Q. 1. I have a problem. My daughter's class is supposed to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this year. The problem is that my daughter does not want to be confirmed. What is the Church teaching on this matter? Can she refuse to be confirmed?

A. 1. There are three Sacraments of initiation in the Catholic Church, Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist. Therefore, Confirmation is mandatory for one to become a fully initiated Catholic.

While the Sacrament of Confirmation is mandatory to become a fully initiated Catholic, it is not mandatory for those who do not wish to become fully initiated Catholics. By rejecting this Sacrament, your daughter is also rejecting the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. For the Sacrament of Holy Communion cannot be received without the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Your daughter has to understand the consequences of her action. She will never qualify as a godparent without the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Contrary to the belief of many, she can still get married in the Catholic Church without the Sacrament of Confirmation.