Confirmation Frequently Asked Questions

Registration is CLOSED for Confirmation 2009-2010.
If you are interested in future Confirmation classes, contact us here.

 

Who has time for Confirmation?

No one does. Livingin a world where our teens are constantly pressed for time, involving themselves in sports, music, drama, getting ready for colleg, etc., it seems difficult to think that you could squeeze in one more thing. But actually, Confirmation is't just one more thing. Confirmation actually can help usto make sense of our hectic lives. Instead of being "one more thing," it is in a category all by itself and one that helps to balance all of the other places. And besides, growing in your faith with God should be a top priority.

What is Confirmtion and why should I get Confirmed?

• Confirmation is...
  • One of the initiation Sacrements, completing your initiation into the Church
  • Strengthens the spirit that was gven to you at Baptism, at Baptism you were anointed as chosen and now Confirmation strengthens your Baptism
  • It unites us more firmly to Christ
  • It increases the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in us
  • Bonds us closer with the church
  • It gives us strength to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses to Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly and to never be ashamed of the cross
• Confirmation is not...
  • Choosing to be Catholic, you're already Catholic
  • It is not the end of your faith journey or your graduation
• While it is a choice to be Confirmed (no one can force you), Confirmation is also a gift to be received. The choice is in receiving it.

How did Confirmation get started an where are we now?

• Jesus sent the Spirit to the Apostles at Pentecost
• The Apostles spread the Word of God, baptized people and imparted the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands
• Baptism and Confirmation are linked as initiation Sacraments for people coming into the Church, and you will renew your Baptismal promises at your Confirmation.
• Confirmation solidifies the connection between the 3 initiation Sacraments

Why are people Confirmed at different ages depending on where they live?

Canon law says people can get Confirmed at the Age of Discretion, which is known as 7. It also allows Bishops in each country to decide at what age they want to Confirm. And then in the US and Canada, each Bishop can set the age he considers best for his diocese. In the Archdiocese of Seattle, we require that candidates be 16 years of age or older at the time of Confirmation.

What can I do to make preparation for Confirmation a more worthwhile experience?

Be open.  Trust your parents, your parish, your sponsor, and God.  This is part of your faith journey.

What do I have to do to get ready for Confirmation and how long does it take?

*See schedule here.  Some diocese require 2 years of Confirmation preparation, ours requires a minimum of 6 sessions.

I’ve been attending religion classes or going to Catholic school since I was 6… what else is there for me to learn?

You learn and experience differently at every age.  The things that you will learn and discuss at the age of 16 or 17 will be considerably different from the things you learned at the age of 6.  You will encounter new topics, regardless of how much you know, and Confirmation is all about the transformation of the heart, not stockpiling facts.

Do I have to do service projects for Confirmation?

While we can’t officially require it in order for you to receive the Sacrament, we do feel that it’s an important part of understanding Confirmation.  You are called to use your gifts for others both through service and ministry.  This year, we are asking that you do five hours of ministry within the Holy Family community and five hours of service in the greater community.  You can minister as a lector, altar server, choir member, etc. here at the church.  You can serve any or all months through our LIFE TEEN service projects in the greater community.  Contact Us if you want more information.

Do I have to choose a Confirmation name?

It’s up to you!  In the Bible, conversion is often symbolized by a name change.  While your parents gave you a name at Baptism to symbolize your new life in Christ, you can choose a symbolic name at Confirmation.  Also, you should choose a name because you admire some quality of the Saint, not just because you don’t like your name or just like the Saint’s name!

Will I have to go to confession?  I haven’t gone in years, what will the priest think?

We do ask that you go to reconciliation as part of the process of preparing yourself to receive the Sacrament.  And the priest will be okay with it, he’ll be excited that you’re there!

Do I have to go on a retreat – what will it be like?

You will go on a retreat.   This is a time to get away from everything and focus on your faith.  It is a time of learning and growth and is usually one of people’s favorite things about the Confirmation process.

How are my parents involved in this process?  What if they aren’t involved at all?

This is something that needs to be your choice, and your parents cannot make this choice for you.  They made the choice to have you Baptized, and now it is your choice to receive the gift of Confirmation. At the same time, understand they are very wise and desire for you to learn more about Confirmation.  Parents can be strong supports through the process by praying for you, discussing your journey with you and helping you to keep your schedule straight!

Why do I need a sponsor?  Who can be my sponsor?  What will they do?

**See Sponsor Expectations.  Your sponsor fills the role of role model, companion, mentor, and witness for you to the entire church.

Does my parish community do anything to help me?

Yes!  They will officially welcome you on October 25th at the Rite Of Enrollment.  They will pray for you – each of you will have a prayer partner.  They will also celebrate your Confirmation with you at Mass.

Do I have to do this now?  Can I wait a while?

If you are still trying to decide, I suggest that you look at the schedule, think about it, talk about it with your parents, and pray about it.  You should enter in to it willingly – otherwise you won’t get anything from the process.  You can always be Confirmed later, but the gift is there, waiting for you right now.  I suggest giving it a try.  You don’t have to commit to getting Confirmed right away but the process should help you know whether it is right for you at this time in your life or not!

What if I don’t feel holy or good enough for this?

If we waited until we were perfect, none of us would ever get Confirmed!  God’s love is a gift, we don’t earn it.  We have the choice to accept or reject the gift.  This is not a graduation from faith, it is a step in the journey!

What happens if I choose not to be Confirmed?

You will not be punished or rejected by the church.  You may experience tension at home.  Again, we would love for you to come to the meetings, open yourself to the process and pray for God to show you His will.

When and where will we meet?

There are a variety of meeting types throughout the year. We will be meeting for 5 Sunday Sessions over the next 7 months.  The sessions will run from 2-4pm on Sunday afternoons.  During each session, there will be various speakers, small group time and activities.  After each session, we suggest that you and your sponsor have dinner together and then attend Mass.  This will give you a chance to check in each month to see how your journey is progressing and to share in the Eucharist together.  After Mass, you are invited to attend a catechetical LIFE night!  There will also be 2 mini-retreat days and you attend with your sponsor.  These days will begin with a session from 2-4pm, a meal on your own with your sponsor and will finish with LIFE TEEN Mass and LIFE Night.  Also, you will going on a retreat in February, a closing mini-retreat/rehearsal and service/ministry before the actual Confirmation Mass!