Our Confirmation Prep Program is a 2.125 year program which is typically attended by the Freshmen and Sophomores in our High School Faith Formation. For the 2024-2025 Catechetical Year, Confirmation-specific training classes begin in the fall semester.
The first year of Confirmation preparation is called 'Confirmation Year 1,' during which teens attend HSFF as well as an orientation. HSFF consists of general Catholic catechism but Confirmation 1 also entails developing a desire to serve as Christ served, and submitting Confirmation specific forms. This is different from simply HSFF since HSFF is open to all high school students, some of which may not be preparing for the Sacrament.
After completing the first year of Confirmation prep, teens begin 'Confirmation Year 2,' which again includes HSFF, but is mainly centered around Sacrament-specific catechesis (What is Confirmation? Who is the Holy Spirit?, etc.) and involves more Confirmation-specific classes.
The Rite of Confirmation Mass itself takes place during the fall following the completion of both years of Confirmation prep, hence the .125 of the 2.125 year program.
Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit - his action, his gifts, and his bidding - in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community. The latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of the confirmands.
[CCC: 1309]
The general guidelines for preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation are put in place by His Eminence Cardinal DiNardo.
Each baptized Catholic has the right and the obligation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, but the candidate has the responsibility to personally choose to complete initiation into the faith life of the Church. The candidate may request the Sacrament if he/she:
Confirmation-specific Catechesis will be assigned and submitted via your Confirmation Prep folder within your hardcopy Confirmation Prep binder (to be distributed at orientation). In conjunction with the Confirmed in the Spirit workbook (to be distributed at orientation), this is where you can find the necessary sacramental prep materials and assessments.
All members of St. Clare Youth Ministry are welcome and encouraged to do works of mercy, but only Confirmation candidates will be required to submit Works of Mercy hours for credit.
All those who plan to attend service opportunities must fill out the proper paperwork beforehand. This form can be found both in the Works of Mercy tab of our website. Forms can be submitted physically through the Parish Office (M-F from 9 am-4:30 pm) or virtually via the Google Classroom portal or by emailing Elizabeth Selmarten.
Both Year 1 and Year 2 Confirmation candidates must fill out and submit a Works of Mercy Verification & Reflection Form by their respective deadlines to receive credit.
Year 1 candidates must complete 15 hours of applicable service by July 31, 2024.
Year 2 candidates must complete 20 hours of applicable service by August 1, 2024.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
St. Clare of Assisi has traditionally held a fall date for the Sacramental Rite of Confirmation Mass. The Mass is presided by either a Bishop, Archbishop, or Cardinal. Teens and sponsors will attend a mandatory rehearsal prior to the Mass.
"Sponsors represent in a personal way the witness and support of the parish community. Sponsors should be mature persons of faith who are highly convinced that their faith makes a difference in their lives."
-Archdiocesan Official Guidelines for Confirmation
Candidates for Confirmation will need to select a Sponsor by the beginning of Year 2. These are intended to be relationships that continue long beyond Confirmation, so please carefully & prayerfully discern who to invite to fill this position.