CONFIRMATION PREPARATION

What is Confirmation?

Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist). For those who were baptized as infants and received First Communion as children, the celebration of Confirmation as a young adult presents a very special opportunity to affirm the decision made by their parents and godparents on their behalf. It is a “Rite of Passage”, into life as a fully initiated and accountable member of the Church.

Confirmation is:

• A Sacrament of Initiation that strengthens one’s relationship with the Church and commitment to being an active member.
• Through this sacrament, the Holy Spirit and the Spirit’s gifts help us to live our baptismal promises, grow into the likeness of Christ, and share his mission.
• The preparation process for Confirmation offers an opportunity to deepen one’s commitment to a specific way of life – as a follower of Jesus.

The Church’s vision of Confirmation includes a two-year program of Word, Worship, Community and Service.

• Word: The Word of God is the Scripture, the history of God’s loving relationship with our ancestors in the faith.)
  We pride ourselves in providing a rich educational experience for our students and their parents through partnering with Kevin Pease, Director of IPS Scripture School, Loyola University.
  
  
• Worship: Our prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God our Father, through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, most especially in the Eucharistic liturgy. Participation in the community’s Sunday celebration is a powerful act of belonging and nourishing oneself.
  Once a month, Religious Education students celebrate mass together, and we dive deeply into prayer and the meaning of mass throughout the year.
  
  
• Serve: We go forth to love and serve one another and those beyond our own community, just as Jesus commanded his first disciples.
  Confirmation candidates work with the Religious Education program to plan service opportunities and fulfill 15 hours of service for the local community, those in need, and the parish.

With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our Confirmation candidates will live a life dedicated to spreading God’s love and doing their best to live out God’s dream for the world.