
CONFIRMATION
be sealed with the holy spirit.
2021 Forms & overview
SCHEDULE & EXPECTATIONS
About
this sacrament
CONFIRMATION 2021
We are in the midst of transitioning from a spring to fall Confirmation, which means that in 2021 we will have two Confirmation dates: April 20 and November 9. Because of Covid-19 restrictions on large group sizes, we have decided to provide a preparation program that is primarily done on your own time/schedule with your sponsor. Don’t worry, we’ll keep in contact throughout the semester to provide all the material and support you’ll need so you won’t be on your own! But this model will also keep you safe while also avoiding additional screen/zoom time and needing to reschedule/cancel due to covid, while (hopefully!) providing a meaningful preparation process.
STEP 1: DISCERN
When we are baptized, we are adopted by the Father and given the opportunity to participate in Christ’s role as Priest, Prophet, & King. Through Confirmation, God completes our Baptismal grace and deepens our call to live this three-fold mission. This is not a rite of passage or graduation from religious ed. It a sacrament of mission and power, giving Christians the strength and grace to live out the mission of Jesus Christ and His Church.
Before pursuing this sacrament, here are a few questions you should consider:
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Do you desire to receive this sacrament? Perhaps you’re unsure right now, and that’s okay. But you need to make that decision before being Confirmed.
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Can you confidently agree to your baptismal promises? If you do not understand or agree with these promises (part of the Creed we recite each Sunday), but you’d like to still pursue Confirmation, contact Sarah.
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Do you reject Satan? And all his works? And all his empty promises? Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth? Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father? Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
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Jesus is our Priest, Prophet, and King. But through our baptism, we are called to participate in these roles, even if we're not ordained priests or church leaders. How are you already living out your baptismal call as priest, prophet, and king? And if you’re not, are you willing to make that commitment?
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Priest: attend, worship, and participate at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. Even though we are not ordained priests, we still fulfill a priestly role at Mass by praying on behalf of the world and uniting our lives to Jesus’ sacrifice.
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Prophet: continue learning and growing in faith and wisdom. We are like prophets when we listen to God’s truth through scripture, the catechism, and spiritual reading. We also fulfill this role when we share this Good News with others.
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King: serve and lead within your family, parish, and community. The kingly role is one of servant leadership and governance. We can utilize our resources (time, talents, money, hands/feet) to “build God’s kingdom,” by serving others and leading pointing them to Christ.
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COMMIT & PREPARE
Step 2: COMMIT
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Fill out Request for Candidacy Form by January 4: This online form is for students to fill out, not parents. Before you fill it out, you will need to know your baptismal date, church, and city. If you were baptized at a parish other than St. Bernard, Christ King, or St. Pius X, you will need to scan and submit a copy of your baptism certificate.
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Parent Registration: If you have not already officially registered for Confirmation and paid the $75 fee, you can do that here. Financial aid available.
WHAT NEXT?
Between now and our kickoff on January 17, you should:
1. Select a Sponsor or Mentor: Each confirmation candidate must select a sponsor. This person is a representative of the Catholic community who agrees to mentor the candidate throughout the semester and presents the candidate to the bishop at the Confirmation Mass. A sponsor should be someone who not only models the Christian life but can also challenge you to grow in it. To be eligible, the person must be a baptized, confirmed, and practicing Catholic who is in good standing. A student may not choose a parent.
- Scroll down for more information on choosing a sponsor.
- What if my sponsor isn’t able to meet with me? Ideally, your sponsor will be the person who walks with you through this process. But, if that is not possible, then you may choose another adult to be your mentor (meet with you 6x) and your sponsor simply attend the practice on Apr. 18 and the Mass on Apr. 20.
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Support: each sponsor will have a “coach,” an experienced Confirmation leader, who will check in with them regularly and offer support, answer questions, etc.
2. Make sure you have the supplies you need
Every Confirmation candidate should have a Catechism of the Catholic Church (any edition, $15-22 new on Amazon) and a Catholic Bible (preferably New American). If you do not have a Catechism or Bible, and cannot find or afford one, please contact Sarah. We have a few extras you may have.
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Catechism: First Edition or Second Edition
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Bible Suggestions: Amazon
3. Begin Thinking about your Confirmation Saint
There is a rich tradition in the Catholic Church of choosing a new name to begin a new mission. Abram became Abraham, people who become nuns or monks, have historically taken new names, as does a bishop who becomes pope. You are asked to take the name of a saint you admire. This saint will also be someone who can intercede for you in heaven. You won't need to decide on a Confirmation saint until February, but you can begin thinking about it now! This saint will become a patron for you and will intercede on your behalf. You will take this saint’s name at the Confirmation Mass.
Scroll down for more information on choosing a saint.
SCHEDULE & EXPECTATIONS
Spring Preparation
We will gather as a large group (candidates & sponsors) one time to kickoff the semester. After this initial meeting, candidates and sponsors will meet an additional 5x.
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January 17, 7-8:30pm at St. Bernard is our Confirmation Kickoff for all students and sponsors.
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January-April: Meet with your sponsor/mentor 5 additional times.
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TIMES: These meetings are scheduled on your own time/location. They may be done at the parish, in a coffee shop/public place, or over Zoom (if necessary).
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CONTENT: Each sponsor and each student will receive a booklet that provides discussion questions, prayer prompts, and video intros for each meeting. Meetings are designed to be 60 minutes in length.
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OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Each duo will also receive resources for two recommended, but optional service and prayer experiences.
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ACCOUNTABILITY: Accountability: each student is responsible for recording when they met with their sponsor and having their sponsor sign off on it. This will be turned in on March 19.
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March 18-19 - Commitment Day: One month prior to our April 20 Confirmation Mass, students will be asked to officially request the sacrament of Confirmation from the Church. At this point, students should have completed all (or most) of their preparation with their sponsor and be able to make a commitment to live a Christian life of discipleship.
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Items to turn in: Students make this commitment by writing a letter to the bishop and turning in their final forms including when they met, sponsor name, and their chosen Confirmation saint.
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Blessing: After Mass on March 18-19, candidates will to turn in these forms and will receive a special blessing from our priests as they begin the last 30 days of their preparation. There will be a blessing at each parish, but the Masses have not been selected yet.
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What if I’m not ready? If you got behind on your meetings, or aren’t quite ready to make this big commitment, that’s okay! You’re welcome to be Confirmed in November 2021 or in Spring 2021. We also have adults receive Confirmation each year!
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April 18 - Retreat Day: See below.
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April 20, 7pm Confirmation Mass at Christ King with Bishop Schuermann
Fall 2021 Preparation
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Requirements:
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Completed Alpha prior to May 2021
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Must be 16 by Nov. 9, 2021
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Desire to receive Confirmation
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Confirmation Info Meetings – please plan to attend one of these (parent and/or teen):
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Mar. 2, 7pm at St. Pius in Church
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Feb. 28, 11:30am at Christ King in Church
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Zoom – TBD, if needed
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Confirmation Kickoff: Apr. 11, 7-8:30pm at Christ King in Church
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Confirmation 1-Day Retreat: TBD
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Confirmation Date: Nov. 9, 2021
CONFIRMATION RETREAT DAY
April 18 – Retreat Day
Two days before Confirmation, candidates will gather for final preparation. The location and exact time for this retreat depends on current Covid-19 restrictions. Ideally, we will attend Mass in the morning, then take a bus to a retreat center for the day. We will return in the evening to end the day with our Confirmation practice (with sponsor). Tentatively, the day will begin with 8am Mass and end at 7pm. This may be shortened, but will not be extended.
More details coming soon...
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Sama'ria and to the end of the earth."