Teen Confirmation Preparation

For more information on receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. John Neumann, please contact Angela Davis at adavis@saintjn.org.

“The process of Christian Initiation has its summit in the Sacrament of Confirmation. The seeds of faith are planted at Baptism. Faith sets down firm roots and comes to maturity at the Eucharistic table. People whose faith has grown up around the Eucharistic table do not make a permanent dwelling place there. Rather, inspired and strengthened by the Eucharist, they press onward to live out their faith. Confirmation is the juncture between faith that is reaching maturity and faith that has matured. It is the turning point where disciples of faith become apostles of faith in the world.” (Called to Faith, Sacrament Guidelines, #75)

  • A young person must be in eighth grade or older to begin immediate preparation.
  • If a teen is not in Catholic school, he or she must be registered in religious education.
  • Family must be registered parishioners of St. John Neumann.
  • Family and teen must be attending Mass on a regular basis.
  • Family and teen must be willing and ready to commit to the full preparation process during the coming year. In addition, the candidate will have “at home” study and activities to complete.
  • The Church recognizes parents as the most influential agents of catechesis for their children; the first educators or catechists, therefore parents are actively involved in the preparation process.
  • The basic responsibility for Sacrament preparation rests with the young person. The role of the parish and parent is to support and aide the candidate on his/her journey of faith.
  • In addition to the parish and parent, each candidate will choose a sponsor who will be active in helping and supporting the candidate on his/her journey of faith.
  • A copy of the teen’s baptismal certificate must be attached to the commitment form unless the child was baptized at St. John Neumann.
  • The young person must have attended religious education or Catholic school during the year prior to entering Sacrament preparation and be registered in either for the coming year.
  • Candidates will have the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to celebrating Confirmation.

Prior to celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation, the candidate will have …

  • an expression of desire to receive the Sacrament.
  • an understanding of the Sacrament as a personal commitment to assume fuller responsibility in the community and in the ministry and service aspects of parish life.
  • a sense of unity with the parish community as evidenced by participation in the liturgy and the Eucharist, with an awareness of what is taking place.
  • a basic understanding of Catholicism, including a deepened awareness of Jesus, his teaching, and the role of the Church in continuing his mission.
  • an ability to express his or her faith in ways that others can understand and appreciate.
  • a witness in the way the candidate lives a Christian life.