St. Mary Church

The Sacrament of Confirmation is a sealing of an individual with the Holy Spirit which completes and compliments the Sacrament of Baptism.  The Catholic community believes that in Confirmation, through the laying on of hands and the anointing with sacred oil by the Bishop, the candidate receives the fullness of the Holy Spirit. 

Adult Confirmation 

Are you a baptized Catholic adult who has not been confirmed?  Each year, many Catholic men and women of all ages present themselves for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  If you are returning to the Church after time away, have been without a home base due to frequent moves or immigration, or have simply “slipped through the cracks," please contact the rectory at 607-432-3920 to speak with Fr. Chris Welch (ext. 4) or Mel Sperti (ext. 202) to reconnect and discuss the next steps in your faith life with us.

Youth Confirmation

In the United States, the local bishop determines the requirements for Confirmation.  A young person requesting the Sacrament of Confirmation in any parish in the Diocese of Albany needs to:

• be baptized
• be minimally in Grade 10 or 15 years of age 
• participate in the parish’s faith formation/youth ministry program for at least one year prior to the immediate preparation for Confirmation
• participate fully in the immediate preparation for Confirmation
• show a sincere desire to live his/her faith as a disciple of Jesus with the Catholic community
• have a Confirmation sponsor who meets the requirements (see below)

Here at St. Mary’s, immediate preparation for Confirmation will begin in January with a parent and candidate information meeting and is usually celebrated in the month of May.  

Our program includes prayer rituals, a full day Confirmation retreat, a private meeting with our Confirmation coordinator, Reconciliation and participation in Christian service.

For more information, please contact Faith Formation Coordinator Kate Johnston at 607-432-3920, ext. 204.

How should I choose a Confirmation sponsor?

The choice of a sponsor, though an honor for that person, is primarily a responsibility to walk with the candidate as they journey toward the reception of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation.  Therefore, a sponsor:

• must be a practicing Catholic who has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist
• must be a minimum of 16 years of age, though a mature Christian might be a better choice, having had experience in living the Christian life and prayer
• may be the same as your Baptismal sponsor (your godparents), but must be someone other than a parent
• if married, must be in a valid sacramental marriage in the Catholic Church
• should be someone with whom you are comfortable talking and discussing your spiritual life and journey

Do I need to choose a Confirmation name?

You may choose an additional name for Confirmation or simply affirm your Baptismal name.  If you choose a Confirmation name, it is usually the name of a Saint whose characteristics you desire to emulate and incorporate into your Christian life.