Our Confirmation program is a two-year program. Students typically begin in ninth grade. We collaborate with other area parishes for classes. A candidate for the Sacrament of Confirmation has many requirements from the parish that must occur before he/she is to be confirmed:
- Enrollment Mass.
- Brief paragraph on given topic.
- Written assignments.
- Letter to the bishop.
- Service opportunities (Faith in Action) and write-up.
- Mandatory retreat.
Teens are required by the diocese and our parish to attend two years of Faith Formation classes, a retreat and Direct Prep (or if you attend a Catholic school — then there are different requirements) in order to receive the sacrament.
As a teen prepares to receive his or her Confirmation, regular attendance to their Faith Formation classes and Mass attendance is extremely important. It’s important, however, to help parents and families know that these requirements are put in place to help us ensure that the teens have a good knowledge of the importance of the sacrament before they receive it. When they stand before the bishop, it is the candidate that tells the bishop, “Bishop my name is — and I wish to be confirmed.”
When a teen participates in sports, dance, gymnastics or other extracurricular activities, they never would be allowed to participate in a game, recital or meet without having first attended classes or practiced, oftentimes for months. The same goes when receiving the sacraments. In order for the teen to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, they have to be prepared and have knowledge of what they are receiving so that when they do receive the sacrament, they will have a solid understanding of the sacrament and have built a relationship with Jesus on their faith formation journey.
We are again collaborating with other area parishes for classes. This program will be explained at a required parent meeting. Class schedules will ONLY be given at the meeting. The new schedule allows for many opportunities to take the classes at your convenience.
Please don’t forget to fill out our parish registration form, which is separate from the parent meeting where you will sign up for the classes. You can fill out our parish registration online by clicking HERE. Payment can be made when you see Anne Elacqua.
All students must be registered. It is important that registration is completed prior to when our classes begin.
Every teen, and at least one parent, must attend one of the meetings below to learn about what this year’s program. Please bring your calendars because you will be creating your unique schedule for the year at that meeting. This is a great opportunity to set up your schedule to fit your family’s commitments. Please note that meetings are separate for each grade.
Contact Anne Elacqua at 315-941-7447 or aelacqua@syrdio.org