How to write a letter to Bishop Quinn


All Confirmation candidates are required to present a well-written, typed letter explaining what Confirmation means to them personally and why they wish to be confirmed.  The purpose of this letter is to help clarify what is happening in your faith lives and what it means to you to be confirmed.  Since Confirmation is very much a spiritual, internal journey, this letter will help express the changes experienced in your interior life.

Diocesan guidelines state:
 "In the letter, candidates should tell what they have been doing with Christian Service (Activities) and Faith Formation to ready themselves for the sacrament and why they wish to be confirmed as a Catholic Christian." 

The Faith Formation Office will send the letters to Bishop Quinn as a package.  
Do not mail your letters individually to Winona. 


When writing your letter to Bishop Quinn, be sure to include the following elements:
  • Date
  • Address letter as "Your Excellency" or "Most Reverend John M. Quinn"
  • Sign the letter with your handwritten signature and include your typed name below it
Write about the following topics in your letter:
  • Why do you want to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation?
  • Why does Confirmation mean to you?
  • What have you done to prepare for Confirmation?
    • (i.e. Faith Formation, retreats, religion class, small groups, etc)
  • What service have you done?
  • How has your service work impacted you?

Click HERE to see examples of letters. These are only intended as guides - please use your own words. Any attempt at plagiarizing will require retyping of your letter.