CONFIRMATION
In the sacrament of Confirmation, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit received in Baptism are celebrated and completed. Confirmation renews and strengthens a Christian’s call to witness to Christ. Therefore, the candidate needs to experience and share within the community of faith a renewal through study, prayer and service.
In preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation in St. Augustine Parish, the candidate is required to participate in a process with a minimum of two years, beginning at the eight grade level or later. The parish policy is to confirm only those candidates who have participated in the process, be they in the Catholic School or in the Faith Formation Program.
Formal Confirmation preparation is not a “program”. It is a “process”. It is a journey in faith taken together with the parents or guardians, sponsors, and the parish family.
In preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation in St. Augustine Parish, the candidate is required to participate in a process with a minimum of two years, beginning at the eight grade level or later. The parish policy is to confirm only those candidates who have participated in the process, be they in the Catholic School or in the Faith Formation Program.
Formal Confirmation preparation is not a “program”. It is a “process”. It is a journey in faith taken together with the parents or guardians, sponsors, and the parish family.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FIRST YEAR
CANDIDATE:
• Have a personal desire to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation.
• Be enrolled in the Catholic School or Faith Formation Program.
• Have no more than THREE absences during the year. Exceptions will be considered on an
individual basis. When absent, the student is to bring a note to the teacher from the parent
or guardian upon returning to class.
• Having FOUR tardies will count as ONE absence from class.
• Be on TIME for all classes, retreats and other activities.
• Regular attendance at Saturday evening or Sunday Mass is required.
• Complete class requirements on basic beliefs and faith for members of the Catholic
Church.
• By the end of the first year, have chosen a person to be your sponsor who will work with you
in preparation for the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation.
• An oral test and interview will be given
• Make sure a copy of the baptismal certificate has been turned in by the end of the year.
- Complete 35 community service hours
PARENTS OR GUARDIANS:
• Attend the general meeting at the beginning of each year.
• Attend ONE of the scheduled Pre-confirmation Parent Meetings.
• See that fees are paid and participate in the program’s fund raisers.
• Be an example to your student by attending adult formation classes especially catechesis
on the sacraments (particularly on Confirmation) or Bible study sessions, and going to
Mass every Sunday.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SECOND YEAR
CANDIDATE:
• Have a personal desire to receive the sacrament of Confirmation at this time or postpone it
until a later time if necessary.
• Be enrolled in the Catholic School or Faith Formation Program.
• Have completed all the first year requirements. If not, the first year needs to be repeated.
• Have no more than THREE absences during the year. Exceptions will be considered on an
individual basis. When absent, the student is to bring a note to the teacher from the parent
or guardian upon returning to class.
• Having FOUR tardies will count as an absence from class.
• Be on TIME for all classes, retreats and other activities.
• Regular attendance at Saturday evening or Sunday Mass is required (no excuse).
• Have an interview with a member of the program during the year and take the required test.
• Attend retreats and participate in the Commitment Service during the year.
• Accept personal responsibility to complete assigned work or service.
• Participate in planning the Liturgy for Confirmation.
• Be able to name sponsor, and work and meet with him/her on a regular basis.
• Take written test on Basic Doctrine.
• If you are unable to attend the retreat held at St. Augustine, you will need to attend one in a
neighboring parish or Confirmation will be postponed until a later date.
PARENTS OR GUARDIANS:
• Attend a retreat with the candidates.
The information on the day and time will be given ahead of time so that arrangements can
be made to be present.
• See that fees are paid and participate in the program’s fund raisers.
• Be an example to your student by attending adult formation classes especially catechesis
on the sacraments (particularly Confirmation) or Bible Study sessions.
• Encourage your student by asking questions about religion classes.
After the candidate’s reception of the sacrament of Confirmation, it is suggested that you accept your duty and responsibility by encouraging your student to continue his/her instruction in the faith in one of the programs provided by the parish.
If a candidate moves into the program after it has begun, they will be admitted if information can be provided that they were attending instructions at another parish.
SPONSOR:
• Be a member of any Catholic church who is able to participate in the sacraments and bring
proof of membership.
• Be a follower of Christ in everyday living and a teacher of the faith by example.
• Must be confirmed in order to be a sponsor and bring proof of Catholic wedding if married,
and if single, should not be living with someone.
• Attend retreats or meetings when scheduled.
• Actively participate in the candidate’s preparation by working with him/her throughout the
year.
• Meet with the candidate at least five times during the year. If you are not willing to participate
totally, the candidate that has chosen you should be informed at the beginning of the year so
that another person can be chosen to replace you.
• You will not be allowed to be the candidate’s sponsor at the time of Confirmation if you have
not participated as required by the program.
• Parents cannot be sponsors.
PARENTS ARE IMPORTANT
“Parents as primary educators of their children must be involved in the preparation of their children for the sacraments. The Parish will provide programs which will enable the parents or guardians to be aware of this right and responsibility, assist them in fulfilling it and supply them with the necessary catechesis in regard to the sacraments.”