Confirmation Program

Please note: Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation must be completed through a parish-run two year program. If you wish to attend St. Pius V’s program (which meets on Wednesday nights), then you must submit a Faith Formation Registration form. If you have questions, please contact the Faith Formation Director, Cindy Meyers.

Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian Initiation,” whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For “by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to Spread and defend the faith by word and deed…” Catechism of the Catholic Church #1285

EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Candidates are expected to:

  • Actively participate in class and events with a positive attitude.
  • Behave & dress appropriately and respectfully.
  • Arrive on time to class and all related events.
  • Not use cell phones at class or related events.
  • Show personal responsibility when participating in and completing requirements, such as, tracking your own service projects, communicating with your Sponsor, etc.
  • Pray for growth in your faith life and open your heart and mind to the workings of the Holy Spirit.
  • Place your talents at the service of others.
  • Attend weekend Mass and Holy Days and receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation regularly.
  • Develop an adequate knowledge of the Catholic faith.
  • Be in a state of grace when receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.

NOTE TO PARENTS

Parents are the primary teachers and role models of Christian discipleship for the children. Hence, you must be a vital part of your teen’s preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation and guide them on their journey of faith. It is essential to attend Mass with them each Sunday and demonstrate the importance of regularly receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Finally, pray for your son or daughter to be open to this process and allow Christ to enter fully into his/her life.

ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION

Candidates are expected to attend every session and are allowed no more than two excused absences. Candidates must also be on time. Tardiness of 15 minutes or more will result in being marked absent. Participation in class discussions, questions, and activities is of utmost importance. By enrolling in this process, there is an expectation that Candidates will make the effort to engage in class.

RETREATS

All Confirmation Candidates are required to attend the NET Confirmation Retreats BEFORE Confirmation. The retreats are designed to help Candidates experience a renewed love for God and a renewed excitement about the sacrament for which they are preparing. If unable to attend the retreats we provide, they will be required to attend a weekend retreat at the NET Center by following this link:  Link for Confirmation NET Retreat Grades 9/10 Registrations (There is an extra fee for the latter option.)

They will also be required to attend the Spirit Retreat dates at St. Pius V each year.

SERVICE PROJECTS

Jesus came “not to be served, but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28) The Church is a servant community and all those accepting full membership into the Church are also accepting the responsibility to serve. Candidates have been blessed with many special qualities and gifts. A sign of Christian maturity is sharing these gifts with others and living out our call to Service.

As we read in the letter to the Hebrews, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.” (13:16)

Each year of the Confirmation program – Six Service Project sheets need to be turned in for a total of 12 before Confirmation. Download Service Project form for Confirmation Program Grades 9/10

MASS NOTES

Catechism of the Catholic Church #2182 - Participation in the communal celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and of being faithful to Christ and to his Church. The faithful give witness by this to their communion in faith and charity. Together they testify to God's holiness and their hope of salvation. They strengthen one another under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Each year of the Confirmation program - Twelve Mass Liturgy Notes are to be filled out and turned in for a total of 24 before Confirmation. We will not accept "online mass" notes. Download Liturgy Notes form for Confirmation Program Grades 9/10

INFORMATION FORM & BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE

If you were not Baptized at St. Pius V Parish, we a copy of your baptismal certificate/note from parish where the Sacrament was received. If you did not receive First Eucharist at St. Pius V Parish, we will need a copy of the certificate/note from the parish where the Sacrament was received.

CONFIRMATION INTERVIEW

An interview is conducted with each Candidate in March of 10th grade. This interview is to discuss the Candidate’s faith journey and level of the Candidate’s readiness to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Readiness is determined by the Candidate’s desire to receive the Sacrament and satisfactory completion of the requirements. This interview is conducted with our priest.

FAITH SHARING FOLDER

In the first year of the Confirmation program, each youth will choose a sponsor to share their faith journey. The youth and sponsor will work together both years - and for years to come! The youth and sponsor will work on a Faith Sharing Folders. The folder will have 4 sessions each year. We ask that the sponsor attend the Spirit Retreats if possible that are scheduled.