Sacrament of Confirmation:
Preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation is a big step in the life of a young person. In this sacrament, the gift of faith that a young person received in Baptism is further strengthened through a greater outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is regarded as the perfection of Baptism, because, as the introduction to the Rite of Confirmation states:
by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.
The time of preparation is an opportunity for young people to deepen their faith relationship with Christ and open themselves to the action and strength that the Holy Spirit will bestow on them.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a two-year program; with the Sacrament being administered in the spring of the second year. Student expectations include engaging in Wednesday night Faith Formation as a class helper, six in-person Sunday Formation Sessions and a retreat. During the second year, students will also participate in the Rite of Sending/Rehearsal and the Confirmation Mass.
By asking to enroll in the Confirmation program, students are agreeing to -
- Live the precepts of the Catholic Church
- Attend weekly Mass
- Attend the required classes
- Participate in a yearly retreat
- Complete projects that are part of the course work.
- Participate in all student/sponsor events
- Schedule and attend a Confirmation Interview
Youth are expected to interact within the community through involvement in the parish – participating in the prayer and liturgy of the community, attending and participating in parish activities, being of service in the community and are encouraged to attend St. Gen's Youth activities as a way to grow in faith together with other young people of the parish.
Parents and families need to be involved, witnessing and living the faith they profess to their child.
Each student must choose a sponsor. The sponsor must be a baptized catholic, at least 16 years of age, in good standing in the church, who is confirmed and regularly practices the faith and is willing to share their faith with the confirmation candidate. Sponsors may be relatives or friends (not parents). Baptismal sponsors are ideal because of the close connection between Baptism and Confirmation, but it is understood that this is not always a possibility.
Adults seeking Confirmation should inquire about OCIA in the Parish Office.
For registration contact ThuyAnh Hoang the Director of Religious Education at thoang@stgens.org or 651.426.1818.