Confirmation
Confirmation
“The prophets of the Old Testament foretold that God’s Spirit would rest upon the Messiah to sustain his mission. Their prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus the Messiah was conceived by the Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus on the occasion of his baptism by John. Jesus’ entire mission occurred in communion with the Spirit. Before he died, Jesus promised that the Spirit would be given to the Apostles and to the entire Church. After his death, he was raised by the Father in the power of the Spirit.
Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighborhoods, society, and the world. . . . We receive the message of faith in a deeper and more intensive manner with great emphasis given to the person of Jesus Christ, who asked the Father to give the Holy Spirit to the Church for building up the community in loving service.”
~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
For those over 18 years of age please see the section on OCIA. Typically children participate in Confirmation classes for two years in 7th and 8th grades through Saint Thomas More School or the Family Faith Formation program.
GRADE 8 INFORMATION
September 30, Monday: Confirmation Parent Meeting, 7-8 p.m. in the Family Center
January 25, Saturday: Confirmation Retreat, Noon-4 p.m. in the church and Family Center
February 17, Monday: Confirmation Rehearsal for candidates and sponsors, 7-8 p.m. in church
February 18, Tuesday: CONFIRMATION- candidates to Family Center by 4:00 p.m.; Mass at 4:30 p.m.
Sponsor’s Role
Confirmation Agreement & Sponsor Information Form Due Tuesday, October 1 – to commit to the Confirmation preparation process and inform us of each candidate’s sponsor. Prayerfully reflect on the choice of sponsor. Keep in mind the sponsor will sign a form attesting that he/she:
- Is not the candidate’s mother or father
- Is at least sixteen years of age
- Is registered in a Catholic parish community
- Has received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist in the Catholic Church
- Participates in Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation and receive the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation regularly
- Strives to live a Christian life through prayer, conforming to the teachings of Christ, and supporting the Church in her mission
- Intends to pay special attention to the religious education and development of the candidate through prayer, encouragement, and good example
- If married, has received the Sacrament of Matrimony according to the laws of the Catholic Church
Confirmation Saint Name, Service & Gown Rental Fee Due December 1 – to inform us of the saint name each candidate will use as part of the Rite of Confirmation as well as documentation of at least fifteen hours of Service Learning Projects from the start of seventh grade until December of eighth grade. As long as the candidate receives no payment and the work does not oppose Church teaching the hours should count. One area of need at the parish includes providing assistance at Family Faith Formation classes on Sunday mornings from 8:30-10:10 a.m.
Bishop’s Questions
Each candidate will be expected to memorize the nine Questions and Answers and will be interviewed in January to demonstrate their understanding.
Report Guidelines for those in Family Faith Formation
SAINT REPORT Due November 1:
After researching various possibilities and praying for inspiration, choose a saint’s name to be your Confirmation name. Type a report of at least 500 words focusing on basic details about the saint including feast day, what made him/her holy, and why you selected that saint as a patron. Do not copy and paste material since that is plagiarizing. Cite your sources. Upload your report on the form below.
SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT REPORT Due December 1:
Complete at least 15 hours of service learning projects. Type a report of at least 500 words describing the service completed, why you chose that type of service, what you learned, and how the service relates to the Corporal and/or Spiritual Works of Mercy highlighted on pages 286-288 of the Decision Point book. Upload your report on the form below.