The Confirmation preparation process begins in grade 10, but
reception of the sacrament is for those in the 11th grade or older. A candidate must have
been baptized in the Catholic Church or have been validly baptized in another Christian
denomination and received into Full Communion in the Catholic Church. If baptized at St.
Stephen's, the certificate is not needed. The family of the candidate must be registered
at the parish, or the candidate can register independently.A candidate must choose a
sponsor. The sponsor must be a confirmed practicing Catholic who is at least 16 years of
age. The sponsor may not be the father or mother of the candidate. We urge the candidate
to choose someone who is a good role model and who lives close by so he or she can
participate in the program with the candidate and lend spiritual support to the candidate.
A candidate may choose a Confirmation name. This name may be the name of a canonized
saint, or his or her sponsor saint and write a paragraph on that saint. Prior to the Rite
of Confirmation, the following should be completed:
- Candidates, parents & sponsors attend an orientation meeting in Sept. and a Mass of
Commitment in Dec. of the 2nd year of preparation.
- The candidate participates in an interview to explore the person's readiness for
Confirmation.
- Attend a 6 session course on Confirmation preparation.
- Attend 2 courses in the High School Rel. Ed. Program (for those in public school).
- Attend 3 seminars on current Church topics over a two year period.
- Make a commitment of service. (West Seneca Day in Grade 10 and an individual or group
service in 10th or 11th grade.)
- Participate in a Confirmation retreat.
- Attend the rehearsal for the Confirmation ceremony.
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