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.

Instruction - Ongoing throughout the School Calendar Year.

Students receive instruction through the Parish School of Religion on Sunday mornings between the two Masses. Beginning in 2017, the parish adopted Chosen: A Journey towards Confirmation by Ascension Press that prepares our students and helps guide our catechesis. The students, parents, and catechists have enjoyed 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.
 
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 the annual Italian Festival, Drop ’N Shop Date Night, 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.
 
Confirmation Retreat.

Students are required to attend our Confirmation retreat during their preparation for the Sacrament. This is a day-long event held in the parish Social Hall and hosted by Deacon Greg Thompson.  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.
 

2018-2019 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 an informal meeting for prospective candidates and their parents. This meeting is scheduled for Sunday August 12, 2019 from 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm in the Social Hall of the Parish Life Center.  At this meeting, we will review the preparation process, the meaning, and the expectations. 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 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 carols.  The date for the service project is Sunday, December 2, 2018 immediately following the 10:30 am Mass.

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 13, 2019. Your child will receive a booklet with more information on choosing a sponsor.
 
 Confirmation Retreat

This year’s Confirmation Retreat is scheduled for Saturday, February 2, 2019 from 8:30am – 5:00pm.

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 about his or her chosen saint. The instructions for the project will be explained in class. This year’s project deadline will be March 31, 2019.

Letter to the Bishop

Each candidate is required to write a short letter to the Bishop who will be celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation.  The students are asked to reflect on their experience of the year and share that with the Bishop.  There will be further instruction provided by the catechists.  The letter will be due one month before Confirmation. 

Confirmation Practice 

Confirmation practice will be held on the last day of PSR classes, Sunday, May 5, 2019 from 9:00am to 10:15 am.  All parents and students are required to attend.  Sponsors can, but are not required, to attend practice. It is essential for Confirmands and parents to attend so that they understand how the Mass will work and their role in it.

Sacrament of Confirmation

Confirmation will be held on one of three dates which we submit to the Diocese in September.  These preliminary dates are May 10, May 15, or  May 17 at 6:30 pm. We will update you with the date as soon as it is assigned by the Diocese.