Confirmation Preparation Program

8th Grade Candidates

The age for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation will be lowered from the age of 16 years old (10th or 11th grade) to the ages of 13-14 years old (8th grade). The Archdiocese feels that this change will "strengthen the participation of young people and their families in the life of faith in Jesus Christ lived out in our parishes, schools, and communities."

Students will complete a one-year Confirmation Preparation Program. Each gathering will be a "youth ministry style" session. Students will come to in-person classes every three weeks. Though we offer classes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – we urge the candidates to attend the Wednesday session. We want to bring the candidates together to build community in hopes that they will be involved with our high school youth ministry program. For more information – click on the link!

Grade 8 CONFIRMATION PREP PROGRAM

High School Candidates

The Confirmation Program at St. Mary’s Church is a one year program for students entering Grade 9 and a two year Program (one year left)—Confirmation 1 + Confirmation 2 for students entering Grade 10. The structure of the program will emphasize remote learning so that students can complete the assignments at their own pace.  It also allows for more parent involvement. This opportunity stresses that Confirmation Preparation is much more about “faith formation”.

Confirmation Preparation Program Requirements

TO ALL OF OUR HIGH SCHOOL YOUNG PEOPLE

If you have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation, we invite you to be part of our High School Confirmation Preparation Program at St. Mary’s Church. This one-year program is designed specificity for high school young people. We will gather on an average of twice a month on Sunday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m in the Church Hall. Each session will start off with the following:

  • a game and opening prayer (GATHER)
  • some kind of teachable moment (activity, witness, movie clip (LISTEN)
  • small group and large group sharing, journaling, and/or quiet reflection (RESPOND)
  • closing prayer, "challenge for the week" and
  • announcements (SEND FORTH)

We will incorporate a retreat and two or three Christian Service opportunities that we will do together.

Resources