Confirmation

Confirmation Preparation

Registration for the 2026–2027 School Year is Now Open!

The Sacrament of Confirmation is a significant milestone in the life of every Catholic. Through Confirmation, young people are strengthened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, and are commissioned to live as faithful disciples in the Church and in the world.

At St. Martin of Tours, we are honored to accompany our young people and their families throughout this important journey of faith. Our Confirmation Preparation Program is designed not only to prepare candidates to receive the sacrament, but also to help them develop a lifelong relationship with Christ through prayer, worship, learning, and service.

Registration Deadline: October 6, 2026

Which Confirmation Program Should I Register For?

We offer two Confirmation Preparation programs.

St. Martin of Tours School Confirmation Program

This program is for students currently enrolled in 7th Grade at St. Martin of Tours School.

Preparation takes place during the students' weekly Religion classes at school, along with several required parish events throughout the year.

Parish Youth Confirmation Program

This program is for students in Grades 7–12 who are not enrolled at St. Martin of Tours School.

Preparation includes Sunday formation sessions, parish events, retreats, and family gatherings throughout the school year.

Eligibility

Candidates preparing for Confirmation should:

Be at least in the 7th Grade
Be baptized in the Catholic Church
Have already received the Sacrament of First Eucharist
Desire to continue growing in their Catholic faith
Be committed to participating fully in the preparation process

Program Highlights

Throughout the year, candidates will:

Learn more deeply about the Catholic faith and the Sacrament of Confirmation
Grow in prayer and their relationship with Jesus Christ
Explore the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit
Reflect on their call to Christian discipleship
Prepare and present a Saint Project
Participate in prayer experiences and liturgical celebrations
Celebrate the Rite of Welcome
Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Prepare for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation with the Bishop

Our primary resource throughout the year is Anointed in the Spirit (St. Mary's Press), which is provided by the parish.

Family Expectations

Parents are the primary educators of their children in the Catholic faith. Confirmation preparation is most fruitful when families actively participate together.

We ask every Confirmation family to:

Participate faithfully in Sunday Mass throughout the year.
Attend all required parent meetings and family events.
Support their child in completing assignments and preparation activities.
Communicate promptly with the Catechetical Director regarding illnesses or unavoidable absences.
Encourage their child to grow in prayer, faith, and Christian discipleship throughout the preparation process.

Sunday Mass Participation

The Sunday Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith and the foundation of Christian life. While classroom sessions provide faith formation, regular participation in Sunday Mass is where our faith is lived, nourished, and strengthened.

As families prepare to celebrate Confirmation, we encourage every household to make Sunday Mass a regular and meaningful part of their spiritual life.

Sponsor Requirements

Each Confirmation candidate must choose a sponsor who:

Is at least 16 years old
Is a fully initiated Catholic (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation)
Lives a life of faith consistent with the responsibilities of a sponsor
Is not the candidate's mother or father

Sponsors play an important role in supporting candidates throughout their faith journey.

Living as Missionary Disciples

Confirmation is not simply the end of a program—it is a beginning.

Inspired by Pope Francis' call to become missionary disciples, every candidate is asked to participate in at least one discipleship experience during the year.

Examples include:

Serving as an usher, lector, or altar server
Volunteering in the parish Food Box Ministry
Assisting with Children's Liturgy of the Word
Singing in the parish choir
Other approved parish ministries

These experiences invite candidates to put their faith into action by serving the parish community.

Additional Program Requirements

All Confirmation candidates will also:

Participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation as part of their immediate preparation.
Complete the Diocese of San Jose Safe Environment requirement.
- St. Martin of Tours School students receive this training through their school.
- Parish Youth participants attend the parish Safe Environment session unless a parent submits the Diocese-approved Opt-Out Form.

Youth volunteers ages 14–18 serving in parish ministries are also required by the Diocese to complete the VIRTUS Healthy Relationships for Teens online training every three years.

Important Dates

Required Parent Orientation

Sunday, October 11, 2026
3:30–4:30 PM
St. Martin of Tours Church

Parents will receive an overview of the program, important dates, expectations, and preparation for the year ahead.

Confirmation Mass

The Diocese of San Jose assigns each parish's Confirmation celebration with the Bishop.

Because of this diocesan scheduling process, our Confirmation Mass date is currently To Be Determined (TBD). We expect to receive our assigned date by the end of September and will notify all families as soon as it is confirmed.

Registration Information

Registration Deadline

October 6, 2026

Required Documents

Families should submit:

Confirmation Registration Packet
Copy of Baptism Certificate (unless baptized at St. Martin of Tours)
Copy of First Eucharist Certificate (unless First Eucharist was celebrated at St. Martin of Tours)
Required diocesan consent and waiver forms

Parish Youth Registration Fee

$185 per participant

Payment may be made by cash or check payable to St. Martin of Tours. Please write "Confirmation" in the memo line of your check.

Download Registration Packets

Please download the packet that applies to your family:

Are You an Adult Seeking Confirmation?

Adults who are seeking to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation are invited to participate in our Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) process.

OCIA is the parish journey of faith formation for adults who desire to learn more about the Catholic faith, complete their Sacraments of Initiation, or prepare to fully participate in the sacramental life of the Church.

If you are an adult seeking Confirmation, please visit our OCIA page for more information about the process, requirements, and registration.

Questions?

We are happy to assist you throughout the registration process and during your child's preparation for Confirmation.

Ed Ibarra
Catechetical Director

eibarra@stmartin.org
(408) 294-8953 ext. 321

We look forward to walking with your family as your child prepares to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.