1. Letter to the Pastor

Write a letter to Fr. Tim stating your reasons for requesting the Sacrament.  Who is Jesus Christ to you?  Are you consciously meeting the guidelines for receiving Confirmation?  Please include why you believe that prayer, attending Mass each Sunday and Christian service are necessary and vital parts of being a confirmed Catholic. 

Please use the provided form as a template for writing the letter to our Pastor.  

Return by January 14th, at the 11am Mass 

2.  Selection of Confirmation Name & Essay

Research some saints and select one who stands out to you and whose name you’d like to take.  Why does their life stand out to you? What qualities did they have that you hope to bring to life after you receive your sacrament?  How does the life of this saint bring special meaning into your own life?

Write a few paragraphs (about 500-600 words) which include the meaning and characteristics of the saint you wish to imitate.

Please return it to the Office of Religious Education by February 9th, 2024

3.  Retreat Permission Slip

The Confirmation retreat is a time where students are able to reflect on their experiences and their preparation in community and spend time in small groups.  Students participate in a whole host of activities over the course of the day, including Mass, an art project, a waterside walk, and Confession. 

Please return it to the Office of Religious Education by February 9th, 2024

4.  Selection of Sponsor

Confirmandi must select a Sponsor and have them complete the Sponsorship Form. This individual should be someone that can spiritually guide the candidate during this important sacrament preparation and throughout their faith journey.  Keep in mind that a sponsor must be a practicing Catholic, fully initiated in the Catholic Church, 16 years of age or older, and may not be the candidate’s parent.

Please use the provided form to affirm the selected Sponsor's Name.

Please return it to the Office of Religious Education by February 27, 2024

5. Candidate Volunteer Service Hours

Jesus has invited us to come and follow Him.  To walk in his footsteps and follow his way of life means that we must reach out and serve others as He did – with care, concern, compassion and love. To do this, Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit.  The graces manifested in the Sacrament of Confirmation unleash our God given talents and unique ways of serving others. 

Sit down with your family and/or sponsor and make list of your unique gifts and skills!  What do you enjoy that can be put to use in the community? Remember Christian service includes caring for the needs of our family, neighborhood, school, Church and larger community.

The 15 hours you select to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation may come from a combination of service opportunities.  Get creative! If you’re not sure if something “will count” just ask!

Please return this to the Office of Religious Education by March 26, 2024

6.  Holy Hour & Reconciliation Reflection

Please reflect on receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation. You don’t need to write about the confession process itself, but rather the feelings you had during your preparation, going in, or coming out.  Holy Hour is a time for you to reflect on the feelings and emotions that have been building up and sharing them with the Lord in a very special way. We are able to see Him truly present in our lives and when we make a Hold Hour we are able to spend time and be open with Him.

Please return it to the Office of Religious Education by March 26, 2024

7.  Mass Attendance Journal & Prayer Reflection

Each student should do their best to deepen their faith and develop their own prayer life. What have you been doing over this last year to grow in your prayer life and participate in the community here at St Mary’s? What is your favorite prayer or community prayer activity? (Mass, Holy Hour, Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary, etc... ) How does that particular activity bring you closer to God?

Please return it to the Office of Religious Education by April 30, 2024