The Process
Like the Disciples at Pentecost, Confirmation is a Sacrament in which we receive a new deeper outpouring of the Holy Spirit into our hearts in an extraordinary way. This process is an opportunity for teens to be "strengthened by power from heaven, made true witnesses of Christ in word and deed, and be bound more closely to the Church" (Apostolic Constitution). As such, our confirmation process is NOT a requirement to being a Catholic, an entitlement, or a graduation from a religious education program. It IS the permanent binding of an individual to the Church and seals them with the Holy Spirit perfecting the grace received at Baptism.
"Behold, I am doing something new..." Isaiah 43:19
The Confirmation process provides interested teens with a semester-long experience in which students are prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and full initiation into the Catholic Church preferably during their junior year in high school. Preparation includes regular Mass attendance, small group meetings, service experiences, regular meetings with their sponsor, a letter to the bishop, and a full weekend confirmation retreat. Our process focuses on the Sacrament of Confirmation, as well as various elements of what it means to be Catholic.
Confirmation preparation is not a stand alone process, but part of a much bigger journey of becoming an intentional disciple of Christ.
Confirmation is not "The End" but the beginning!
Upon being sealed with the Holy Spirit, the mission of being an intentional disciple of Jesus Christ begins. The effects of Confirmation are far reaching and even more fulfilling for those who actively live their role as confirmed Catholics.
- United more firmly with Christ
- Deeper participation in the Church
- Strengthened to spread and defend the faith
- Increased gifts of the Holy Spirit
- Discernment of God's call
- Stewardship
