Confirmation

Preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Mary Church

Confirmation is a Sacrament of Initiation and "receives its meaning in relationship to Baptism and Eucharist." It is the gift of the Holy Spirit. It makes us more completely the image of Our Lord and fills us with the Holy Spirit so that we may bear witness to Him before all the world.

The Confirmation Program at St. Mary Church is a two year program. The second year of preparation is open to high school students who are in 10th, 11th or 12th grade. A Catholic school background or regular attendance in the Faith Formation Program to eighth grade, as well as regular attendance at Youth Group for one year is the typical first year of preparation. If a teen has not had formal religious education, i.e. less than two years between the seventh grade and the present grade level, Youth Group is the place to start.

Readiness

Our goal at St. Mary Church is to see that those asking for the Sacrament for Confirmation are "properly disposed" and "prepared to receive...by the necessary evangelization and catechetical formation..." (Can. 843) In other words, that all documentation, assessment and formation required be provided to each person asking to receive Confirmation.

In addition to the application paperwork, the Baptism Certificate is required at the time of application (a copy is fine). A letter indicating that the person freely asks to receive the Sacrament should be initialed by the parent, but signed by the candidate. A Proficiency Assessment will be sent out to those who apply. Do not worry, this is an assessment to assist us in interviews and planning classes.

There are two interviews, one at the beginning of the year and another closer to the Confirmation date. There is a required Confirmation Retreat.

Some indicators of being properly disposed to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation include regular attendance at mass, and receiving the Sacraments or Eucharist and Penance. For those in the Program, regular attendance in class is expected. Participation in service here in the parish as well as outside the parish is expected. A willingness to have a personal prayer life is expected.

"I wish to echo the voice of Christ who continuously calls us to deepen our relationship with him. 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock. (Rev. 3:20). Chosen to proclaim Christ, we are first of all invited to live in intimacy with him: we cannot give to others what we ourselves do not have!" —John Paul II, May 7, 2003, with Greek Catholic Youth