Confirmation at St. Irene Parish

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Why is Confirmation Important?

The Church invites young Catholics to stand up before their families, their parish, their bishop, and their God and state for themselves the commitment – made for them at Baptism – to live the Catholic faith.  In response, they are given, through the bishop and the prayers of the community, the gift of the Holy Spirit who empowers them to live out their faith.

Why are we changing Confirmation preparation here at Saint Irene's?

Our youth need both parish and parents to lead them to a faith that is bigger and stronger than the faithless values of contemporary society.  Presently too many of our young people speak their vows with no intention to live them out and many cease practicing their faith the day after their Confirmation.  They need us to assist them, before they make their commitment, to discover first hand the power of practicing their faith.

At what age will candidates be confirmed?

Age is no longer the main factor.  Most candidates will be confirmed as sophomores, juniors, or seniors, depending on when they, their parents, and their pastor agree that they have developed and demonstrated readiness to make that commitment.  

What yardstick is used to decide if a person is ready to be confirmed?

The Archdiocese of Boston has provided four readiness criteria for parishes to use in making this decision:
 

•  Worship: "Regular participation in Sunday Eucharist."

•  Service: "A life of service, assisting those in need."

•  Community: "Personal desire to belong to the Catholic Church and the local parish."

•  Message: "Commitment to Christ and the faith of the Church."

How will the new program be different?

We'll use a coaching model: the focus is not just knowing the faith but practicing it.  Instruction is family based: Parents as well as parish volunteers will prepare candidates.  The program is parish based: The whole parish family is asked to support out candidates.
 

What will the program ask of candidates?

Nine two-hour Sunday night sessions, honest participation, a one day retreat each year, weekly worship, practice of service in daily life.  

What will the program ask of parents?

Two "training" meetings for parents in the fall and one follow up meeting in January.  One joint parent-teen Sunday night meeting in March, prayer and discussion at home. Support of weekly mass attendance after the decision to celebrate the Rite of Enrollment.  

What will the program ask of the parish?

• Prayer and support for candidates and families returning to weekly worship.

 
• Celebration of the Rite of Enrollment – for the decision to begin attending weekly Mass

 
• Celebration of the Rite of Enrollment – for the decision to seek Confirmation that year.

 
• Special prayer support for individual candidates during the final stage of preparation.