The Confirmation preparation program is designed to help guide the youth on their journey of Christian initiation in the life of Christ and His church. Class,retreats,mass and service to others help to open their minds and hearts to Christ’s teachings.
Confirmation is a two-year program that typically takes place in 9th and 10th grade;however the preparation program is open to all high school students who have not yet been confirmed. If you are in high school and did not enter the program in 9th grade and would like to register for Confirmation please contact the Confirmation Coordinator.
A lottery is in place for registration,each session has limited capacity. Attending a mandatory parent meeting is required to enroll your child into the program. There are meetings in the Spring for the Fall/Winter session and metings in the Fall for Winter/Spring session.
Before your child is placed in a Confirmation Class they are required to take and pass (80 or above) the Assessment of Basic Catholicism or take the Basic’s class.
A letter with registration information will be mailed to previously registered Confirmation I students moving into the Confirmation II program. Second year students will be registered after receipt of 2nd year fee.
The two year program includes:
(1) Select a sponsor.
(2) Meet with class six (6) times per year for class/mass sessions.
(3) Three (3) Works of Mercy (WoM) projects per year.
(4) Attend at least one (1) retreat over the two years.
(5) Attend dinner with Father (2nd year).
(6) Write a reflection of ONE WoM project each year.
(7) Write a letter to the bishop (2nd year).
(8) Attend special programs outside of the class/mass sessions.
(9) Attend Mass weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why does my child have to take an assessment or attend classes before they will be placed in a class?
(1) The Confirmation Program is designed to lead candidates to a deeper understanding of their faith through mass,prayer,service and class time. We have found that some candidates do not have a basic understanding of their faith. i.e.,don’t know prayers,Ten Commandments or the flow of Mass.
(2) Our teachers (catechists) are volunteers and many are not teachers by trade. It makes for a difficult lesson when you have to teach the ‘basics’ when the curriculum for Confirmation places them at a point of basic knowledge.
(3) Taking the assessment allows the candidates to see what they need to know more about or possibly confirms their basic knowledge is right on track. We believe this is a win-win in both cases as they choose to move forward in their formation.
(4) Special arrangements can be made if your child is on an IEP or has a special need (reading/anxiety). Please let the Confirmation Coordinator know in advance.
Why are there double sessions?
There are enough classrooms for about 80-90 candidates,using the entire parish center,however we have between 300-320 Confirmation (year 1 and 2) students each year. Some candidates have busier fall schedules than spring. Double sessions allow them to choose which session will truly be the best for them and their families.
Why don’t we have classes on weeknights?
An important part of Confirmation preparation is participation in Sunday Mass. Class time is directly before Sunday evening Mass and the students attend Mass with their class and catechists.
Why can’t we confirm all the students on one day in spring like the old days?
We have seating for 650 people in the church. With 80 candidates and 80 sponsors that leaves 480 seats,leaving approximately 6 seats for family members. The bishops have requested parishes to schedule Confirmation ceremonies in the fall or early spring,outside the Lenten and Easter seasons because of busy schedules. One ceremony is approximately four hour commitment from start to finish. Two ceremonies in one day is very taxing on the bishops and priests as well as the parish as a whole i.e.,Music,Altar Servers,and staff.
When we comply with the bishop’s request to avoid late spring;we are more likely to get our first preference of date and time.
Why can’t we have some classes after Mass and some before?
We are blessed to have an active parish. Other parish ministries,for example youth ministry,wanted to use the parish center Sunday evenings. Also,we discovered that Mass attendance is much better when students go directly from class to Mass.
Why do I need to attend another parent meeting? I just enrolled an older child last year?
It is at the parent meeting you enroll your child. These meetings help parents to be aware of the current needs and scheduling,which differs from year to year. Father Peter also likes to welcome each group into the program.
Fall Confirmation Enrollment (for classes that start in October)- April/May enrollment,parent(s) attend to learn about program, enroll students and pay fee.
Winter Confirmation Enrollment (for classes that start January)- November registration,parent(s) attend to learn about program,enroll students and pay fee.
Space in sessions are limited.
New Spirit Retreat Registration- open to all Confirmation students - from 4:45-9:00pm. June 3,2013, call religious education office to register.
Forms and Other information
Study Guide for Assessment on Basic Catholic Teachings –What every Catholic should know
Please contact Mary Collins,Confirmation Coordinator,at 978-692-5435,ext. 15 to obtain more information or to enroll into the program.