Confirmation

Confirmation

Confirmation compliments baptism by sealing and strengthening the believer to live as a child of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Catechism provides a clear list of these specific graces in #1303.

Confirmation:

  • Roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, “Abba! Father!”
  • Unites us more firmly to Christ
  • Increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us
  • Renders our bond with the Church more perfect
  • Gives us the special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross.

While the age for reception of Confirmation varies from one diocese to the next, the need for preparation is universal. Preparation involves general formation for the life of discipleship and specific formation leading the confirmand to a greater unity with the Church. The Catechism explains that “preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit – his actions, his gifts, and his biddings – in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life.” (1309)

 

High School Confirmation Preparation

High School Confirmation Preparation is a two-year process. Teens may begin preparing as early as the fall of their freshman year of high school with aim to be Confirmed in the spring of their 10th grade year. 

One parent describes it this way, “I encourage that Confirmation isn’t just some classes, but a chance to really ground and root your beliefs so you can be ready to face with world with God in your side, know where to go for answers and be ready to stand proud.” -R.M.

The first year of teen preparation is called Year 1. It consists of active participation in Mass and Youth Ministry (or if at a Catholic school, participation in weekly youth group is recommended but not required). If your student is not sure about being Confirmed, let them know they can join us for the whole learning and growth process so they can be fully informed about the decision whether to be Confirmed or not. In these cases, parents, remember to pray actively for your student! The Holy Spirit prayer is a favorite for this: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth. Amen

To enroll a student for Confirmation Year 1, please fill out this inquiry form.

Students ready for Confirmation Year 1 will have an active and curious faith life. While they may give some resistance about it, they rarely miss a weekend Mass and have a natural curiosity in (and sometimes a challenge to) what the Church teaches about the faith and why. They won’t be perfect children but can easily point out to you what kinds of choices and attitudes are normal for a disciple of Jesus. They can tell you about Church things, although they may not understand fully what they are about. Year 1 students will do something to grow in faith, and at this age this means active and willing participation in either a parish youth program like ours or be enrolled in a local Catholic School. Sign up for ANCHOR YOUTH MINISTRY here-2022-2023 Youth Ministry Registration Form. Our Youth Group nights meet on Sunday evenings. There is a 5:00pm Mass on Sundays that youth can attend and sit with their friends, then come to the youth night in the Parish Center following Mass. Regularly there will be praise & worship nights and opportunity for adoration and the sacrament of Confession. Confirmation Year 1 students will meet separately from youth nights for Year 1 formation which may include retreats, liturgies, projects, and service. A meeting in October will be held for you to learn more, so please complete the inquiry form above to be notified of details.

Students ready for Confirmation Year 2 attend Sunday or vigil Mass weekly, participate in Youth Ministry (or be in Catholic school), and are enrolled in Confirmation formation, separate from Youth Ministry. This formation may include get-togethers, learning sessions, at-home or community assignments, a weekend retreat, and service projects. The Sacrament of Confirmation typically occurs for us in the spring on a weeknight, and that date is given to us by the Bishop’s office in February of the same year.

For both Year 1 and Year 2 you’ll need to sign up for BOTH Youth Ministry AND Confirmation prep.

Youth ministry registration here-2023-2023 Youth Ministry Registration Form

Year 2 Confirmation registration here-Year 2 2022-2023 Confirmation Registration Form

Year 2 calendar for 2002-23: Meetings will be held on Sunday nights starting August 14th at 6:00pm in the Parish Center, and again in February on Sunday evenings. If you would like to learn more, please contact the Parish Office.

To make a payment for our programs online, click below:

Questions? Contact our Youth Ministry Office.

 

Adult Confirmation

Preparation for adults in the Sacrament of Confirmation is done through the Order of Christian Initiation Coordinator, Fr Tony Gilborges, OSFS. To learn more, email Fr Tony at Tony@ourladyoflight.com.

 

 

 

2022-23 Confirmation Year 2 information

Session 1:
What are the  Gifts of the Spirit

What are the Fruits of the Spirit

Discerning the voice of the Spirit Abiding together podcast episode

  • Prayer by Cardinal Mercier –

    Holy Spirit, soul of my soul, I adore Thee.
    Enlighten me, guide me,
    strengthen and comfort me.
    Tell me what I ought to do
    and order me to do it.
    I promise to submit
    to anything you requirest of me,
    and to accept everything
    that Thou allowest to happen to me.
    Just show me what Thy will is. amen

Podcasts for men