students make alone. The Church teaches that parents are the first and primary catechists of the faith. From baptism onward, it is within the family that children first learn to pray, encounter the love of Christ, and practice Christian living. Your witness, encouragement, and support are essential as your child prepares to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Along with parents, each candidate selects a sponsor to walk with them on this path. The sponsor serves as a spiritual mentor, offering guidance, encouragement, and a living example of faith. Choosing a sponsor is an important decision, and the Church provides specific requirements to ensure the role is filled with care.
According to the Code of Canon Law (Can. 874 §1), a sponsor must:
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Be at least 16 years old.
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Be a fully initiated Catholic (having received Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist).
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Lead a life of faith in harmony with the Church.
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Not be bound by any canonical penalty.
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Not be the candidate’s parent.
Parents continue to accompany their child throughout preparation, while the sponsor stands as a faith companion and witness. Together, this partnership — family, sponsor, and parish — nurtures the candidate’s growth and helps them embrace the call to live as a disciple of Christ.
