Confirmation
Confirmation brings to completion the grace received through Baptism. By this sacrament the baptized are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched by the strength of the Holy Spirit.
This gift conforms believers more fully to Christ and strengthen them to bear witness to Christ for the building of His body in faith and love.
The current practice for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Diocese of Greensburg is enhanced by a catechetical and pastoral model that continues to advance and deepen the understanding of this life-giving sacrament for children, youth, young adults and adults.
Currently, the Sacrament of Confirmation is scheduled on an annual basis for those in grade 8, or age 14. Formation/preparation for the Sacrament is required one year prior to reception.
Confirmation prep will take place in EDGE on Sunday evenings from 6 – 7:30 at St. Gertrude Parish Center. It is a required three-year program for 6th – 8th graders.
If you have any questions regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation, please contact Heather Hensley, Director of Faith Formation, via email. You may also reach her by phoning 724-335-9877 Ex. 6206.
Click here to view the 2023-2024 Confirmation Calendar
Confirmation Sponsors should …
- Be designated by the candidate, by the parents or guardians, or the pastor.
- Have the qualifications and intention of performing the role of sponsor.
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Be a fully initiated Catholic (having received baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist).
- Lead a life in harmony with the faith and role of a sponsor (i.e., be a member of a parish, attend Mass on Sundays and holy days, not be in an invalid marriage, etc.).
- Not be bound by a canonical penalty.
- Not be the father or mother of the one to be confirmed.
Sponsors for the sacrament of confirmation must abide by the same qualifications as sponsors for the sacrament of baptism. In addition, the following guidelines and/or recommendations apply:
- There is normally only one sponsor for the sacrament of confirmation.
- It is recommended that a baptismal godparent exercise the role of confirmation sponsor.
- A non-Catholic may not serve as a sponsor for the sacrament of confirmation.
- It is discouraged that a spouse serve as a confirmation sponsor.
Our diocese continues the practice of requiring proof of eligibility for sponsorship (in accord with the qualifications above) from the parish in which the sponsor is registered.
For additional information, please contact the parish office.