“Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire.”
~St. Catherine of Siena
We have changed the grade for preparing and receiving the sacrament of Confirmation from High School to the 8th grade with preparation beginning in 6th grade, Confirmation 1 in the 7th grade and Confirmation 2 in the 8th grade and the sacrament being received in the Spring of their 8th grade year. This is a transitional year where we will still have youth in high school who will still need to prepare and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. This decision has come to light with much prayer and discernment as well as calling upon the Holy Spirit for guidance. Our young people today are in much need of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation enriches candidates with the strength of the Holy Spirit to renew and deepen their baptismal promises.
Confirmation preparation allows our young people to take an important step in their faith journey. It completes the initiation of our young Catholics and allows them to step forward in faith to witness to the truth and love of God in their lives. Confirmation is not a graduation, it is the doorway of becoming a fully initiated Catholic and gives the newly Confirmed the prompting to be a disciple and evangelist of the faith with the help and guidance of the holy spirit and the church. Our youth receive catechesis, provided with opportunities to share and discuss faith, and challenged to deepen their relationship with God. In addition to regular catechesis, young people are invited to expand their participation in the Church with intentional activities done as an individual and small groups.
Confirmation is an important step along one’s faith journey, but it is by no means the end. It is our prayer that all those who receive Confirmation continue to foster their faith throughout their life. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Maredith Toweh, our Interim Faith Formation Director.
Training for all volunteers will be provided in-person as well as on-line.
Please contact Maredith Toweh, Interim Faith Formation Director info@st-gerard.org
Before registering for the reception of Confirmation:
• The teen must be baptized and provide the certificate of Baptism.