Confirmation

Introduction info for Confirmation Program. For details, call 410-647-4892

Please join us in prayer for all of our Confirmation Candidates as they prepare to recieve the Sacrament of Confirmation May 15, 2010.

Registration Packets are available and mailed out in September.

Teens who are currently in the 8th grade or older and has been receiving catechesis from a catholic school or religious ed program, ARE now eligible to be Confirmed in the spring of 2010-- congratulations! We are very excited to prepare a dynamic and comprehensive parish program that will prepare your young person to receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit when they are anointed by the Bishop as confirmed Catholics.

Our Confirmation prep year begins with an Orientation Meeting for candidates and parents, which will be held in October .
Attendance at this meeting does not necessarily commit your child to participate in the Confirmation program this year, but will have helpful information for anyone planning on registering. The purpose of these meetings will be to explore Candidate readiness as well as to orient you to the expectations and components of the Confirmation preparation process, including attendance at class sessions, community gatherings, at-home responsibilities, retreats, etc. Bring the registration form with you to the meeting or mail it to the Religious Ed Office along with the $115 Confirmation Fee.

Once Candidates are registered in the program, we will present our candidates to the congregation at a Rite of Enrollment during Sunday Mass on Sunday October 25 (at the Noon and 5:15 Masses). All candidates are required to be registered, sign-in and participate in one of these Masses.

What should you do right away?
• Talk about it… Discuss with your young person and help them to discern readiness for the preparation process. Whether or not to receive the sacrament of Confirmation next Spring will ultimately be their decision. There are many more opportunities to receive the sacrament later in their high school years if they should not feel ready at this time.
• Fill out the form… Registration forms are due at the Discernment meeting or before October 18.
• Begin the Sponsor selection…Help select a sponsor who is qualified and willing to work with your son or daughter throughout the course of this year in preparation for the sacrament. Sponsors must be 16 years of age (not the parent of the candidate), and in good Catholic standing.
• Mark your calendars… for the Orientation meeting October 4 or October 7 . Each candidate is required to attend one of these meetings, along with at least one parent—if neither date works with your family’s schedule, please contact me to make an appointment that week. Also, please note all dates on the curriculum calendar since each class and meeting is necessary for preparation for the sacrament.
• Get to work!... All candidates are required to complete and document 10 hours of service for Confirmation. This service must be altruistic (out of the goodness of your heart, not paid, etc) and cannot be “counted” towards another purpose.

COMPONENTS OF SACRAMENT PREPARATION INCLUDE:
• opportunities for formation and materials for faith sharing
• faith sharing opportunities between candidate and sponsor
• celebration with the parish community
• 9-12 hours of catechesis,
• involvement in service and a continued sharing of the church’s social mission,
• a retreat experience,
• opportunities for prayer and worship
• an interview with a member of the pastoral staff.

Still have questions? Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.