Confirmation

In the Sacrament of Confirmation, we are called and chosen by God to affirm our Catholic Faith and to embrace our roles as missionary disciples. Confirmation empowers us to live Christian life to the full.  Just like the early disciples, who received the grace, help, and power of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, we too “stir into flame” this same Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation.

This year, both 8th and 9th graders will begin preparation for Confirmation in the Fall of 2025 and will receive Sacrament in the Spring of 2026. The combination of 8th and 9th grade during this 2025-26 year is part of the transition to a new format, which will begin in the Fall of 2026, for the Sacramental preparation of Confirmation candidates.

The Confirmation program at Saint Mark consists of weekly faith formation and involvement in youth ministry for
confirmandi, regular reception of the Sacraments (especially the Eucharist at Mass each Sunday), and “Holy Spirit Nights” for parents and confirmandi. The Holy Spirit Nights will take place once a quarter on Wednesday night in the Holy Family Center (previously known as the “youth center”). Each confirmand will have ownership of his or her weekly formation. According to each confirmand’s unique schedule, he or she will be able to choose between Sunday morning class, Sunday night youth group, or Wednesday night Bible study for their weekly formation. Additionally, confirmandi will also be required to select a sponsor, a Confirmation saint, attend a retreat, and participate in a service project as a group! Listed below are the specific expectations that support and foster our Confirmation candidates’ desire to know, love, and serve God.

Formation Options: (various options for each confirmand as described above)

• Sunday Morning Catechesis, 9:15-10:15 am

• Sunday Night Youth Group, 5:00-6:45 pm

• Wednesday Night Bible Study, 6:30-8:00 pm

Holy Spirit Nights:

• Night One: Who is the Holy Spirit? – Introduction

• Night Two: What does my life look like with the Holy Spirit? – Going Deeper

• Night Three: The Holy Spirit and the Church – The Decision to be Catholic

• Night Four: The Holy Spirt and the Great Commission – Matthew 28: 16-20

Confirmation Formation Materials:

• Bible – Required

• Journal – Required

• Rosary – Required

• 100 Saints Every Catholic Should Know – Provided by St Mark

• Catechism of the Catholic Church – Recommended

Confirmation Sponsor:
Choosing a sponsor is a very important decision which requires discernment and prayer. The choice of sponsor will be required by January 14th, 2026. The general sponsor requirements are:

• Must be 16 years of age and already a confirmed Catholic.

• Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing.  A form must be completed and returned from the parish at
  which the sponsor is a member.

• Must be someone who will commit to praying for and supporting their candidate in their faith journey
  throughout their life.

Confirmation Saint:

Each confirmandi will select a saint’s name for Confirmation. Receiving a new name at Confirmation reflects a tradition found in both the Old and New Testaments and signifies starting a new role in life. During the Confirmation ceremony, the Bishop addresses the confirmandi by their new names. Each confirmand will choose a patron saint whose name they will take. This saint will serve as a model for the confirmand and help them through their prayers as they follow Jesus’ teaching, defending the faith, and spreading His Gospel message. The saint can be one they admire, connect with, relate to, or desire to emulate. The saint will need to be chosen by October 29th, and each confirmand will be asked to write a brief description of their saint and why they chose them for Confirmation.

Confirmation Retreat:

Our Confirmation Retreat is an integral part of the preparation for the Sacrament. It is a time of engaging discussions, collaborative activities, pertinent teachings, and an opportunity to attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  

Service Project:

Among Jesus’ most fundamental teachings are the Beatitudes, a central focus of the Confirmation preparation.
Therefore, the confirmandi are encouraged to open their hearts to love and serve others in accordance with Jesus’ example.

Patrick DePew | patrick@stmarkrc.org