Confirmation Preparation Guide
Overview
“Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit – his actions, his gifts, and his biddings – in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community. The latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands.” (CCC 1309)
Our hope is to help young people to understand the sacrament of Confirmation in the context of Initiation and full participation in the life of the Catholic Church. This process began at Baptism and has been supported throughout the years by parents and faith formation. Our program is composed of four components including prayer, service, community, and catechesis that provide a comprehensive approach. Active parishioners will begin their immediate preparation for Confirmation in 9th grade.
Annual Checklist
All religious education and other programs for youth in the Diocese of Joliet shall actively seek to provide a supportive, caring environment in which all persons are safe from all forms of intimidation including bullying, which is unacceptable, unchristian, and strictly prohibited.
For the purpose of this policy, bullying is defined in conformity with Illinois Law as follows:
“Any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student or students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:
(1) Placing the child/youth in reasonable fear of harm to the child/youth’s person or property;
(2) Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the child/youth’s physical or mental health;
(3) Substantially interfering with one/more child’s or one/more youth’s academic performance; or
(4) Substantially interfering with one/more child’s or one/more youth’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a parish.”
105 ILCS 5/27-23.7 (b)
Bullying Conduct
Bullying conduct covered by this policy is conduct that occurs on parish property or at parish sponsored activities or events; while children/youth are being transported or walking to or from the parish or parish sponsored activities or events; while children/youth are waiting in transportation pick-up/drop-off zones; or cyber bullying as defined hereinafter.
Cyber Bullying
This policy prohibits bullying and intimidation of children/youth through the use of internet and social media sites on any electronic device (private, public, or parish owned), whether on or off the parish campus, or during non-attendance hours.
Any child/youth who engages in bullying will be subject to appropriate discipline, up to and including suspension or expulsion and referral to local law enforcement. Behavioral interventions may be included as a component of the disciplinary actions. This may include but is not limited to mandatory counseling.
Retaliatory behavior by a child/youth accused of bullying will also incur consequences. False accusations of bullying will result in disciplinary action taken against the accuser. Any reported bullying issue will be promptly brought to the attention of the appropriate party: the Pastor or Director of Religious Education/Parish Catechetical Leader or designee, and there after investigated. Reference: The Illinois School Code, 105 ILCS, 5/27-23.7
“Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit – his actions, his gifts, and his biddings – in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community. The latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands.” (CCC 1309)
Our hope is to help young people to understand the sacrament of Confirmation in the context of Initiation and full participation in the life of the Catholic Church. This process began at Baptism and has been supported throughout the years by parents and faith formation. Our program is composed of four components including prayer, service, community, and catechesis that provide a comprehensive approach. Active parishioners will begin their immediate preparation for Confirmation in 9th grade.
Annual Checklist
- Register with our Office
- Attend Chosen Formation Sessions and makeup any absences
- Submit at least 20 hours of service experiences each year on our website
- Attend annual retreat
- The Freshmen Retreat will take place on November 10th from 6:00-11:00 PM and November 11th from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This is mandatory for all freshmen.
- The Sophomore Retreat will take place on February 22nd from 6:00-11:00 PM and February 23rd from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This is mandatory for all sophomores.
- Participate with Harvest Sunday Food Drive on Sunday, October 29th and Sunday, November 5th
- Attend annual Deanery Speaker on Sunday, January 28th
- Participate in small group community, spiritual, and service activities
- Choose Confirmation Name and Sponsor and submit online by 10/1/2023
- Submit service hours on our website by 03/01/2024
- Letter to the Pastor - To demonstrate their preparedness to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, confirmandi are expected to submit at least a one full page reflection explaining how they have been prepared and their reasons for wanting to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church. This reflection is for the benefit of the confirmand and helps them to understand how they are responding to God’s call. It should be email to the Youth Ministry Office and addressed to Fr. Max by 03/01/2024
- Service Learning Reflection - Each sophomore must submit a two page theological reflection paper based on a teaching of the Catholic tradition and their experience of service. You must use the process described on our website. All service hours and reflections will be turned into the Youth Ministry Office by 03/01/2024
- Schedule Confirmation Interview and complete by 05/01/2024
- Please prepare using this list of questions - Confirmation Interview Questions
- How do I choose a sponsor?
- The Catechism suggests that confirmands should choose a spiritual mentor to help them prepare for Confirmation. It is most appropriate for that sponsor to be one of the baptismal godparents to emphasize Confirmation as part of the sacraments of Initiation and connected to Baptism. If that is not possible, a sponsor may be chosen who is a confirmed, active Catholic over the age of 16 who is free from any impediment of law to fulfill their role as sponsor and not the parent of the candidate.
- How do I choose a confirmation name?
- Our diocesan policy states: Candidates whose given/baptism name is not Christian should choose a Confirmation name from the names of canonized saints. Other candidates may choose a Confirmation name. Whether they keep their baptism name or choose a confirmation name, the candidates should have a good knowledge of their patron saint (even if they have chosen the name to honor a relative or friend).
- What should I wear for the Confirmation Mass?
- Please have the boys wear dress slacks, shirt and tie. The girls should wear dresses, skirts or dress slacks. Please remind the girls to maintain modesty in regard to the length of their skirt and the neckline. Sponsors should be encouraged to follow a similar dress code. Please be sure that the name tag is clearly visible to the Bishop and not covered by hair or clothing.
All religious education and other programs for youth in the Diocese of Joliet shall actively seek to provide a supportive, caring environment in which all persons are safe from all forms of intimidation including bullying, which is unacceptable, unchristian, and strictly prohibited.
For the purpose of this policy, bullying is defined in conformity with Illinois Law as follows:
“Any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student or students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:
(1) Placing the child/youth in reasonable fear of harm to the child/youth’s person or property;
(2) Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the child/youth’s physical or mental health;
(3) Substantially interfering with one/more child’s or one/more youth’s academic performance; or
(4) Substantially interfering with one/more child’s or one/more youth’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a parish.”
105 ILCS 5/27-23.7 (b)
Bullying Conduct
Bullying conduct covered by this policy is conduct that occurs on parish property or at parish sponsored activities or events; while children/youth are being transported or walking to or from the parish or parish sponsored activities or events; while children/youth are waiting in transportation pick-up/drop-off zones; or cyber bullying as defined hereinafter.
Cyber Bullying
This policy prohibits bullying and intimidation of children/youth through the use of internet and social media sites on any electronic device (private, public, or parish owned), whether on or off the parish campus, or during non-attendance hours.
Any child/youth who engages in bullying will be subject to appropriate discipline, up to and including suspension or expulsion and referral to local law enforcement. Behavioral interventions may be included as a component of the disciplinary actions. This may include but is not limited to mandatory counseling.
Retaliatory behavior by a child/youth accused of bullying will also incur consequences. False accusations of bullying will result in disciplinary action taken against the accuser. Any reported bullying issue will be promptly brought to the attention of the appropriate party: the Pastor or Director of Religious Education/Parish Catechetical Leader or designee, and there after investigated. Reference: The Illinois School Code, 105 ILCS, 5/27-23.7