Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation at the Basilica is normally administered in 6th grade, following Bishop Stika's current guidelines for the Diocese of Knoxville. Students seeking Confirmation should attend our parish Religious Education classes. Youth in 7th through 12th grade who have not been confirmed are also included in this preparation program. 

The Sacrament of Confirmation is the fulfillment of the Sacrament of Baptism. Through this Sacrament, you will be given the grace to strengthen your moral life, as well as your devotional life, with the holiness of the Holy Trinity living in you. It is our sincere hope that every student takes this class seriously, since at its completion, each student will, through the Grace bestowed upon them through the Sacrament of Confirmation, be made true witnesses of Jesus Christ.

ATTENDANCE: 

We know that many of the students participate in extracurricular activities that sometimes require them to attend weekend events, so they miss class. We also know that there are times when you just can't get there, whether it's vacation or for personal reasons.  That being said, if receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation is important to you and your student, all effort should be made to attend every class if possible. Please notify us or your teacher (preferably 24 hours prior to class, when possible), with the reason for the absence.

E MAIL NOTICES

From time to time, we send out email blasts to all the parents and students to notify them of an upcoming event, class cancellation, or class requirement.  PLEASE make sure that our emails are not blocked or diverted to your spam folder.  PLEASE respond to the email, even it it is simply to let us know that you received it.  E-mail will be coming from the [email protected] address.

CLASS BEHAVIOR:

As with any classroom environment, we expect the students to be on time, attentive, and respectful at all times.  Rudeness, disrespectful or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated, and any student who repeatedly behaves in such a manner will be asked to leave, and not return.

NO CELL PHONES!!  

We realize that kids today are inseparable from their phones, but they can live without them for the 60 minutes of class.  Leave them in the car, or leave them at home--just don't bring them to class. Students using a phone instead of paying attention will be asked to either bring the phone to the teacher for the remainder of class, or leave.

CONFIRMATION SPONSORS

Godparent/Sponsor Affirmation of Faith and Morals - Please print this form or obtain a copy from the parish office. The prospective godparent/sponsor should fill out and sign the form and return it to the Basilica for the pastor's signature. For more information on godparent/sponsor eligibility, see our Baptisms page.


Contact Us

In previous years, the Bishop has administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to Catholic adults in the diocese who have already received the Sacrament of Baptism. He normally offers the Sacrament of Confirmation to adults each year on or around Pentecost.

In order to receive the Sacraments, including Confirmation, one must be living in accord with the marriage laws of the Church. See Marriage Situations for more information.

The next Confirmation Mass for adults is potentially scheduled for Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 4pm, at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville. (This is tentative, if we have a new bishop by that time). Please contact the Basilica by the end of April to register. 

NOTE:  Because we currently do not have a Bishop, pastors have been given permission to confirm adult Catholics. Preparation is still required: 

You will need to submit your Catholic Baptismal certificate, choose a Confirmation saint and a sponsor, and your sponsor will need to submit a Godparent/Sponsor Affirmation of Faith and Morals form. For more information on godparent/sponsor eligibility, see our Baptisms page. Also, a meeting with the pastor may be requested.

Further instructions on Adult Confirmation from the Diocese of Knoxville can be found here.

To register, please contact us at the the Basilica, and also contact The Diocese of Knoxville at the contact below:

Deacon Jim Bello
Director of Christian Formation
Diocese of Knoxville
805 Northshore Drive SW
Knoxville, TN 37919
[email protected]
(865) 584-3307 (Chancery office)

Catechesis for Confirmation

Baptized Catholics who are preparing for Confirmation are invited to attend our Mystagogia classes for post-baptismal catechesis. See our RCIA page for the class schedule. 

Also, the following video series are recommended for preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, and these can be accessed through our parish FORMED subscription:

Sent by the Spirit (3 episodes)
Symbolon:  The Catholic Faith Explained (10 episodes)