PROGRAM INFORMATION
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three Sacraments of Initiation. It perfects our baptism and brings us the graces of the Holy Spirit that were granted to the Apostles on Pentecost Sunday.

There are five ways the Sacrament of Confirmation effects our lives:
  1. Affirms our identity as sons and daughters of our loving Heavenly Father.
  2. Unites us more firmly to the person of Jesus Christ, who has saved us and now dwells in us through Baptism.
  3. Increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which we received at Baptism, in order to help us along the way of sanctification.
  4. Strengthens our bond with the Church (the body of Christ) more perfectly.
  5. Gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross.

Receiving Confirmation is a bold decision. Our goal is to direct the minds and hearts of our young people to what is true, good, and beautiful. That they may see God's presence in their daily lives and to know their identity as Children of God.  Even more so, to accept God's sanctifying work in their lives that fulfills our deepest human desires and binds us more perfectly to the heart of God. 
Preparation for Confirmation is a Two-Year program.

In the first year, we will provide each student with a journal that is full of activities, prayers, reflection questions, links to video clips and more to help guide students deeper into their faith before they formally begin their Confirmation Preparation. It will immerse them into the liturgical life of the church and provide plenty of opportunities to deepen their relationship with God in the natural setting of their home and family life. This year of formation will set up a foundation of good spiritual habits in order to prepare the students for Confirmation Prep (Year 2).
  • The journal will be picked up at the parent meeting on August 27th, 3:00-4:30 p.m.  
  • Four checkpoint dates will ​include large group meetings to offer each family support and keep each candidate on track to finish their journal at the appropriate time. 
  • This journal is the ticket into Year 2 of Confirmation Prep.

In the second year, candidates participate in classes and a retreat to experience a deeper conversion that allows them to be receptive to the gifts and promptings of the Holy Spirit in their life. After receiving the Sacrament, each Candidate is called to a life of discipleship as an active member of our parish community. 

We also strongly encourage all those preparing for Confirmation to participate in EDGE or Life Teen.

Schedule

Year One:
August 27th, 3:00-4:15 PM.............. Pick up journal at Parent Orientation Meeting.
November 13, 6:30-8:00 PM............ Checkpoint #1 - Large Group Meeting and completion of section 1
February 5, 6:30-8:00 PM................ Checkpoint #2 - Large Group Meeting and completion of section 2
April 8, 6:30-8:00 PM...................... Checkpoint #3 - Large Group Meeting and completion of section 3
May 13, 6:30-8:00 PM........................ Checkpoint #4 - Large Group Meeting and completion of section 4
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  • Involvement in EDGE: Every 6-8th grade student is also invited to participate in all EDGE programming, for the best way to form Christ-centered friendships and to find support in living their faith. Students will not want to miss our EDGE Sunday Group and all the exciting EDGE events we've got planned for the year. 
  • Catholic School Students complete Year One through their participation in theology class and spiritual life of their school. While you are not required to register for Year One, please join us for all other EDGE activities. 

Year Two:
Confirmation Classes will consist of 13 sessions from September-April every 2nd and 4th Sunday.
  • ​non-Catholic school students are required to attend 10 out of 13 classes.
  • Catholic school students are required to attend 6 out of 13 classes.
We encourage all candidates to attend all classes, even after you meet your requirement, in order to get the most of the program. 

Confirmation Retreat is tentatively scheduled for March 9.
  • 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. at James Island County Park, Edisto Hall. 
  • Estimated Cost: $100
The retreat is an essential component of our Confirmation Preparation. If this date does not work, you may schedule to attend the Jr. High Rally (Fall) or the EDGE Retreat (Winter).

Other Important Dates:
October 22........... Submit Sponsor Form - The form must be signed and sealed by the Sponsor's Pastor.
March 24............. Submit Personal Testimony
  • As written in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, every candidate preparing for Confirmation is asked to profess the Faith. This is completed during the Rite of Confirmation by the renewal of our Baptism Promises. To help make this moment of the Rite more intentional and meaningful, each candidate will be asked to write and present a personal testimony about their own relationship with Christ and the Church.  
    Questions to think about:
    • How have I encountered the love of God in my life?
    • Why have I chosen to say 'Yes' to the Sacrament of Confirmation? What am I saying 'Yes' to?
    • Why am I Catholic?
    • How did I encounter Jesus through the service work I did this year?
    • Why did I choose my Saint name? Need help choosing a Saint? CLICK HERE
March & April...... Discernment Conversations - Candidates will be asked to reflect on their growth, be encouraged to ask questions, and create a discipleship plan for beyond Confirmation. This conversation is also an opportunity for the candidate to discern their commitment to receiving the Sacrament or they may freely choose to delay.
April 17............... Confirmation Mass; 6:30pm (Candidates and sponsors are to arrive no later than 5:15pm).
  • We will also schedule a Rehearsal for the Mass, along with a Holy Hour that will include Reconciliation. More Details to come. 
TBA..................... Mystagogy Dinner  - We invite all candidates to a Pot-luck Dinner to celebrate their Confirmation with us and learn about the many ways they can continue living their faith beyond Confirmation.

Price

Registration Cost for 2023-2024 Confirmation Preparation

Confirmation Year One ............................................................................... $70 per student
Confirmation Year Two ( for Non-Catholic School Students) .................... $85 per student
Confirmation Year Two (for Catholic School Students) ..............................$45 per student

Contact

Director of Youth Formation: Fernando Cartagena
fernando@clare.church
(843)471-2676