Important forms and documents for 2019 Confirmation:
General Guidelines and Overview
Confirmation Preparation Schedule
Confirmation Enrollment due February 1st
Sponsor Form due March 1st
Through the sacrament of confirmation one receives a special strengthening through the gift of the Holy Spirit and is more perfectly bound to the Church. Through this strengthening, one is more able and ready to live out and spread the Faith.
Confirmation candidates are expected to be at all classes and for those in 7th-12th grade, attend the NET retreat on November 4th. We stress that the candidates take responsibility and show initiative for being present, participating in class and also, that parents support this by keeping faith formation a high priority in the family.
For more information on Bishop Libasci's diocesan-wide initiative, "Restore, Renew and Proclaim the Hope that is Christ", (often referred to as "restored order," please visit the diocesan lifelong faith formation website: www.catholicnh.org/parishes/formation/lifelong/
Enrollment will be in the Spring. In order to start preparation, you will need:
The diocese has not scheduled our Confirmations yet. We expect to have two celebrations - one for younger grades and another for the older grades. Families with children in both stages can choose which Mass is more appropriate for your family (within the space requirements of the church). All updates will be sent through Flocknote email. Please be sure you are subscribed to the Confirmation and class lists.
- Basic understanding (age appropriate) of the teachings of the faith. It is recommended to have 2 years of faith formation to prepare for sacraments of initiation. If you have not attended class for 2 years, special arrangements can be made to assess readiness and set an ISP “individualized spirituality plan”.
- Intend to fully participate in a life of faith as a disciple of Christ. The Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist are the initiation to the Catholic life. Regular reception of the Eucharist continues past Confirmation; faith formation is lifelong. There is no graduation from our faith and spiritual growth. We should all strive to be saints in order to obtain heaven.
- Companions on the journey. We all need the support of the Body of Christ (Catholic Community). The gifts of the Holy Spirit help us to follow God’s commands (for example, the Ten Commandments, Beatitudes, etc). It is not possible alone. Start thinking of a Sponsor (practicing Catholic) for Confirmation. If you choose someone who does not attend Sacred Heart, St. Helena or St. Mary’s, try to find a “prayer buddy” from the parish to accompany you on the journey. Most parishioners would be honored to ask, and there is no commitment, other than to pray and encourage each other.
- Start to talk about choosing a saint’s name (Confirmation Name). Students should be prepared to present a project (paragraph, drawing, song, poster, skit) to share why they selected their saint. The presentation is to be FUN, more like show-and-tell than anything stressful. It can be informal (very small group), or presented at the Family Confirmation Retreat.
- Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy: These used to be called “service hours.” Our goal is to have a relationship with Christ and desire to know, love and serve Him. Therefore, the parish does not track “service hours”. As St. Teresa of Avila says, “Christ has no body but yours, no hands no feet on earth, but yours.” We expect evidence of service in your preparation for Confirmation. There are many opportunities in the parish and in the community throughout the year to serve others. Check the bulletin or ask for help if you have trouble finding them.
- Enrollment: We require updated sacramental records including the dates and location of your child’s Baptism and First Communion. We need a copy of the baptismal certificate on file. There is a form for sponsors to complete and a certificate if they are not active members of our parish.
- Celebration: Confirmation is a momentous occasion in a student’s life. As one has a special outfit for sports teams, band, chorus concerts and/or weddings/fancy parties, it is important to take care with how we present ourselves to God when requesting the grace and gifts of the Sacrament. For First Communion and Confirmation, a white dress is appropriate for girls, and for boys, a shirt and tie (or suit) is expected. The emphasis is not on the clothes, and it should not be a hardship. We do have some dresses and suits that were donated available in the office. Please take some effort to look nice for God.
The diocese has not scheduled our Confirmations yet. We expect to have two celebrations - one for younger grades and another for the older grades. Families with children in both stages can choose which Mass is more appropriate for your family (within the space requirements of the church). All updates will be sent through Flocknote email. Please be sure you are subscribed to the Confirmation and class lists.