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Confirmation is a one of the seven sacraments, where a baptized person in the Catholic community is reaffirmed into the church. This is a long process, beginning with CCD, or Catholic Christian Doctrine classes, from 1st grade through 11tth grade.

It starts getting harder in 7th grade, when students at Saint Joseph’s in Bellwood go to classes every other weekend for 2 hours.

Last Tuesday evening, three Bellwood-Antis  juniors, along with juniors from seven other parishes in the Altoona-Johnstown diocese, were confirmed at The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona. The students were Chase Yaniello and Marissa Cacciotti, who were confirmed with Saint Joseph’s church, and Cooper Lovrich, who was confirmed with Saint Mary’s church.

Former B-A student Ava Beiswenger, who now attends Grier School, was also there representing St. Joseph’s.

Confirmation can be traced back to the early church, which celebrated the sacrament of receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In Christian churches that practice infant baptism, confirmation is the sealing of the covenant created in baptism. Confirmation is another way to strengthen faith and deepen relationships with Christ.

Confirmation is one of 7 sacraments that Catholic’s receive in the church. The others being Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders. This could be the last sacrament the juniors receive until Matrimony.

When Catholics get confirmed, they pick out a confirmation name, which is a saint’s name. Chase, Marissa and Cooper all had to pick out a confirmation name.

Chase picked St. Veronica, who is the model of compassion.

“She was the brave woman who stepped out of a crowd full of angry people, and knelt down in front of Jesus, while he carried the cross, and used her veil to wipe his face clean from his blood, sweat, and mud,” Chase said.

She also noted how Veronica exemplified compassion, kindness, and even courage.

Chase said she wanted to be confirmed because she wanted to take another step into her faith journey.

“Getting confirmed makes me feel closer to God, and it’s helping me build a stronger relationship with him,” she said.

Marissa picked St. Elizabeth as her confirmation saint because her admires her and his lifestyle.

“I want to model my life after hers with her kindness, love, and humility.,” Marissa said. “I think she’s inspirational. She knew she needed to help others, so she gave her wealth to benefit those less fortunate.”

Marissa said she wanted to be confirmed because she felt like she was ready to grow her relationships with God and deepen her faith.  Confirmation to her is about you choosing your own path.

“You get to actively choose your beliefs and fully enter into your faith. It’s almost like a pledge to yourself that you’ll honor God and live for his glory,” she said.

Cooper picked St. Michael as his saint. He chose him because he is the chief of the angels and archangels and because he hopes to be a great as a leader like him.

“I wanted to be confirmed because I wanted to strengthen my relationship with the church and God,” he said. Getting confirmed to Cooper means that you choose your faith, you’re on your own, and to further your relationship with God. “You become a member of the church based on your own decision.”

Getting confirmed is another way to prepare you to live a more active and impactful Christian life. It deepens your connection with Christ and the Church, and empowers you to share your faith for Jesus. You make the promises your parents made on your behalf at your baptism for yourself, making public your commitment to a journey of faith.