The Sacrament of Confirmation confers special graces of the Holy Spirit upon the person being confirmed, just as such graces were granted to the Apostles on Pentecost. Like Baptism, therefore, it can only be performed once, and Confirmation increases and deepens all of the graces granted at Baptism. 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists five effects of Confirmation:

1. it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation [as sons of God] which makes us cry, "Abba! Father!";
2. it unites us more firmly to Christ;
3. it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
4. it renders our bond with the Church more perfect;
5. it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross.

The Sacrament of Confirmation requires extensive preparation.

• For our Religious Education (PREP) students, the Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in the spring of 8th grade.

• St. Mary of Vernon also offers a two year preparation program for high school students seeking confirmation. For more information, contact the Youth Ministry Office at 847.362.1021.