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
“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 11th from 6:00-11:00 PM and November 12th from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This is mandatory for all freshmen.
- The Sophomore Retreat will take place on February 24th from 6:00-11:00 PM and February 25th from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This is mandatory for all sophomores.
- Participate in small group community, spiritual, and service activities
- Choose Confirmation Name and Sponsor and submit online by 10/2/2022
- Submit service hours on our website by 03/01/2023
- 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 03/01/2023
- 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 03/01/2023
- Schedule Confirmation Interview and complete by 05/01/2023
- 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.