Teens may receive the sacrament as early as 10th grade.
There is now an “inquiry time” (pre-confirmation 9th grade) – things to do before Confirmation
And “immediate preparation” – things to do during the year you will celebrate confirmation.
Pre-Confirmation (9th Grade)
Active Participation in Parish Life
Attend mass
Religious Formation/ Life Teen
Active in ministry
Commitment to living the Catholic Christian Life – before and after confirmation
Immediate Preparation (beginning as soon as10th grade)
General Expectations— Must be actively involved in the sacramental life of the Church.
Christian Formation-- Concurrent enrollment & attendance in Christian Formation/LifeTeen is mandatory. Missing more than 30% of CF nights, we ask you to wait for the sacrament.
Student Essay *NEW*- The essay’s purpose is to help the Confirmation team get a better sense of where the candidate is starting this part of the faith journey.
Parent Essay *NEW*- The purpose of this essay is to help the Confirmation team get a better sense as to where your intentions for this sacrament meet those of your child’s.
Letter-Candidates write a letter to the pastor expressing their desire to be confirmed.
Interview—The interview is for the student who wishes to be confirmed. The interview is to facilitate a conversation between the pastor and the candidate to see if they are prepared to be confirmed.
Confirmation Classes— Classes are mandatory preparation for the sacrament of confirmation. They will be on Sunday afternoons (see schedule). Missed classes must be made up. If after looking at your schedule, you feel like you cannot commit to being present, we ask that you wait for the sacrament.
Retreat- You must attend the scheduled retreat. The retreat is mandatory and time should be saved immediately to guarantee participation. Work schedules, school activities, sports, and SATs, etc can be adjusted with adequate notice. Start working now to clear your calendar.
Sponsors— A Confirmation sponsor must be a confirmed and practicing Catholic in good standing in the Church. It cannot be a parent; however, the sponsor can be a grandparent or godparent. Candidates should select a sponsor who "is to take care that the person confirmed behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the duties inherent in the sacrament." Sponsors must have a sponsor form on file.
Baptism-Candidates must have been baptized and a copy of their certificate must be on file.
Confirmation Liturgy—The date & place of the celebration of the sacrament is determined by the Diocese. For 2019, Confirmation liturgies will begin on or about March 7 and will end on or about June 1.
Parents— The Church recognizes you as your child's primary educator in the life of faith. Your role is pivotal as your child prepares to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and be fully initiated into the Catholic Church. (See handout ‘Preparing your son or daughter for Confirmation)
Decision-At the end of the process, candidates will indicate whether or not they desire to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Parish Registration- Teens (families) must be a registered parishioner at a Holy Family. If not registered at Holy Family, you must submit written authorization from your pastor to participate in our sacrament prep program.