What is Confirmation?
The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church and a vital step in our initiation into full communion with God and His Church. It completes the grace of Baptism by sealing us with the Holy Spirit and strengthening us with His gifts, empowering us to live as sons and daughters of the Father. Through Confirmation, we are more deeply united with Christ, bound more perfectly to the Church, and equipped to actively participate in its mission. This sacrament is a free and unmerited gift of God’s love—one that invites us to receive, understand, and respond with open hearts, so we may be true witnesses of the faith in both word and deed.
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Confirmation at Saint Ambrose
At Saint Ambrose, we walk with candidates and their families through this journey with intentional formation, meaningful community, and prayerful celebration. Confirmation preparation takes place for one year prior to receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Since raising children in the faith is the primary responsibility of the parents, we at Saint Ambrose will accompany each candidate and family to the best of our ability.1
Expectations for Confirmation Preparation
All youth entering 5th grade and older who will be preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring of 2027 are invited to participate in Family Formation alongside their parents and families. To begin this journey of preparation, we kindly ask that you register for Family Formation.
Candidates are expected to attend Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation as part of living their faith. Watch this video by Fr. Mike Schmitz for a powerful explanation.
See the full Family Formation Session calendar for upcoming session dates and times.
Baptismal Information
Completion Deadline: January 4, 2027
- If baptized at Saint Ambrose: No additional documentation is required (families will need to provide the date of baptism on the Sponsor Enrollment/Saint Name Form).
- If baptized at another parish: A copy of your baptismal certificate is required. Please contact the parish where you were baptized to request a copy. You may upload the certificate here or have the parish send it directly to Saint Ambrose Catholic Community. This is standard practice among Catholic parishes.
Confirmation Enrollment & Sponsor Form
Completion Deadline: February 4, 2027
- All candidates are required to complete the Enrollment, Sponsor, and Date Selection Form. This form gathers essential information needed to move forward in the Confirmation process.
- Complete the form online: Click here to access the form
Letter to Father Peter
Completion Deadline: March 4, 2027
- Each candidate is required to submit a Letter of Request for Confirmation. Letters should be mailed or delivered to the Parish Office.
- Please review the Letter of Request for Confirmation one-sheet pertaining to letter instructions and prompts.
Family Momentum Retreats
Family Momentum Retreats at Trinity Woods Retreat Center in Trego, Wisconsin offer families a chance to step away from the busyness of everyday life, grow together in faith. Attendance at one Family Momentum Retreat is required before receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, so families—especially those with younger siblings—are encouraged to prayerfully choose the retreat timing that best fits their Family Formation journey.
Registration Opening Soon
Registration for the 2026–2027 Family Momentum Retreats will open soon. Check back for registration details and additional information.
Retreat Dates
- November 13–15, 2026
- December 11–13, 2026
- January 1–3, 2027
Confirmation candidates and at least one parent are asked to attend one Confirmation Workshop together. During this session, families will deepen their understanding of the Sacrament of Confirmation, explore the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and learn practical ways to continue growing in faith through prayer, the Sacraments, and daily discipleship.
Registration Opening Soon
Registration for the 2026–2027 Confirmation Workshops will open soon. Please register for the date that works best for your family. One registration is required per Confirmation candidate.
Choose One Fall Workshop
- Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 6:00–7:30 pm
- Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 10:00–11:30 am
Choose One Spring Workshop
- Saturday, March 6, 2027 from 10:00–11:30 am
- Thursday, March 4, 2027 from 6:00–7:30 pm
Date: To Be Determined
Confirmation candidates, their parents, and sponsors (if available) are invited to participate in the Rite of Election during the 11:00 am Mass at Saint Ambrose. A Confirmation rehearsal will be held in conjunction with the Mass to help candidates and families prepare for the celebration of the Sacrament.
Additional details, including the date and rehearsal schedule, will be shared as they become available.
The Sacrament will be celebrated on Monday, April 19, 2027 at 7:00 pm at the Cathedral of Saint Paul.
Arrival: Please arrive by 6:30 pm. Parking is limited; most is available on Dayton or Summit Avenues.
Seating: Candidates and sponsors will sit in reserved front pews. Family and guests are welcome to sit anywhere in general seating (first come, first served).
Dress: Please wear your best or purchase something appropriate that can be worn again for future special occasions.
Photography: Personal photos may be taken afterward—please refrain from standing on pews. Group photos with the Bishop will be taken. Personal photos may be taken following afterwards. Please refrain from standing on pews to take photos.
Get Involved In Youth Ministry
We encourage all Confirmation candidates to grow in faith by engaging in our Youth Ministry opportunities:
- High School Youth Group (Wednesdays)
- Monthly Extreme Faith Nights (Fridays)
- Lifeline Events
- Winter Faith Camp
- Extreme Faith Camp
- Steubenville Conference
For more information, visit our Youth Ministry Page or contact Bri directly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing for Confirmation is a meaningful journey, and questions will arise along the way. Whether you’re wondering about the new program, retreat options, or how to stay connected with a sponsor, we’re here to be a resource.
If in need of more information or have additional questions pertaining to Confirmation, please reach out to:
Justin Korteum
[email protected]
651-768-3020
Gretchen Englebretson
[email protected]
651-768-3017
The best way to deepen your faith and uplift your family is by joining an adult small group or youth group. These communities nurture your spiritual growth and equip you to share that joy at home.
Looking for resources to explore on your own? Here are some excellent tools:
- Person and Identity: A Catholic ministry addressing tough topics like gender identity through the lens of faith.
- Ascension Presents on YouTube: Features inspiring content, including Fr. Mike Schmitz’s videos.
- Bible in a Year Podcast: Journey through the entire Bible in 365 days with commentary from Fr. Mike.
- FORMED: Access movies, studies, and devotionals rooted in Catholic tradition.
- USCCB: Daily Mass readings, prayers, and resources from the U.S. bishops.
- Ascension Press: Discover Catholic prayers, books, and tools for spiritual growth.
We’ve moved from structured small/large groups to a family-focused approach because we found the previous model wasn’t fostering lasting spiritual growth. Parents are the spiritual leaders of the home, and we want to support you in that role.
While it might seem easier to enroll teens in a program and expect transformation, true conversion involves freedom and invitation. We aim to make Confirmation preparation a journey the whole family takes together—one rooted in love, choice, and faith.
We are excited to endeavor on confirming in 5th grade, beginning this year.
Life is busy—we understand! Just email Justin Korteum, Director of Evangelization & Discipleship, to let us know. While there aren’t make-up materials, we’ll follow up with you as needed.
Yes, especially if your child is in need of a Sacrament. Formation is lifelong – attending Catholic School complements but is not a replacement for God’s desire for the spiritual formation of all His children.
We encourage you to spend time with your sponsor, share how your life is, where you are at in their faith. Pray for each other as well, especially the sponsor for their confirmation candidate.
Your sponsor can still guide you from afar! Stay in touch through regular conversations. If they can’t attend the Confirmation Mass, someone else (like a relative who is a confirmed Catholic) can stand in as their proxy.
Example: If your uncle in Virginia is your sponsor but can’t attend, your older brother or grandmother—who is also confirmed—can stand in during the Mass.
“The right and duty of parents to give education is essential, since it is connected with the
transmission of human life; it is original and primary with regard to the educational role
of others, on account of the uniqueness of the loving relationship between parents and
children; and it is irreplaceable and inalienable, and therefore incapable of being entirely
delegated to others or usurped by others.” – usccb.org “Rights and Duties of Parents.” ↩︎