Dear Parents & Confirmation Candidates,
Confirmation is one of the 3 Sacraments of Initiation into the Church. Together with Baptism and Eucharist, Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and empowers them for active participation in the worship and apostolic life of the Church.
Parishioners can begin the 2-year study in 9th grade. The program consists of 19 mandatory gatherings including 3 retreats, 11 classes, 2 socials, 1 rehearsal, teaching masses, and Confirmation mass with the Bishop.
Below are the 2025-26 dates, times, and topics:
Year 1
- Aug 24- Youth Ministry Family Event Season Opener
- Sept 14- Baptismal Retreat (in Chapel 5pm)
- Oct 26- Faith/Creed (in PLC 5pm)
- Nov 9- Church History (in PLC 5pm)
- Dec 7- Eucharist Retreat (in Church 5pm)
- Jan 11- Why be Catholic? (in PLC 5pm)
- Feb 1- Teaching mass (in Church 5pm)
- March 8- Defending your Faith, Apologetics (in PLC 5pm)
- April 12- Power of Prayer (in PLC 5pm)
- Summer – Faith & Family Night at the Mighty Muscles Game
Year 2
- Aug 24- Youth Ministry Family Event Season Opener
- Sept 14- Parent/child Meeting (in Chapel 3pm)
- Oct 26- Choosing a Saint Name (in PLC 5pm)
- Nov 9- Sharing the Faith (in PLC 5pm)
- Dec 7- Prayer/Eucharist/Adoration (in PLC 5pm & go to church for Adoration)
- Jan 11- Gifts of the Holy Spirit (in PLC 5pm)
- Feb 1- Confirmation Retreat (in PLC 2pm)
- March 8- Ministry guide, What’s Next? (in PLC 5pm)
- April- Confirmation rehearsal & celebration with Bishop. Dates will be published in January 2026
- Summer – Faith & Family Night at the Mighty Muscles Game
The Bishop requires 80% in person. Retreats must be in person. (If you miss a retreat in the first-year study you must attend it in person your second year. If you miss the retreat in second year you must find another retreat at a neighboring parish to attend or wait until the following year.) If you miss a class. Make up work must be completed and turned in by the next scheduled gathering. All extracurricular activities do not take priority over sacrament preparation. Keep in mind of this saying, “There is a 0.0296% chance that your child will become a professional athlete or super star on stage. There is a 100% chance that your child will stand before God. GET THEM TO CHURCH.”
Requirements for the program include:
- Attend Mass regularly (turn in attendance slips)
- Weekly Theology Study (5 choices see below)
- 19 mandatory gatherings
- 10 hours of parish ministry volunteer work
- Copy of Baptismal Certificate (if not baptized here at St John XXIII)
- Medical Authorization form, Image release form, code of conduct- sign and turn in year 1
- Candidate Form turn in year 2
- Sponsor Eligibility form sign and turn in year 2
- Saint Report turn in Year 2
Weekly Theology Choice (Choose one)
- High School “Gospel Talk for Teens” (min 10 sessions per year)
- High School Catholic Theology Class (Bishop Verot H.S.)
- Catechist in training (must commit to all Faith Formation Classes)
- Teen Mentor in MSYG (min 10 sessions per year)
- Catholic Online School Confirmation program with Certificate (parent led) 1 year only