CONFIRMATION PREP
JUST GETTING STARTED? BEGIN HERE!
All high school teens seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation will participate in a journey of formation and growth. This journey begins with a year of Life Teen and Theology of the Body. During this year the candidate will discern applying to Confirmation Prep for the following year and, with the help of their family, meet the requirements below.
WHO SHOULD APPLY TO CONFIRMATION PREP?
A teen must meet the following requirements before enrolling in Confirmation Prep:
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Baptized validly as a Christian (Baptismal Certificate required)
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Received their first Holy Communion
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Participates weekly in Sunday Mass
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Professes faith in Jesus Christ and has a personal desire to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation
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Fully participated in one year of Life Teen
PLEASE NOTE: If there is anything preventing a teen from beginning Confirmation Prep (such as a lack of desire for the sacrament, not yet being baptized, or not participating in Mass regularly) we still want them to feel at home! They are always welcome at youth activities such as Life Teen and retreats and can let us know what questions or concerns they have about faith, Catholicism, or religion in general.
HOW TO APPLY
Step 1: Meet the requirements listed above and reach out to parish staff if you have any questions or concerns.
Step 2: Submit a Registration Form and then complete payment
Step 3: Upon reception of welcome email from staff, review the calendar, paperwork, and important dates for Confirmation and have candidate fill out the Confirmation Prep: Initial Interview form before the first Confirmation session.
FURTHER DETAILS
Participating in Holy Mass
Everything we do on our Catholic journey proceeds from and leads us back to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, in particular, the Eucharist. By actively participating in liturgical worship as a community, we encounter the great mystery of Christ's love for us and the whole world. Those preparing for Confirmation are strongly encouraged to serve in a Liturgical Ministry (Lector, Usher, Choir, Altar Server) at the 5pm Sunday Mass. Visit this page for the Liturgy Coordinator's contact information.
Life Teen
Life Teen provides the youth of St. Mark with the opportunity to build friendships as they grow in their faith. During Life Nights, teens will learn more about God and His Church and be encouraged to participate in the larger parish community alongside their peers. The curriculum for Life Teen is based on what teens want to know, the questions they are asking about the faith, and how to respond to topics that are relevant to the situations they face in their daily lives.
Confirmation Prep
Confirmation Prep builds on candidates' experiences in Life Teen, calling them to deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through a life of Christian discipleship and active participation God's plan of salvation. These sessions will focus on more specific topics relating to the Sacrament of Confirmation. During their second year of preparation, candidates will 1) participate in 8 formation sessions, 2) choose a sponsor, 3) participate in service, 4) choose a patron saint, and 5) participate in the annual Spring Retreat.
Catholic School Attendance
The Confirmation Program at St. Mark is a two-year program. Teens enrolled in Catholic School are not eligible for completing preparation in only one year, this is incorrect information.
The deadline to register for Year 2 of Confirmation Prep is Friday, October 4th. Those that miss the deadline to register for Year 2 of Confirmation Prep are invited to participate in Life Teen and other St. Mark Young Church events, but will not be allowed to join Confirmation Prep late.
Please review the dates, attendance policy, and required forms by clicking here.