“Baptism, the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the ‘sacraments of Christian initiation,’ whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For ‘by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit.’ (CCC 1285)

In its current order, the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation completes the initiation process into the life of the Church. Thus, the candidate should not take this important step lightly, but thoughtfully, with the support and the prayers of parents and sponsors.

Mass Attendance and Confession 
Confirmation candidates should be in the habit of participating in the sacramental life of the Church. Regular participation in the Eucharistic Liturgy is a minimal requirement for all Catholics sincere in continuing their relationship with Christ. Candidates for Confirmation should be properly disposed to receive the sacrament by being reconciled with God and the Church through the Sacrament of Penance. For this reason, a frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all candidates

Confirmation Meeting (parents and students) will be held 9/21/16 at 6pm in the gym

Confirmation  Interview 
 Candidates will need to sign up for an interview.  Interviews will be held after the first of the year.  Sign-up sheets will be passed out during Confirmation sessions.  The purpose of the interview is just to make sure that the candidates are freely choosing to be Confirmed.  

Confirmation Preparation Sessions 
We have a series of six (6) sessions on some areas of significant importance to young people completing their initiation into the Church. The sessions will take place on six Wednesday evenings; 11/9/16, 12/14/16, 1/11/17, 2/8/17, 3/15/17 and 3/29/17 from 5:30-7pm in the Parish Hall. Candidates are asked to arrive at least fifteen (15) minutes early so that they can sign in and find their small group table before the beginning of session. Candidates are required to attend each of these sessions. If a candidate misses a session, an option will be given to the candidate for a makeup. If the student misses more than two sessions, the third session will be made up the following year along with making their Confirmation that year. No cell phones, I-Pods or MP3 Players.

Works of Mercy
Each individual will be required to participate in a Works of Mercy project. Students will be assigned to a small group for the sessions. Each small group will perform a Work of Mercy as a group.The Work of Mercy the group picks should revolve around one or more of the Corporal Works of Mercy. The other options that candidates have are to serve in a parish ministry for a time period.
Corporal Works of Mercy:
1.   To Feed the Hungry
2.   Give drink to the Thirsty
3.   Clothe the Naked
4.   Shelter the Homeless
5.   Visit the Sick
6.   Visit the Imprisoned
Confirmation Sponsor 
The sponsor is to be a practicing, confirmed Catholic of some spiritual maturity, and be willing to assist the candidate in his/her preparation. The sponsor should be someone the candidate can relate to and have some contact with during this period of spiritual formation as well as after the celebration. The sponsor should be willing and able to share his/her faith with the candidate. Desirably the sponsor would be one of the candidate’s baptismal godparents. Parents may not serve as sponsors to their own children. The Confirmation Sponsor should complete the form emailed to him/her and attend the Sponsor Session (see schedule for dates).

Retreats :
Each candidate is required to attend two retreats, A list of retreats will be provided at the Confirmation meeting and will also be in you Confirmation folder.

Rehearsal:
There will be a rehearsal for Confirmation on Tuesday evening, April 18th at 6pm.  Candidates and sponsors are asked to gather in the church at 5:45pm  Candidates are required to remain through the entire rehearsal.

Confirmation 
Confirmation will be held on a Wednesday, April 19th at 7pm.  Candidates and sponsors are to arrive in the gym by 5:30 for pictures and practice.

Dress Code

Ladies
For girls, dresses and attire that reflect modesty are required. Wear you "Sunday Best".  Your gowns are white so do not wear a bright color underneath and white or tan shoes.
Specifics for Dresses:
·         Dress backs may not be lower than the shoulder blades.
·         Dresses may not be any shorter 2” above the knee
·         Dresses may not have cut outs.
·         Dresses must not be low cut in the front.
·         Appropriate undergarments must be worn based on the style of the dress
·         “Flip flops” are not acceptable.
Gentlemen 
Gentlemen must wear nice slacks, dress shoes and a white shirt and a tie. A suit may be worn, but is not required. 

Reception 
There will be a reception for candidates and their families and friends in the gym immediately following the Confirmation Mass. Confirmation certificates will be made available to the newly confirmed at that time.