The Sacrament of Confirmation typically takes 2 years of preparation. St. Bernadette's offers religious education classes to prepare students for Confirmation.

The 2021-2022 Session is happening now! 

If you are interested, registration packets can be picked up at the parish office. We will be able to answer specific questions you might have.

The primary responsibility of the sponsor is to provide the candidate prayerful support and guidance in his or her Christian walk and to "take care that the confirmed person behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the obligations inherent in this sacrament" (canon 892).

​Some of the responsibilities of a sponsor to the candidate before Confirmation:

• Be a convinced, enthusiastic Catholic who lives a life of faith, and is committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of a sponsor.
• Pray regularly for and with the candidate, showing him/her how to pray by example.
• Attend all the confirmation classes, retreats, or special liturgies offered.
• Cultivate a supportive and encouraging relationship with the confirmand.
• Be involved in the catechetical preparation of the candidate with great heart and dedication.
• Have knowledge of the personal faith of the candidate and share your own faith experience.
• Lead and guide the candidate to a personal relationship with the Lord and to a deeper familiarity "with the Holy Spirit—his actions, his gifts, and his biddings—in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life" (CCC 1309).

​Source: Catholic Answers

Regarding the obligation of receiving the sacrament, it is admitted that confirmation is not necessary as an indispensable means of salvation. On the other hand, its reception is obligatory "for all those who are able to understand and fulfill the Commandments of God and of the Church this is especially true of those who suffer persecution on account of their religion or are exposed to grievous temptations against faith or are in danger of death. The more serious the danger so much greater is the need of protecting oneself". (Conc. Plen. Bait. II, n. 250.)