CONFIRMATION MASS DATES:
We have been given the date for our parish to have a second Confirmation Mass from the Chancery. Each candidate (teen) will have their own pew for themselves, sponsor, parents and family. Most pews fit an average of 10-12 people. We will be using our typical Mass protocols for masks and social distancing.
With two confirmation Mass dates and a desire to accommodate all situations we will NOT be doing an in-person rehearsal. Rather we will be sending out a brief pre-recorded video after spring break to go over this year's unique procedures for the Confirmation Mass.
Father Brian's Letter
to all 7th & 8th Grade Parents
Documents and Paperwork:
| 7th Grade | 8th Grade | |
|---|---|---|
| Baptismal Certificate | January 6, 2021 | January 6, 2020 |
| Saint Form | January 20, 2021 | October 21, 2020 |
| Sponsor Form | January 20, 2021 | October 21, 2020 |
| Christian Service | March 10, 2021* | March 10, 2021* |
| Letter to Archbishop | Spring 2022 | March 10, 2021* |
The formation of children into the sacramental life is first and foremost the responsibility of the parents. As St. Michael’s Parish, we are here to help you and be part of your team, but it is crucial that you are exemplifying the Christian Faith in your home through prayer, reading scripture, formation, and the reception of the sacraments. As mentioned before, we are here to help you form your children in the faith. One of the ways we want to help you is by offering Parent Formation Nights. We ask that parents of Confirmation Candidates attend two of the three Parent Formation Nights.
Parent Formation Nights, 7-8:30 pm in the Church
Confirmation is closely connected to Baptism. Confirmation completes the graces you received at Baptism. In order to keep the connection with Baptism, it is recommended that the Godparent also be the sponsor. It is permissible to choose a different sponsor. If you choose someone other than your Godparent, this should be someone that has a daily prayer life and is committed to their faith. You should trust this person and be willing to open up and talk to them. Most importantly they should be a person that is willing to take this responsibility of getting you to heaven seriously.
A sponsor must be 16 years old, a practicing Catholic and have received Baptism, Confirmation, and first Eucharist. You can only have one sponsor and they cannot be your father or mother.
Sponsors are required to be at two Sponsor Formation nights, Confirmation Practice will be sent out in as a pre-recorded video this year, and Confirmation.
A second date is being determined soon to accomodate all teens this year and following Covid protocols.
Sponsor Formation Nights, 7-8:30 pm in the Church
...Baptismal certificate?
In order to be confirmed, one must first be baptized. If you were not baptized at St. Michael, we need to know that you were baptized and where you were baptized.
…A patron saint?
In choosing a confirmation saint, we are choosing someone we want to be like and someone that can pray for us from heaven. A saint is someone who has walked the Christian walk before us and we can pray to them just as we would talk to a friend. They help us in our own journey towards sainthood. We also take on their name. This has biblical roots. Just like when Simon's name changed to Peter when he took on a new mission - you take on a new name as you take on a new mission in the Church.
…A sponsor?
The life of a Christian believer is not easy. We need to have people around us to support and uplift us as we journey closer to Christ. The Church requires a candidate for Confirmation to have a sponsor to provide prayerful support and guidance on this walk. This is a lifelong commitment that must be taken seriously. A sponsor’s responsibility is to disciple the candidate and help them fulfill their baptismal promise and live a life of prayer, sacraments, and evangelization.
...Christian service?
Confirmation is calling us to live a life of discipleship. Part of being a disciple is living a life of service. We also know that when we encounter the poor, we encounter Jesus Himself. As we do service to prepare for confirmation, we will come to know Christ in a new way and come to live out a life of discipleship. This year we are not asking for a specific number of hours to fulfill but rather a self-directed service project and share your experience by submitting a report under the 'Submission Forms' section on the side of this page.
…to write a letter to Archbishop Naumann?
It is important that you personally desire the sacrament of Confirmation. It doesn’t matter if your parents want it for you or your youth ministers or even your pastor - you must desire this sacrament for yourself. The Archbishop is the one who is administering the sacrament to you and needs to know that you desire this sacrament. The letter is the way to show the bishop that you want to be confirmed.