Saint Andrew Catholic Church

Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the "sacraments of Christian initiation," whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For "by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed." (CCC 1285)*

Confirmation for 8th Graders

Eighth-grade students are invited to make Confirmation after completing preparation for the sacrament.

To prepare for Confirmation, candidates must attend religious formation classes either at St. Andrew’s or at another parish. At St. Andrew’s, preparation includes regular religious education classes on Wednesday nights plus several special classes scheduled at other times. Parents are expected to attend parent meetings as scheduled.

Confirmation for Adults

Adults prepare for confirmation by participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).

RCIA is a process of discernment and education for unbaptized adults who wish to become Catholic. Those baptized in another Christian faith may also participate in this process to come into full communion with the Catholic Church. Adults who complete RCIA are confirmed at the Easter vigil Mass.

*Excerpt from the Catechism of the Catholic Church

PLEASE NOTE: Any person who wishes to be a Sponsor for confirmation must be a registered member of our parish, attending Mass at St. Andrew Church on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation as recorded by the use of the Offertory Envelope for at least 6 months before beginning the preparation process.

Sponsor Requirements

*Requirements as per the Code of Canon Law:
A. Only one male sponsor or one female sponsor for a Confirmation candidate is to be used.
B. Must have completed the sixteenth (16) year.
C. Must be a Catholic who has received the sacrament of Baptism.
D. Must be a Catholic who has received the sacrament of Confirmation.
E. Must be a Catholic who has received the sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist.
F. If married, must be a Catholic who has received the sacrament of Holy Matrimony in the Catholic Church.
G. Must be a Catholic who leads a life in harmony with the Catholic Church (registered and active [going to Sunday Mass] in a Catholic Church).

Sponsor Certificate

Upon completion, the form must be submitted to the parish office of St. Andrew Church at least two weeks before the baptism. On this form, the proposed sponsor will verify that he or she meets the requirements of Canon Law to qualify as sponsor for Confirmation. Baptismal and other sacramental certificates copies are not needed from the sponsor.

Contact Greg Allen for a form/ sponsor certificate and questions: gallen@charlestondiocese.org 843-448-5930 ex.116