Teen Confirmation

Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the "sacraments of Christian initiation, whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1285
 
Preparation for this sacrament takes place through our Faith Formation programs.  The day that you receive the sacrament of Confirmation is an important event in your life as a member of the Catholic Church. St. Anthony offers a program to specifically help high school students prepare well for reception of Confirmation and a life-long commitment to Christ and His Church. 

Who is eligible to receive the sacrament of confirmation?
Any 10th-12th grade student who has participated in a faith formation program the last two years at a catholic school or a catholic parish. High school teens who are looking to start confirmation prep will begin by attending our high school ministry (HSM) for the first year. During the second year of formation teens will attend HSM plus a 6 additional confirmation preparation workshops once a month.

• Confirmation Prep Year 1 - Attend HSM (high school ministry) Sunday evenings 6:30pm-8:00pm. Begins in 9th grade.
• Confirmation Prep Year 2 - Attend HSM (high school ministry) Sunday evenings 6:30pm-8:00pm AND additional once a month Confirmation prep workshops. See calendar and confirmation packet for workshop dates and requirements.

• have completed year 1 of confirmation prep the immediate year prior to being in year 2
• be willing of their own accord to be confirmed
• attend Mass EVERY Sunday, or Saturday evening vigil Mass
• attend and participate in HSM and the confirmation workshops - see attendance policy below
• choose a saint as a confirmation name and complete the saint assignment
• choose a confirmation sponsor
• attend our confirmation retreat (November 22-24, 2024)
• complete an interview with our youth minister or faith formation director prior to the confirmation Mass
• receive the sacrament of confession before the confirmation Mass (confession date TBD)
• attend the confirmation rehearsal (date TBD)

Attendance Policy
Attendance at each high school ministry night and confirmation workshop is very important. If a teen misses one confirmation workshop, they must complete a make-up assignment to remain eligible to receive confirmation. Teens who miss more than 3 high school ministry nights and 2 workshops (unexcused) and who do not complete make up assignments may have to delay their confirmation. 
 **we are aware that there are always extenuating circumstances, these will be reviewed on a case by case basis, but it is the student's responsibility to communicate with directors so that arrangements can be made

There is no required color or specific outfit to be worn by the confirmation candidates. However, we ask that the candidates wear nice modest clothing   equivalent to "Sunday best." For ladies- a modest dress that is not too short or dress pants and a blouse. No low-cut dresses, high slits in skirt/dress, spaghetti straps or showing midriffs. For young men - a nice dress shirt, polo, or button down and tie with slacks, a dress coat is optional. Jeans are not acceptable attire for any candidate. There is no required color for the  clothing, but some candidates choose to wear red or wear clothing with red accents to symbolize the Holy Spirit. Please note that stoles are a symbol of ordained clergy and, therefore, may not be worn by the candidates.

Do I need to bring anything to the confirmation liturgy such as a Bible and rosary?

You are not required to bring any religious items to the confirmation liturgy. Your sponsor does not need to bring a Bible, candle, or rosary for you. If you would like to bring religious items to be blessed at the end of the liturgy you are welcome to but it is not required.

My confirmation sponsor cannot make it to the ceremony, can someone else stand in for them?

If the sponsor you have chosen for confirmation cannot attend the confirmation ceremony you may have another person stand in for them. Your chosen sponsor's name will still appear on your confirmation certificate. The person standing in for them must fulfill the requirements for a confirmation sponsor (see confirmation packet for sponsor requirements). The parents of the confirmation candidate cannot stand in as the confirmation sponsor. If you need someone to stand in as your confirmation sponsor we can provide someone the day of the ceremony.

I have missed a lot of confirmation classes and have not turned in any of my paperwork. Can I still receive the sacrament of confirmation this year?

In the diocese of Austin to receive the sacrament of confirmation each candidate must complete two consecutive years of faith formation. If you have not fulfilled the requirements for each year of confirmation prep (attending each class, participating in class discussions, turning in required forms and assignments ie: Saint Essay, attending Mass every Sunday, attending the confirmation retreat, etc.) you will not be eligible to receive the sacrament of confirmation. Each time you miss a confirmation class we ask that you email Milan Chaump and let her know so she can send you the make-up work so you can catch up on what you miss. It is very important that each confirmation candidate is properly formed and prepared to receive the sacrament of confirmation.

Questions about confirmation?
 If you have any questions about the sacrament of confirmation or our faith formation programs please email or call Milan Chaump, Coordinator of Youth Ministry, at [email protected] or 512-268-5311 x307