What is Confirmation & How do you prepare?
Confirmation is not  a teen choosing the faith; it is their response to the church's invitation. This is an invitation to play their part in the “Mission” of the church & to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit for that Mission. The process is to help prepare them to evangelize and to get them consistently involved in parish life (during & after this time of preparation). Requirements by grade below.

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If I register my child, do they have to get Confirmed? What if they decide not to?
Registration does NOT obligate your teen, at any point, to actually receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is a time of discerning saying yes to this sacrament of “commitment.” A time of learning and growing, of seeking answers to your questions, and contemplating the answers in a small, informal setting. We hope that we can make your teen’s preparation for Confirmation a vibrant experience for them and your family.

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What is new this year to the Confirmation program?
This year, all juniors will journey through Confirmation Prep together, attending 10 sessions at the parish together on select Sundays from 1-3pm. Each session will include a large group teaching, followed by time in designated small groups for reflection, discussion, and prayer. Small groups will be led by an adult Purpose Core Member and supported by Junior Teen Leads. There will not be differentiated standard vs. discipleship tracks—instead, leadership opportunities are open to anyone interested in going deeper and serving others.

 

Why does the preparation include so many Life Teen Events?
One of the primary goals of Confirmation preparation is to imitate the OCIA model by getting teens more spiritually active in their own parish through programs fitting for them.  The requirements seek to foster a parish connection that extends throughout their four years of high school, and beyond. For those who are consistent, it has proven to carry over to a long lasting church involvement.  Please encourage the weekly involvement of your teen. 

Can we get Confirmed somewhere else?
If circumstance requires, families must request permission from their pastor for a student to be confirmed elsewhere (a requirement of the Diocese and the USCCB) and will be responsible for finding another parish where the Confirmation Mass can take place and submitting any necessary documents to their parish administrators. 

 

Does my child have to attend a retreat? What if they need to leave for a sport, etc.?
Yes! Juniors must attend either Fall or Spring retreat their Junior year. This element of Confirmation Preparation is essential. Candidates need to remain for the entirety of the retreat. The cost ONE retreat is covered by your confirmation fee. While leaving a retreat is shown to take away from the overall experience, if absolutely necessary arrangements with the Life Teen office can be made prior.

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When will Confirmation Mass be?
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on a date to be determined in the Spring of your Junior year. The Bishop’s office assigns the date of the Confirmation Liturgy to each parish. We will communicate this information to you as soon as it is available.

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Why do you request a copy of the original baptismal certificate when registering?
When receiving the sacraments of Confirmation, Marriage and Holy Orders, an updated copy from your parish of Baptism is required to ensure that record of each Sacrament received is recorded. You will need to contact your parish of Baptism and ask them to mail it to St. Mary (they are used to this!). Nothing is needed if Baptism took place at St. Mary. ​ p,

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What is a Life Teen Event?

We encourage teens to try each of the different options as they may find one they most enjoy or is more suitable. Attendance is tracked at all events. Check out our full calendar here or join Flare!

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(some but are not limited to):

-Life Nights –Sun. 6:30-8:30pm 
-ACTS 2:42 – Tue.  7:30-9pm
-Retreat Team - (Juniors and Seniors) Tue. 7-9pm leading up to Retreats *application required
-Edge Core Team* - Wed. 7-8:30pm *application required
-Service - Peter Maurin Center Saturdays
-Trips/Outings - Fall/Spring Retreat, Freshmen & Senior Retreat, Bowling, Whirlyball, LTLC, Covecrest, Ski Trip, Cedar Point, and many more!