The Sacrament of Confirmation
By Ms. Teresa Elligson of the Media Ministry, with Mrs. Marie Lybolt

Establishing each person as a full member of the Church, Confirmation marks the beginning of a life of full membership and responsibility in the faith community. The Sacrament of Confirmation celebrates the process of initiation into the Catholic Church that begins at Baptism and is nourished by the Eucharist.

The sacrament celebrates God’s presence in our lives as the Spirit guides, strengthens and empowers us to live and witness our faith. This sacrament is a commitment to God and the Catholic Church and therefore is one of choice. Confirmation is not required for the sacrament of Matrimony. The fee ($150.00 payable at the parent meeting) helps defray the cost of materials and the retreat.

A copy of the candidate's Baptismal certificate is required at the time of the Parent Meeting.


Requirements

1. The candidate’s family must be registered members of St. Joseph’s or obtain a letter of permission from the pastor where the family is registered.

2. The candidate must be currently enrolled in their second consecutive year of Catholic school or Catholic Religious Education and be attending regularly.

3. The candidate must be an 8th grader or high school student.

4. The candidate must have celebrated the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation by January 1, 2011.

5. The candidate performs an approved service.

6. The parent(s) must attend one scheduled Parent Meeting
(Registration occurs at the Parent Meeting).

7. The candidate prays and attends Mass each Saturday/Sunday.

8. The candidate attends all Confirmation group classes, sessions, retreats and Liturgical Rites.

9. The candidate schedules and completes his/her interview.

Sponsors, Confirmation Names


Each candidate must choose a sponsor who is a confirmed practicing Catholic (NOT A PARENT OR STEP-PARENT) who is 16 years old or older and someone who shares his/her faith and life with the candidate. Each sponsor must complete the sponsor document accepting the role of sponsor. The sponsor must also be present for the Sponsor/Candidate afternoon, the Rite of Becoming a Candidate, the Rite of Election, the General Rehearsal and the Celebration of the Sacrament. The candidate must also choose the name of a saint or retain their baptismal name. The SPONSOR CERTIFICATE must be submitted by (New date for 2011 is being planned.)

The CONFIRMATION NAME must be submitted by the Parent Candidate Session/Potluck dinner on (New date for 2011 is being planned.)


Service Opportunities

Each candidate is responsible for successfully serving in an approved ongoing service in which they can use their gifts and talents. Service should be a minimum of 20 hours. Once completed, each candidate will write a reflection paper and get an evaluation from his/her supervisor. Complete information is available in the Religious Education Office.


Program Structure

1. Initial Parent Meeting
2. Initial Interview for Candidate with a member of our Parish Staff
3. Parent and Candidate Session & Potluck Dinner
4. Sponsor/Candidate Afternoon Session
5. Rite of Becoming a Candidate
6. An Overnight Retreat at Camp Wo-me-to
7. Interview with Advisor
8. Confirmation Sessions
9. Rite of Election
10. General Rehearsal
11. Confirmation 


Times & Dates

Specific Times and dates are set from year-to-year, and are available through the Religious Education office.