“Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to witness Jesus Christ in our families, neighborhoods, society, and the world. In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized person is ‘sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit’ and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ.” (https://www.usccb.org/)Confirmation is strengthening one's relationship with God and receiving an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Adults that are baptized but wishing to be confirmed or become Catholic can learn more about the Rite of Christian Initiation process HERE.
As with other Sacraments, St. John the Baptist stresses the importance that parents, family, and other key adults have in the lives of those who seek to mature in their Catholic faith. It is our hope and expectation at St. John’s that those choosing to be Confirmed desire full participation in the parish community. Therefore, outlined is our general structure and process to prepare youth in receiving the sacrament of Confirmation:
At St. John's, the practice is for youth to begin the preparation for confirmation in the ninth grade; older students may choose to begin the confirmation process in 10th or 11th grade if they feel they are not ready in 9th. Confirmation small group classes meet monthly from October through April. Additionally, all youth in grades 9-12 are invited and encouraged to attend High School Youth Group which meets most Wednesdays throughout the month during the school year. High School Youth Group is a mixture of small group faith sharing, service, learning, and fun!
We follow Ascension Press’ Chosen curriculum.
In addition to classroom confirmation sessions, students will be asked to reflect and research a saint (could be used as their Confirmation name), participate in various service works within the home, involvement in the life of the parish, and larger community. Reflection on such service will also be required.
A retreat will be held for confirmation youth to enable them time to enter more deeply into prayer and an opportunity to encounter Jesus personally.
In the fall or winter after their year of preparation, candidates will complete the program with final small group gatherings, an opportunity for confession, and Mass celebrating the sacrament of confirmation (date given to us by the Archdiocese). The celebration of this Sacrament usually takes place at the Cathedral of St. Paul or Basilica of St. Mary’s, enhancing the understanding of our role in the broader Catholic Church.
For more information, contact Liz Wilson at [email protected] or 952-890-9434 ext. 313
Service Reflection Links:
https://stjbsavage.breezechms.
https://stjbsavage.breezechms.
https://stjbsavage.breezechms.