CCC 1285: Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian initiation,” whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For “by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.”
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation for high school students typically begins with Pre-confirmation classes (9th grade religious education classes). These classes focus on the Nicene Creed. In 10th grade, the students and their sponsor, or parent, are required to attend six to eight 3-hour monthly sessions where they dive deeper into the meaning of Confirmation in preparation to receive the sacrament. In order to enter the Confirmation program, students must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and First Holy Communion. Also, students must have completed the Pre-confirmation course. As part of their preparation, they will be required to attend a Confirmation retreat and complete a number of service projects.