Adult Confirmation + First Communion

A process of faith, formation, and mission for adult Catholics seeking one or more of the Sacraments of Confirmation, Holy Eucharist (First Communion), and Reconciliation.

OVERVIEW

Receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Eucharist and Confirmation) completes your initiation into the Catholic Church and empowers you to live as a true disciple of Jesus Christ. This process is not a class to check off, but a commitment to deepen your faith, encounter the Holy Spirit, and actively join the mission of the Church.

• The Sacrament of Confirmation is offered twice a year through the Diocese: January and June.

• Candidates seeking First Communion and/or Reconciliation will receive these sacraments at an appropriate time during the process.

All candidates must complete the following steps:

STEP I: INTAKE MEETING 
(Required Before Registration)
Start Here

Before joining the process, each candidate must schedule a one-on-one intake meeting with Fiona Cousino, Director of Faith Formation. This is not an interview — it’s a conversation.

At this meeting, you will:

• Share your story and why you’re seeking these sacraments now.

• Discuss any marriage or sacramental situations that may affect your eligibility.

• Learn about the process, schedule, and expectations for your specific sacramental needs.

No one should begin classes without this meeting.

To schedule, you must first complete the online Sacrament Intake Form. Once submitted, you’ll receive a link to book your meeting time.

STEP 2: CREDO (13 Weeks)

• When: Wednesdays or Mondays, 6:30–8:30 p.m. (Fall and Spring Semesters)

CREDO is a semester-long deep dive into the Catholic faith based on the four pillars of the Catechism. 

This course is required for all adult candidates seeking initiation sacraments. It may be taken in the same semester as the Sacramental Preparation sessions (Step 3), or beforehand.  There are 3 courses total but only the first semester is required for Sacramental Preparation.

STEP 3: SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION SESSIONS 
(6 Weeks)

• When: Sunday afternoon (Fall and Spring Semesters). These focused sessions explore:

• The Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation and their role in our life.

• The role of the Holy Spirit and the Gifts of the Spirit.

• Living your mission in the Church.

• Reconciliation and spiritual readiness (for all candidates).

• Practicing the rite and making your personal "yes" to Christ.

Candidates may begin these sessions after or during CREDO.

STEP 4: MASS ATTENDANCE 
(Ongoing)

Weekly Mass attendance is expected.

This is the source and summit of our faith — not optional. 

If you're not attending Mass regularly now, this process will invite you back into that rhythm of grace. Without your participation in Weekly Sunday Mass everything else will fall short of preparing you for the life of a fully initiated catholic. 

This will come up in the process. Be ready to answer questions like “What was the Gospel this Sunday? How did the homily speak to you?” etc.

STEP 5: SERVICE & PARISH INVOLVEMENT

Faith must become action. Each candidate will:

• Complete at least two acts of service during the process.

• Choose a parish involvement commitment before receiving the sacraments (e.g., lector, greeter, catechist, festival volunteer).

Reflection prompts will be provided to help you connect service with discipleship.

STEP 6: SPONSOR PARTICIPATION

Sponsors must:

• Be practicing Catholics in good standing.

• Attend at least one Sunday session with their candidate.

• Participate in one parish involvement activity with their candidate.

Sponsors are not just ceremonial. They’re companions and mentors in faith. [LINK sponsor form]

STEP 7: CANDIDATE COMMITMENT

All candidates must sign a Candidate Commitment Form outlining:

• The expectations of the process.

• Attendance and participation requirements.

• Agreement to Mass and service obligations.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

“What if I work?” 
So do we, so we understand. The schedule is intentionally limited to Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings to make this possible. If you cannot commit now, it’s okay to wait until you’re ready.

“Why isn’t this a quick class or two? I wasn’t expecting a process.” 
Receiving any missing sacrament(s) is a significant step of mission and commitment. The Church wants you to be equipped, not just eligible.

“I’ve been asked to be a godparent. Can I just receive my sacraments now?” 
No. The Church invites you to live the faith before you stand as a witness to it. Completing your initiation is a process, not a checkbox.

“Can my mom/aunt/cousin/friend call and set up the process for me?” 
No. This is Adult Sacramental Preparation. If you’re not able to participate in setting up the process, you may not be ready to participate in it. The person who will be going to the meeting needs to be the person to set the meeting.

“How is this different if I only need Confirmation versus if I need First Communion too?” All candidates complete the CREDO and Sacramental Preparation sessions. Your intake meeting (Step 1) determines the specific rites and ceremonies you will participate in to receive all of your missing sacraments.

HOW LONG DOES THIS TAKE?

• Minimum: 1 semester (if you take CREDO + prep at the same time)

• Maximum: 2 semesters (if you space them out)

NEXT STEPS

1. Fill out the Sacrament Intake Form online.

2. Schedule your intake meeting with Fiona.

3. If eligible, register for CREDO and the Sunday Sacramental Prep sessions.

4. Sign the Candidate Commitment Form.

5. Begin your journey!