Confirmation Preparation

You are CHOSEN

 
In the Sacrament of Confirmation, we are called and Chosen by God to affirm our Catholic faith and to embrace our roles as missionary disciples.  Confirmation empowers us to live Christian life to the full.  Just like the early disciples, who received the grace, help, and power of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, we too “stir into flame” this same Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation.
 
Saint Mark the Evangelist offers Confirmation preparation in the 9th grade. The preparation includes weekly catechesis, weekly celebration of the Eucharist, service to others, and spending time with God in prayer.  Listed below are the specific expectations and requirements that support and foster our students’ yearning to know, love, and serve our wonderful God:
 
Weekly Celebration of Mass and Receiving the Eucharist - Food for the Way.

Just as God fed manna to Moses and the Israelites on their journey to the promised land, the student candidates and their parents will need spiritual nourishment for their journey. God provides this through the weekly celebration of Mass and reception of the Eucharist. Weekly attendance at Mass is a critical component in the preparation process and attendance is expected.  A Confirmation Attendance Notebook is kept at the Greeter's Desk for students to sign in as record of Mass attendance.

Instruction - Ongoing throughout the School Calendar Year.

Students receive instruction through the Parish School of Religion on Wednesday evening from 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm.   Our parish uses Chosen: A Journey towards Confirmation by Ascension Press to prepare our students and help guide our catechesis. The students, parents, and catechists enjoy how the videos, presenters, and workbooks challenge them to grow in their Catholic faith and personal relationship with God. The Confirmation curriculum is different from an academic course, for the main goal is to bring about a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

Our Youth Minister, Taylor Vincent, is the Confirmation catechist and leads each class.  Parents are expected to attend at least one of the 25 sessions in order to learn more and  participate in the Confirmation preparation process.  A schedule for parent participation is determined for the fall and spring semesters.
 
Service to the Parish and the Community.

Among Jesus’ most fundamental teachings are the Beatitudes, a central focus of the Confirmation preparation. Therefore, the students are encouraged to open their hearts to love and serve others.  Each student is required to complete 4 service hours to the parish and 4 service hours to the community. The community service hours are fulfilled by serving at Bread and Roses Community Kitchen.  Students may volunteer at any of the youth activites and fundraisers, upcoming Date Nights, Breakfast with Santa, and other parish experiences to fulfill their parish service. When students complete their service, they write a short reflection on its impact to their lives and turn that in to the Confirmation catechist.
 
Confirmation Retreat.

Students are required to attend our Confirmation retreat during their preparation for the Sacrament. This is a day-long event centering on a particular theme.  It is a day of engaging discussions, collaborative activities, pertinent teachings, and an opportunity to attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  The day concludes with the group attending the Saturday afternoon Mass and the Rite of Enrollment for Confirmation. The Rite of Enrollment is a ceremony in which the Candidates make their official commitment to complete preparations for the sacrament of Confirmation .  During the retreat, the candidates are asked to seriously and prayerfully think about what will be required of them during this final time of preparation.

2021-2022 Schedule of Events and Requirements
MUST BE COMPLETED/ATTENDED TO RECEIVE THE SACRAMENT
 

Confirmation Parent Meeting and Declaration of Intent

Preparation for Confirmation begins with a mandatory meeting for prospective candidates and their parents. This meeting is on a Wednesday August 25 from 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm  in the Social Hall of the Youth Center.   At this meeting, we will review the preparation process, the meaning, and the expectations for the year. Students and parents will show their interest and dedication to the process by signing a Letter of Commitment.
 
Service Project - Community Meal 

Students will participate in the annual service project to Bread and Roses Community Kitchen, usually held in December.  A parish family provides the entire meal to feed the shelter participants. Our students accompany them to help seat guests, prepare trays, and serve the participants at their tables.  They are also in charge of clearing the tables and cleaning the facility after the meal is served.  As it is during the holiday season, they have also been known to entertain with a Christmas carol.  The date for the service project is TBD.

Choosing a Sponsor 

Choosing a sponsor is one of the most important decisions that students will make during the preparation process. It requires discernment and prayer. The choice of sponsor will be required on January 22, 2022. Your child will receive a booklet with more information on choosing a sponsor.  The general sponsor requirements are:

• Must be 16 years of age and Confirmed.
• Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing.  A form must be completed and returned from the parish at which the sponsor is a member. 

 
Confirmation Retreat

Choosing a Confirmation Name

Each candidate will select a saint’s name for Confirmation. Receiving a new name at Confirmation reflects a tradition found in both the Old and New Testaments and signifies starting a new role in life. During the Confirmation ceremony, the Bishop addresses the candidates by their new names. Our patron saints serve as models for us and help light our path in following Jesus’ teaching, defending the faith, and spreading His gospel message.  Each candidate will complete a creative project on poster board or video about his or her chosen saint. The instructions for the project will be explained in class. This year’s project deadline will be April 6, 2022.

Confirmation Practice 

Confirmation practice will be held the week prior to Confirmation.  All parents and students are required to attend.  Sponsors are encouraged but are not required if out of town, to attend practice. It is essential for Confirmandi and parents to attend so that they understand how the Mass will work and their role in it.

Sacrament of Confirmation

TBD 
The diocese of Birmingham sets the schedule for all Confirmation Masses.  Typically, at Saint Mark, our Confirmation has taken place during the week in the month of May.  Generally, the date is scheduled by the end of the current year.  It will be announced as soon as determined.