Confirmation

GOALS:

• Foster a personal encounter with Jesus Christ and nurture a vibrant and living faith.
• Provide comprehensive catechesis on the teachings of the Catholic Church, including the sacraments, Scripture, prayer, and moral principles.
• Encourage active participation in the life of the Church and the broader community.
• Cultivate a sense of belonging to the Catholic faith community and foster lasting friendships with fellow candidates.
• Promote a spirit of service and social justice, inspired by the example of Jesus Christ.

EXPECTATIONS:

• Regular attendance and active participation in all scheduled meetings, retreats, and liturgical celebrations. The Confirmation program aligns with the High School Ministry format and schedule: High School Ministry
• A parent(s) or guardian is required to attend the evening meetings.
• Respectful engagement in faith-sharing discussions and a willingness to learn and grow in knowledge and understanding.
• Completion of required assignments, including reflections, prayers, and service projects.
• Adherence to the code of conduct, reflecting Christian values and demonstrating respectful behavior towards peers, leaders, and the community.
• Openness to the guidance and support of the Confirmation sponsor, youth minister, catechists, and parents.
• All Confirmandi must use an existing Google account or obtain one to register for our Google Classroom. Important dates and deadlines for the subjects below will be available here: Confirmation Google Classroom

CONFIRMATION NAME:

• Candidates will be given the opportunity to choose a Confirmation name, which serves as a symbol of their desire for a deeper relationship with God and their commitment to living out their faith.
• Candidates are encouraged to select the name of a saint or a person whose life inspires them and whose virtues they aspire to emulate.
• Guidance will be provided to candidates to help them explore and research the lives of saints and other exemplary figures in the Catholic tradition.
• Confirmation names will need to be submitted no later than the assigned deadline

CONFIRMATION SPONSOR:

• Each candidate is required to choose a sponsor by the assigned deadline, who will accompany them throughout their journey of faith.
• The sponsor should be a practicing Catholic, at least 16 years of age, and have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.
• The sponsor's role is to provide support, guidance, and prayerful encouragement to the candidate throughout the preparation process and beyond.
• Candidates are encouraged to choose a sponsor who exemplifies a strong and faithful commitment to living out the Catholic faith.
• A sponsor may be a family member, or a friend, who is a practicing Catholic. Parents are not allowed to serve as a Candidate’s sponsor.

CONFIRMATION CEREMONY:

• Rehearsal: Each Confirmandi and his or her sponsor are required to attend. We understand sponsors may be coming from out of town and if they are not able to make it for the rehearsal then a parent or guardian must accompany their son or daughter.
  
• During the Confirmation ceremony, candidates will have the opportunity to actively participate by either reading or bringing up the gifts (bread, wine, water, etc.). This involvement in the liturgical celebration enhances the candidates' sense of ownership and connection to the sacrament.
• Each Confirmandi’s sponsor will stand side by side with them as they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. If for some reason a Sponsor cannot attend the ceremony then a Proxy may stand in place of the Sponsor. A proxy must be a Confirmed practicing Catholic, and it can be a parent.
• Attire for the Confirmation Ceremony:
  Young Men: Dress Shirt with Tie; Dress Pants; Dress Shoes; Suit or Sports Coat recommended
  Young Women: Modest Dress or Skirt, Chest and Shoulders must be covered, nor see through; Dress Shoes; When fixing your hair your forehead must be uncovered for anointing from the Bishop or Priest.

SERVICE REQUIREMENTS:

• Each candidate is expected to complete a total of 15 hours of service, distributed as follows:
  • Minimum of 6 hours within the parish community (Group A).
  • Minimum of 6 hours in the local city and community, excluding the parish (Group B).
  • Remaining 3 hours may be fulfilled by serving a neighbor, friend, or family member.
  • Service hours must be unpaid, align with Church teaching, and not consist of ordinary tasks expected at home.
  • If you do a significant amount of service for an organization, community group, or parish group that involves a dedicated amount of time and energy, then your service may count for Groups A and B.
  • Candidates are required to keep a Service Log, which should be signed by the supervisor and a parent or guardian.
  • Projects organized outside of the youth ministry program must be approved by the youth minister before initiation.
• We believe that engaging in service not only helps others but also deepens your understanding of the Gospel values and the importance of living out your faith through acts of love and service. By participating in these service opportunities, you will have the chance to make a positive impact in both the parish and the wider community.
• Please remember to track and document your service hours diligently in your Service Log. Once your Service Log is complete, please scan or photograph your log and submit it to your youth minister for review and documentation. Your dedication to service is a vital part of your journey towards Confirmation. The service log can be downloaded here: Confirmation Service Log

ATTENDANCE AND RETREAT:

• Regular attendance at all scheduled meetings and activities is essential for the successful completion of the Confirmation program.
• Candidates are expected to participate in a one-day retreat, providing a reflective and transformative experience that deepens their connection with God and fellow candidates.

BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE:

• Each candidate is required to submit a copy of their baptismal certificate to the parish office no later than the assigned deadline.
• This ensures the necessary documentation is on file and helps facilitate the administrative process for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

COMMUNICATIONS:

• Each candidate must register AND sign up for our regular communications below.
• If you do not register your email and mobile phone in Step 2 you will not receive our important communications.

We are excited to accompany you on this journey of faith and look forward to supporting your growth, exploration, and preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact your youth minister, who will be available to assist you throughout the program.

REGISTER AT OUR HIGH SCHOOL PAGE