Confirmation

Confirmation is a deepening of baptismal gifts.  The sacrament roots us more deeply in our identity as God's children; unites us more firmly with Christ; increases in us the gifts of the Holy Spirit; binds us more closely to the Church; and gives us special strength to bear witness to our faith.

The Catholic Church reminds us:  "Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiairty with the Holy Spirit - his actions, gifts, and his biddings - in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of the Christian life". (CCC1309)

Who can receive the sacrament of Confirmation? "Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and should receive the sacrament of Confirmation" (CCC1306)


St. Mark the Evangelist offers various opportunities to prepare our brothers and sisters to receive the sacrament of Confirmation.

Children who have reached the age of reason (seven) and have not been baptized will be preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. They will be part of the RCIA  program. This program has two parts:  Breaking Open the Word and Catechesis.  Breaking Open the Word normally occurs on Sunday during the 10:30 Mass and the Catechetical part is on Monday evenings (twice a month) at our Family Faith. 

Teens in their second year of high school teen formation  may request the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Confirmation preparation is a separate program from the weekly formation sessions. There is a separate registration form. 

Adults  that have been baptized in the Catholic faith  have the opportunity to attend the Adult Confirmation Sessions.  These sessions run throughout the year and are 6 weeks long.   

If you are interested in any of the above programs please contact our Director of Sacrament Preparation, Laura Rivera,  at lrivera@stmarktampa.org.