Confirmation and all religious formation requires the cooperation and support of the family and of the parish. Consistent week-to-week and year-to-year attendance is necessary to  establish community, achieve the goals of the program, and prepare to receive the sacrament. Class attendance should take priority over other activities. Instructional classes are offered twice a month, where students gather for grade-level faith formation led by our clergy and teachers, followed by a time of contemplative worship as a group in the Church. Students are expected to be present and participate fully in both components. On non-instructional weeks, students gather for “Youth Group”  including small groups, service options, and more. While these “Youth Group” weeks are supplemental and not required to complete the program, they are strongly encouraged to support the student’s faith formation. The time together in instructional class and at Youth Group is when we learn about our faith, the importance of community, and commitment.  

The center of our life as members of Saint Luke’s is worship on Sundays. Students are expected to regularly participate in worship at any of our three Sunday services (8, 10, 5). Regular participation can be defined as Sunday attendance at least once a month. Students will also be expected to complete a worship worksheet for each liturgical season (5 total). Worship worksheets may be submitted online or left in the Narthex folder. Seventh and eighth grade students  are required to participate as worship leaders as part of their commitment to Confirmation (serving as acolytes, readers, ushers, altar and flower guild members).  

Students are learning what it means to be a member of a Church community and at Saint Luke’s we pray together, grow together, and serve together.  Students are expected to give back to the community through serving at Saint Luke’s outreach partners (Ex. P2P, Community Supper, etc.), Saint Luke’s sponsored events (Ex. Garden Gala, Run with the Saints, Youth Sunday), or at Sunday worship (acolytes, readers, ushers, etc.). Hours are advertised through youth communications and on the Church website. Some students may choose to serve in the same volunteer role for the whole year while others may want to try on several roles.  We will also have special youth service days, and grade-level specific invitations this year. Please note: Confirmation service hours will not be given for non-Saint Luke events or outreach partners (ex. teaching lacrosse, building sets at MMS, etc.).

Parents are a vital part of the Confirmation program. Students are observing their parents all the time, especially when it comes to the topics of faith, God, and Church. Parents are expected to make a commitment to four hours of Christian education of their choice: Discovery Hour, Bible study, Women’s or Men’s Groups and Retreats, EFM, Advent and Lenten retreats, etc. Parents are also expected to volunteer for one Saint Luke’s Children’s or Youth event for each student registered in children’s or youth formation. Parents may choose to volunteer for their student’s age group or another group. The sign-up genius will be available in August. 

There is a fee associated to participate in Confirmation and Wedensdays at Saint Luke’s. The cost is $200/child for the year (30 weeks) with a 15% discount per family registering more than one child (no code needed). We need regular teachers for PreK-8th grade. Parents who volunteer to teach regularly receive waived fees for their children. Scholarships are also available, and you’re welcome to sponsor another student. Please email ansley.walker@saintlukesdarien.org if your student needs a scholarship or you’d like to contribute. Payment is available online through the Realm Registration portal. Please make checks payable to "Saint Luke's Parish" with “Wednesdays at Saint Luke’s” and your student's name in the memo line.