The work of the Office of Sacred Liturgy encompasses a variety of tasks including assisting the Bishop in his role as the chief liturgist as he establishes norms and directives for common worship in the Diocese of Birmingham.
The formation (and delegation) of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors, and Altar Servers are also under the auspices of the Office of Sacred Liturgy.
For Clergy, the office provides training workshops for deacons, priests, and Masters of Ceremonies. The office also facilitates liturgical planning between the diocese and individual parishes, particularly with regard to Confirmation and the Bishop’s pastoral visitations.
2022 - 2023 CONFIRMATION
Confirmation Schedule
A comprehensive Confirmation Schedule has now been published. Please review the 2022-2023 Confirmation Packet for schedule and procedures. It will be important to review the procedures prior to your Confirmation as some details may have changed since the last time your parish celebrated Confirmation. This packet includes:
General Registration Information
Online pre-registration to request a date for Confirmation occurs August 1 - September 15. Although pre-registration for a Parish Confirmation is now closed, the February and May "Diocesan Confirmations" are still open, scheduled on February 11, 2023 and May 27, 2023.
Should you still need a date, please contact the Office of Sacred Liturgy or consider attending one of the Diocesan Confirmations or combine with another parish regionally. However, please consult with the pastor before reserving the date and contacting us to inform us of your intention.
For parishes which have at least 25 persons to be confirmed: Bishop Raica is generally available to celebrate Confirmation on select Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at your parish throughout the year.
For parishes, with less than 25 confirmands the following two options are available:
- Attach with another parish in the region to form 25 persons and request Bishop Raica for a joint celebration. Don't forget to consult with all the pastors!
- Register for one of the three bilingual "Diocesan Confirmations" held at the Cathedral of Saint Paul.
Please Note!
- Bishop Raica's calendar is subject to change as unforeseen priorities emerge. In the event of his absence, his delegate will be sent so that the date of your Confirmation can be preserved insofar as possible.
- Those who are being received into full communion of the Catholic Church by Profession of Faith receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at that time in their parish.
- ADULT CONFIRMATION: Three options for those who are baptized Catholic but never received the Sacrament of Confirmation, after suitable catechesis in the judgment of their pastor, may
* Register for a "Diocesan Confirmation"
* Attach to a Youth Confirmation in their region
* Be confirmed by their Pastor on Pentecost weekend when delegation will be granted to all pastors.
