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2026 Confirmation Guidelines

- important information
  
  Presentation of the Candidates
  The candidates are to be presented as a group by the pastor. The following or a similar statement could be used: “(Arch)bishop, I present these candidates from the parish of to you forthe sacrament of Confirmation.”
  
  Vesture of Candidates
  The use of “confirmation stoles” on the candidates is not allowed. The stole is a sign of ordination. Direction should be given to candidates about suitable attire. Neatness, cleanliness and modesty cannot be presumed. Bare shoulders, low necklines, and short and/or tight- fitting dresses are not appropriate under any circumstances. Party type wear should remain just that and be reserved for personal parties following the ceremony. Respect for the sacrament and the sacred space of the church calls for modest dress.
  
  Make-Up
  Candidates are NOT to wearfoundation or any other make-up on the forehead since it mixes with and pollutes the Sacred Chrism. Make-up also transfers to the next candidate anointed.
  
  Photos after the Ceremony
  A photographer, and when and where photos are to be taken must be predetermined and discussed with either Bishop Smith or Fr. Randy Hoang (Archbishop Sample’s MC) prior to the celebration. Organize the timeline of group photos prior to the ceremony so that the comfirmadi know where to be positioned for the group and individual photos.
- Full Guidelines & Registration Form Review and download this PDF
- 2026 Confirmation Schedule
- Rite of Election Registration Form Review and download this PDF
- Joint Confirmations at the Cathedral
  Msgr. Gerard O'Connor will take care of the locking and unlocking of the doors, the flowers, the music and the altar servers.
  
  Each of the participating parishes are responsible for the following:
  The assignment of a reader for the first reading.
  The assignment of a presenter for their candidates.
  The creation and printing of pew signs for their seating arrangement.
  
  Please note there is a $500 musician fee per Confirmation Mass that will be billed equally to the participating parishes.
- Joint Parish Confirmations
  The hosting pastor or his delegate are responsible for coordinating the celebration. The following is a general template of things to address in advance of your vicariate confirmation celebration.
  
  Please encourage participation in the Confirmation Mass from each of the parishes in your vicariate. This ensures the following tasks are adequately addressed:
  The assignment of a presenter for each parish’s candidates.
  The assignment of readers for scripture readings, and if not sung, the responsorial psalm.
  The arrangement for a cantor, musicians and choir members who will be responsible for the Entrance, the Offertory, the Communion, and Recessional hymns, at a minimum. The Propers of the Mass, which include the Kyrie, the Gloria, the Gospel Acclamation, the Sanctus, the Mysterium Fidei and the Agnus Dei are encouraged.
  The assignment of two Confirmandi to bring forward the Offertory (hosts and wine).
  The request for the participation of your parish deacons.
  The assignment of a minimum of five altar servers.
  The creation and printing of pew signs for each parish’s seating arrangement.
  The design and printing of programs for each parish.
  
  Note: some of the above may be combined if you do not have enough participation from your parishes.
- Scripture Readings and Roman Missal Prayers
  The Ritual for Confirmation states that the readings may be taken from the Mass of the Day or from texts in the Lectionary, nos. 764-768. When Confirmation is celebrated on a Sunday Vigil, Sunday or Solemnity, all the readings and prayers for that day are used. If Confirmation is celebrated on a weekday or outside of the Mass, the prayers will be taken from the Ritual of Confirmation by the bishop. The readings are as follows:
  
  First Reading: Acts 2:1-6, 14, 22b-23, 32-33
  Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 22:23-24ab, 26-27, 28 and 31-32 (Lectionary for Mass, no. 766)
  Alleluia Verse before the Gospel: John 14-16 (Lectionary for Mass, no. 767)
  Gospel: Matthew 16:24-27 (Lectionary for Mass, no. 768)
- Multilingual Liturgy
  The multicultural nature of the assembly should be considered during the process of planning readings, ritual texts and music. The first reading should be in the language of the community with the Gospel proclaimed in English. The selections of prayers in English and Spanish will be determined by the Celebrant.