What is required before you register for Confirmation?

• Desire for the Sacrament
• Weekly mass attendance
• Baptism
• 9th grade or older.  8th grade if taken 7th grade religious education
• Regular practice of Reconciliation
• Openness, willingness and commitment to grow in discipleship.
• Willingness and consistent participation in Confirmation meetings and events

When is Confirmation?  October of the following year.  Confirmation is a 2 year process

Why weekly Mass attendance? It is assumed (prerequisite) that you attend weekly Mass because you are already living your baptismal call as a Catholic Christian. In the Third Commandment, God tells us to “Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.” For the Jews, the Sabbath was Saturday; Christians, however, transferred the Sabbath to Sunday, the day of Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead. The Church tells us that we have an obligation to fulfill the Third Commandment by refraining from unnecessary work on Sunday and by participating in the Mass, our chief form of worship as Christians. Private Worship Is Not Enough - From the earliest days of the Church, Christians have understood that being a Christian isn’t a private matter. We are called to be Christians together; while we can and should engage in the private worship of God throughout the week, our primary form of worship is public and communal, which is why Sunday Mass is so important.

Why Confirmation Meetings? Our goal for preparation for Confirmation is to aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit. (CCC 1309) Our vision is that candidates are accountable and develop a relationship they need to stay on the path God has designed for them. The curriculum is purposeful and designed to foster a sense of communion and unity as well as forming habits to live a life as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

What are “Group Meetings”? During preparation students and parents will be invited to “Group Meetings” that give the opportunity to focus together on questions of God and living a Christian life where parents and students can speak openly.  Such topics may include consumerism, human dignity, relationships, family and sexuality.

What if the candidate misses a meeting? Attendance is required and helps ensure everyone has the material they need and helps the Confirmandi feel cohesive as a group.  Two absenses are allowed if sickness or family obligations come up.  Absences can be made up before class at 3pm starting in November by the parent or Confirmandi emailing the catechists and asking for a makeup.  The only limit to the number of classes that can be made up is the charity of the catechists.  It is the responsibility of the parents to ask for makeups.

What are the requirements for a Sponsor? The Confirmation Sponsor must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic. It cannot be a parent; however, the sponsor can be a grandparent or Godparent. This should be someone the candidate trusts in seeking out faith advice and direction. A sponsor’s role is very limited during the preparation. We ask that they do two things: 1. Talk to the Confirmandi about Confirmation 2. Pray for the candidate

What are the requirements for a Confirmation Name? In order to manifest the close relationship of Confirmation to Baptism, the candidates, according to the longstanding custom of the Church, may retain their baptismal name. However, a special name may be chosen if desired, in which case it should be that of a recognized saint of the Church, or a person from Scripture. (CF Canon #855)

What are service hours?  Can they serve anywhere?  Service hours are required for Confirmation as we need to not only believe and know our faith; we must put our faith into action.  (10) service hours must be completed at St Anns.  

What is the retreat?  Retreat is manditory for Confirmation.  We take our kids to the Presence retreat scheduled in February of 2023.