Confirmation

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."  (John 14:15-17)



Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is a two-year process and traditionally begins in 7th grade, with the celebration of the sacrament in the fall of 9th grade. Note: Adults studying to become Catholic celebrate the sacrament at the Easter Vigil. If you are an adult who has missed a sacrament or is interested in becoming Catholic, visit our Becoming Catholic page.

Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation begins when a parent brings a child forward for Baptism and continues through formation received in the home, as well as through religious education classes and the celebration of other Sacraments of Initiation (First Holy Communion and Reconciliation). In Year One of preparation, teens choose a sponsor who is an active, participating Catholic and who will partner with them in this preparation and continue to be a faith partner following Confirmation. The two-year preparation includes service and enrichment expectations, often met through activities in FLOW, the St. Joseph middle school youth group. FLOW stands for Following the Lord Our Way.

Near the end of Year Two of preparation, the teens write a letter to the pastor explaining their desire for Confirmation. They also participate in a Confirmation interview to express their understanding of the sacrament and church teaching. Finally, just prior to the celebration of Confirmation, teens attend a retreat as a culmination of their preparation.

Parents play a key role in a student's preparation for Confirmation. Their involvement in attending Mass, modeling the Catholic faith in word and deed, and collaborating on assignments and FLOW activities is instrumental in supporting their teens. Information is ahred regularly with parents throughout the two-year process.

Only participation in the St. Joseph school or religious education program or other pre-approved sacramental preparation program (pre-approved by the director of religious education and pastor) meets the requirements of Confirmation preparation. 

• All students must complete the Confirmation activity nights, serve and learn collection, interview, letter to the pastor, and retreat.