THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

Confirmation Mass
Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 2PM with Bishop Fisher

Confirmation Rehearsal
TBD

Parent and Child Orientation dates (need only attend ONE):
Thursday, August 10 at 5:30PM – 6:30PM OR
Monday, August 21 at 7:00 – 8:00PM
JOURNALS AND ALL DETAILS FOR PREPARATION WILL BE PROVIDED AT THIS MEETING! It is VERY IMPORTANT that BOTH the young person preparing for Confirmation AND at least one parent attend.

General Info
Sacramental Preparation for Confirmation is open to all incoming 8th through 12th grade students who are baptized and have received First Eucharist. Adults 18+ are encouraged to contact our parish office to determine the best route of preparation for the Sacrament.

REGISTRATION CLICK HERE.  Please call the parish office if you have any questions, 248-391-1621.

Links for Current Confirmation Students:
Journal Progress Check-in/Discussion/Small Group Discussions: TBA
Retreat Registration January 21, 2024, Fee $50: CLICK HERE to Register.
Virtual Prep Sessions Audio Files: https://lisaabadbrown.com/audio-and-video-links/
Podcast – Finding God in our Daily Life, scroll down to Lent 2017 file: http://www.ctredeemer.org/we-form/education/adults/

In-Person Preparation Dates: TBA

CONFIRMATION EXPECTATIONS OF TEENS – at a glance

•       Pray daily for at least 10 minutes
•       Regular mass attendance
•       Attend day-long retreat
•       Listen to all virtual teachings
•       Attend Journal Progress Check/Small Group Discussions
•       Participate in classes
•       Choose a qualified confirmation sponsor
•       Share in four (or more) hour-long discussions with chosen sponsor
•       Participate in one or more parish-sponsored service projects
•       Complete this journal with maturity and diligence
•       Learn/Review basic Catholic prayers
•       Attend Confirmation rehearsal with sponsor
•       Attend Confirmation Liturgy

“Parents are the first and foremost catechists of their children. They catechize informally but powerfully by example and instruction…as the primary educators of their children; parents are to be intimately involved in the catechesis of Confirmation. This will help them renew and strengthen their own faith, besides enabling them to set a better example for their children (NCD, no. 119, 212).

•       Register your child on-line
•       Complete and return all required paperwork
•       Worship with your family regularly
•       Be actively involved in the preparation of your child
•       Engage your family in discussion about the material covered virtually and in class
•       Faithfully bring your child to sessions
•       Actively help your son or daughter discern the best Confirmation sponsor
•       Pray for and with your children every day
•       Read and respond to all email communications

NOTE: Email is our primary means of communication. Please be sure we have a WORKING EMAIL address for your family and add us to your contacts so our messages do not end up in your spam folder. If important communications are missed, this will QUITE LIKELY delay the celebration of the sacrament for your child. 

Discerning Readiness

The USCCB provides a thought provoking article on the Sacrament of Confirmation and offers the following reflection questions to help with discerning readiness for the Sacrament:

• What does it mean to be part of the Body of Christ?
• What gifts have you been given? How are you called to use those gifts to benefit others?
• Who are you called to be? What are you called to do with your life?
• What is the mission of the Church? What is your role in carrying it out? To what are you commissioned?
• How do the lives of the saints inspire you to “give off the aroma of Christ”?

How?

Confirmation is the Sacrament that completes our initiation into the Catholic Church and strengthens us through the power of the Holy Spirit. This strength helps us to be a disciple in the world and to become a more active member of the Church.

To register for Confirmation teens and parents are invited to an Orientation/Registration Session. It is important that both parent and teen are present. Orientation dates for 2023-2024 are Thursday, August 10 at 5:30 PM OR Monday, August 21, at 7:00 PM.

Choosing a Confirmation Sponsor FAQs

As a parent, what is my role?
The Catholic Church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their children. This is especially so regarding the Faith and Sacramental preparation. Leading by example is the best way you can educate your children in the faith. Make Sunday mass a priority. Carve out time (10 minutes) in your day for personal prayer; pray for your family, pray for your child as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Develop or continue a family prayer routine. If your child has questions about the faith, don’t be alarmed. Encourage them to ask and seek answers.

What is the role of a Confirmation sponsor?
Confirmation sponsors are active members of the Catholic church who are willing to walk with students as they prepare for Confirmation, present the candidate for Confirmation, and then continue to accompany the newly confirmed throughout their faith journey.

What are the qualifications of a Confirmation sponsor?
1. Be a Confirmed Catholic who is at least 16 years old.
2. Be a person who leads an active faith life.
3. If you need help finding a sponsor, please contact Lisa Brown at [email protected]
4. Parents are not allowed to be the sponsor of their own child.

Can a godparent be a Confirmation sponsor?
Yes! There is a deep connection between the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation because these Sacraments are connected the Church recommends that godparent be considered for the role of sponsor.

How do I choose a Confirmation sponsor?
Choose someone who you deem a role model in the faith and someone you can talk to.

Questions?
Please contact Dawn at [email protected].

Adults who have never celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation are encouraged to contact Drew Peters, [email protected], to determine the best route of preparation for the Sacrament.