Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation through which people become members of the Christian community. It is a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. By the laying on of hands, anointing with chrism, and prayer, the Holy Spirit strengthens the baptized in order that they may steadfastly profess the faith and faithfully live up to that profession.
     The Diocese of Kalamazoo desires preparation for Confirmation to be a two-year process. Prior to Confirmation, students should be enrolled in a Catholic school or in the parish Religious Education program. At St. Basil, students may begin Confirmation preparation in the 8th grade.
     Led by Christ, the parish community seeks to work in partnership with parents and families of its young people to build and nurture the Catholic faith. In addition to support from their parents, each candidate must choose a mature adult to serve as an individual sponsor. A sponsor is someone who will walk beside the young person in preparation for Confirmation and beyond, to encourage continued growth within the faith community, to live in the world as a disciple of Christ.
     Students wishing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation must register for preparation classes by September 1, two years before the planned date of Confirmation. A nominal fee is charged for the classes to cover the cost of materials.
      For more information, contact our Parish Pastoral Associate, Tom Eggleston.