Goal of Preparation at St. Joseph Parish

Preparation is to be a process of study, prayer, and service to others. Candidates should understand that this process is a model for Christian living throughout their adult lives.

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6) We aim to discover that Jesus is the Way by removing obstacles and presenting the gospel message; the Truth by discovering who Jesus is and learning to follow Him; and the Life by committing to a life of discipleship.
 

Program

• This is a 1-year preparation plan. (2 years of Faith Formation are required prior to confirmation.)
• All preparation will take place on Wednesday evenings 6:30-7:45 p.m. (see schedule).
• There will be 3 Student/Parent Sessions in the fall (see schedule)
• There will be 3 Student/Sponsor Sessions in the winter/spring (see schedule)
• Everyone is welcome to join  Our Family of Faith gathers held once a month (see Schedule)

Expectations and Requirements

Expectations and Requirements Confirmation Class of 2024

Attendance and Participation at St. Joseph Parish

• The celebration of Mass is the source and summit of our faith.  Attending Mass weekly is the minimum expectation of all Catholics and, therefore, is an expectation of all Confirmandi and their parents.
• A minimum of 2 full years of involvement in the St. Joseph religious education program or that of another parish prior to beginning preparation for Confirmation is required.  Preparation will occur in the Freshman years. With confirmation Mass in the Spring of their Freshman year. 
• Absences should only occur in instances of illness or family emergency/longtime scheduled events.  Material missed on such occurrence will need to be made up. 
• 10 hours of service are expected during preparation and are to be performed for the parish, diocese or Catholic Charities.  Opportunities will be shared throughout the year but each student is responsible for finding their 10 hours.  Track your hours on the attached form and return upon completion. We will check your progress periodically. 
• Participation in a parish ministry of your choice 5 times (ex. choir, usher, lector, altar server, greeter) is expected and does not count as part of the 10 hours of service.   These are to occur between September and April. Prior to Confirmation Mass. 
• Saint Report - Confirmation candidates are to select a patron saint and prepare a report about their Saint. (see attached form for details) Saint Reports are due January  22, 2025.
• Retreat.  We offer an excellent opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a life-changing way.  An opportunity to experience a weekend retreat is included in the preparation program.  We host our own retreat and it will take place on a weekend in the spring  prior to Confirmation.  You will be notified of the date as soon as possible. 
• Letter of Intent to Bishop Hying.  Each Confirmandi is expected to write a letter of intent to Bishop Hying and explain why you want to be confirmed.  In this letter write freely and openly about your experiences and ask for your intention.. Letter of intent will be due April 9, 2025..

Sponsor Selection and Involvement at St. Joseph Parish

• The Sponsor Eligibility Form (form attached)  is to be completed and returned by December  18,  2024. Qualifications for sponsors are on the back of the form.
• Sponsors are required to attend 3 sponsor/student meetings in the spring.  See schedule for dates. 
• A sponsor’s job is to be an up-close-and-personal witness of the Christian Catholic life for the candidate.  His/her task does not end when the teen is confirmed; rather, the sponsor agrees to help the teen “grow in faith,” to help in his or her Christian walk throughout life, and to seek out the candidate if he or she ever goes astray. 

 Parental Involvement at St. Joseph Parish 

• Attend weekly Mass with your teen.
• In a recent study conducted by the National Study on Youth and Religion, the majority of teenagers named their parents as their number-one spiritual influence.  Parents provide a child’s first glimpse of the unconditional love that is at the heart of the gospel.  They are also the first to show their children, by example, what it means to be a disciple of the Lord.  For better or for worse, a teen’s faith tends to mimic that of Mom and Dad. Parents are invited to attend Our Family and Faith Formation.  
• Parents  are required to attend 3 parent/student meetings in the fall.  See schedule for dates. 

For Questions and More information please contact Gina McDonald @ [email protected] or call 920-563-3029 ext. 203