Sacrament of Confirmation

Overview:

St. Boniface and St. Mary parishes have come together to provide a parish based program to help parents and youth entering 8th grade prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Who is responsible for preparing my child for the Sacrament?

Parents are the primary teachers of the Faith (CCC #1653) and therefore are responsible for preparing their child for the Sacraments.  The Church understands that this task can be very challenging and helps by providing avenues of faith formation through the parish, especially for sacrament preparation.  Those preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation who wish to participate in the parish preparation process will follow the path outlined below.

Who is eligible to participate in the parish preparation process?

• All youth entering 8th Grade
• Baptized Catholic (or Received into the Catholic Church) and have received First Communion

If you do not meet the above requirements, please contact Sr. Joan Clare or Jon Paul at the parish offices about other options to prepare your child.

How does the preparation process work?

• All Candidates - will prepare together as a parish community on specific dates.  (See Calendar)
• Catholic School Candidates - will receive further preparation during their normal religion classes.
• Non-Catholic School Candidates (Christian School, Home School, and Public School) - will receive further preparation through the EDGE Middle School Youth Ministry. 

**Please note that 8th grade candidates not attending Catholic school must attend all EDGE Nights as a required part of the preparation process.  Those in Catholic school are encouraged to attend EDGE to enrich classroom learning and build a closer Catholic community.

What are the events that the Parish does together?

• Orientation Meeting - First meeting of Parents, Sponsors, and Candidates to get a handle on what to expect from the preparation process.
• Investiture Mass - a Mass specifically for the candidates to verbally express their desire to recieve the sacrament to the Parish and in turn, receive parish support through prayer and recognition.
• Service Day - an afternoon dedicated to serving the community through beautification projects, trash pickup, school help, and more.
• Confirmation Retreat - a life changing overnight experience to help all 8th grade candidates connect the "head" knowledge they have aquired about Christ with their heart so that the Church's Faith can penetrate and become their faith.
• Rehearsal and Pot Luck Dinner - just like a wedding rehearsal, this is a time to go over the last minute details of the Confirmation Mass from beginning to end, then relax together as one big family before the Sacrament is conferred.
• Sacrament of Confirmation - the day which the Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred on all candidates and we celebrate as a parish community.

How much does the Parish preparation process cost?

There is a $55.00 fee per candidate which is due at the Orientation meeting in September.  The fee reduces that amount of subsidy needed to cover the cost of the overnight retreat, journal materials, banner materials, and service day projects.  Parish grants are available by downloading the Parish Grant Application Form and submitting it to Jon Paul at the parish offices.

How do I sign my child up?

All you need to do is show up at the Orientation meeting in September (See Calendar).  If you have missed the meeting and would still like to participate, please download the Enrollment Packet and submit it to Jon Paul at the parish offices.

What can I do to help?

There are many volunteer opportunities throughout the preparation process.  We are always in need of overnight chaperones for the retreat, helpers to set up and tear down for events, project leaders for service day, and much more.  Contact Jon Paul at the parish offices to sign up