When a child receives the Sacrament of Confirmation, it's not just a milestone—it's a moment of transformation. The Holy Spirit is at work in their hearts, and as parents, godparents, and mentors, we are invited to walk with them on this journey—not as spectators, but as fellow pilgrims in faith. Below are four ways you can support your child spiritually, emotionally, and practically as they receive this beautiful sacrament.
1. Recognize and Encourage the Increased Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The Sacrament of Confirmation deepens the presence of the Holy Spirit and enhances His gifts: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Take time to relearn these gifts for yourself. When you do, you’ll begin to spot them in your child—like when they show courage in a hard situation, or seek understanding when something doesn’t make sense.
Help them identify these moments and call them out: “That took real fortitude,” or “You showed great wisdom in that choice.” The more they see the Holy Spirit at work in their lives, the more they'll be inclined to use those “spiritual muscles.”
Think of it like an elephant—it may not know how strong it is until it’s put to the test. Your child is filled with spiritual strength; your encouragement helps them discover how to use it.
2. Nurture Their Union with Christ
Confirmation unites us more deeply with Christ. Help your child nourish that union through prayer, scripture, and service.
Prayer: Make time for family prayer, even if it’s short and simple. Your consistency will speak volumes.
Scripture: Start slow, but stay consistent. Even reading the Gospel of the day during Lent can plant powerful seeds.
Service: Look for small ways to serve others together. Volunteering for a homeless outreach, like those in New Orleans, can be life-changing for both of you.
And remember: they’re watching you. The way you live your faith, especially as a confirmed adult, speaks louder than words. I wear a ring that says, “Be my example of Christ.” That message isn’t just for me—it’s for all of us.
3. Encourage Deeper Participation in the Church
The Sacrament is not the finish line—it is a launching point into a fuller life in Christ and His Church. Help young people see that their Confirmation equips them not just to “attend” church, but to actively live as members of the Body of Christ.
Invite them into roles that match their gifts and interests:
Lector
altar server
choir member
catechist assistant
youth group core member
Vacation Bible School helper
or parish outreach volunteer.
The key is to connect their natural talents and passions with the real needs of the parish.
Show them that Mass and parish life are not just obligations, but opportunities to encounter Jesus, serve His people, and grow in holiness. Speak openly about how your own participation in the Church has deepened your faith, and encourage them to make church involvement part of their weekly rhythm—not just a Sunday checkbox.
4. Strengthen Their Mission to Spread the Faith
Confirmation is not graduation—it’s a sending forth. This is the moment to help your child see themselves not just as a member of the Church, but as a missionary disciple.
Encourage them to be joyfully Catholic—not just culturally Catholic, but intentionally living as a follower of Jesus. Talk together about what it means to share faith in a way that is inviting, not pushy: through kindness, integrity, courage, and hope.
Make learning the faith an ongoing family practice.
Read the Sunday readings together.
Talk about tough questions openly—“Why does the Church teach this?”—and discover the answers side by side.
Show them that being Catholic means being curious, thoughtful, and willing to grow.
Then, model what it looks like to live faith out loud. Pray grace in restaurants. Make the sign of the cross before games or school. Be generous and forgiving when it’s hard. These small, public acts normalize discipleship and show that faith isn’t just private—it’s a light meant to be shared.
Finally, remind them (and yourself) that mission isn’t about perfection. None of us have it all figured out—we are all still learners and followers, continually being formed by the Spirit. What matters most is being willing to step out, to speak up, and to love boldly in Jesus’ name.
Final Thoughts: This Is Not a Graduation
This moment is not the finish line—it’s the start of something beautiful.
Your child needs to see that. You need to see that.
Help them discover how their gifts and talents can serve the Church and the world. And just as they renew their Baptismal promises, take time to renew your own faith. Dive deeper. Ask questions. Pray more intentionally.
After all, we’re not just raising children. We’re raising disciples.