THE Sacrament OF CONFIRMATION

download this DOCUMENT (PDF)

Effective July 1, 2010 The Diocese of Richmond has established normative policies regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation for adolescents who have received the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist. The Diocesan Normative Policy Regarding Age:

In order for an adolescent who has received the Sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist to begin preparing for Confirmation, he or she must be at least 15 years of age and enrolled in at least the tenth grade. 

In addition to the Confirmation program each Confirmand must also be enrolled in a religious education program. Confirmation is normally celebrated during the Easter Season. Contact Sister Dolores at the parish office for additional information. 

All teens and their parents are asked to attend an initial meeting with Sister Dolores.  The dates and times are listed in our parish bulletin. Forms and other information will be given out at the meeting. They will not be sent in the mail nor given out from the parish office.

Timeline-Preparation Process for Teens

4 Phases

Phase I: Inquiry

-June-December (Inquiry)

-Attend initial meeting

-Discern with your parents and sponsor if you wish to
celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation in spring 2012.

-By October 31st Let Sister Dolores know that you wish to
take part in the Rite of Recognition to the Call to Confirmation.

-Interview with either Father Romy or Sister Dolores- sign up here for an appointment with Sister Dolores.

-Christian Formation classes

-Register

-Attend

-Choose a Sponsor

-Baptism Certificate-if not baptized at Prince of Peace

**We do not keep baptismal certificates on file. So if you were not baptized at Prince of Peace but celebrated First Eucharist here we did not keep a copy of your baptismal certificate.

-Make a copy and send to Sister Dolores

-Mark “Confirmation” on the envelope

-If baptized at Prince of Peace no copy necessary

-Ask your Sponsor to send you a letter of eligibility-if not
a member of Prince of Peace

-Send your sponsor’s eligibility letter to Sister Dolores

-Mark “Confirmation Sponsor” on envelope
and make a note stating that this person will be
a Confirmation sponsor for you-(your name).

-Complete Information Sheet and return it to Sister Dolores

-Attend Retreat/ Rite of Recognition to the Call to Confirmation
Saturday, November 5th at the 5:30 PM Mass

- Retreat -Prince of Peace: Saturday, November 5th 8:30-2:00

-Confirmation: Tuesday, May 22nd 7 PM

Phase II: Core Program

-October-April (Core Program)
Catechesis

-Instruction for Confirmation has been organized into 4
miniature modules. Each module builds on the other.

-These modules are in addition to Christian Formation classes
and/or classes at Bishop Sullivan High School

-In case of bad weather: Check parish website
You will be notified at the parents’ phone number listed on the Information Sheet

Dates:

Sunday, October 9th 5-8 pm Module 1
God’s Mission to us: The Father Sends the Son and the Holy Spirit

Sunday, October 23rd 5-8 pm Module 2
The Church: God’s Mission Continues…

Sunday, January 8th 5-8 pm Module 3
Confirmation: Initiation into Mission

Sunday, February 12th 5-8 pm Module 4
The Mission of Discipleship: A Life of Witness

Saturday, March 31st Module Make-up Day

Sunday, April 1st 5-8 pm Rehearsal : 5:00-5:45
Module: 5:45-8:00

Sunday, May 20th 5-8 PM Module 6
My Ministry as a Confirmed Catholic Christian


Phase III: Reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation

Tuesday, May 22nd 7 PM Monsignor Thomas Shreve will be the celebrant.

Phase IV: Mystagogy

Mystagogy refers to the period of reflection and instruction that follows the reception of a sacrament. This is a privileged time for the newly confirmed. The process is meant to foster an even stronger connection to the Eucharist.

Discernment Components

Mass-Participation at Sunday liturgy is an integral part of our faith. It is expected that those preparing for Confirmation attend Mass each week. Christian Formation classes do not take the place of attendance at Mass.

 Offering-A $50.00 donation is asked for each Confirmand. This covers the cost of the Confirmation retreat and dinner at each of the 5 Modules. The donation may be given as a one time offering or spread out throughout the year. The lack of ability to make a donation should not  be criteria for a teen to prepare for the sacrament.

Christian Formation Classes- Each Confirmand is expected to attend Christian Formation classes. Attendance at Confirmation sessions does not take the place of Confirmation modules. Please check the parish bulletin or website for information about registration.

Interviews - Each Confirmand is expected to meet with either Father Romy or Sister Dolores between the months of August and December. Sign-ups for interviews will be available on Prince of Peace parish website beginning August 27^th . The interview usually lasts about 15 minutes. When signing up for your interview please include a phone number where we can reach you.

Sponsor requirements

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Be fully initiated into the Catholic Faith- Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist
• Not be under any canonical penalty- Is marriage in good standing with the Catholic Church?
• Not be the father or mother of the person who is to be baptized.