St. Peter's Parish

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Confirmation

- Sacraments

The sacrament of confirmation (GRADES 7-12)

Baptized children in grades 7-12 can begin to prepare for Confirmation.

PREQUESITE: Alpha Youth Series (REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR FALL 2026! click here)

In our parish, we require that the child first go through the 8-week Alpha Youth series offered each Fall. Registration is now open. Click here for more information and to register for Alpha Youth!

PREPARATION FOR THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

1. Attend Mass regularly as a family.
Attending Mass regularly as a family is a powerful way to grow together in faith and deepen your relationship with the risen Christ. The Eucharist is not just a ritual—it’s a living encounter with Jesus, and nurturing an active prayer life alongside it is essential for anyone seeking to become a true disciple.
We understand that life can be busy, which is why we offer multiple Mass times to fit your schedule. Whether early morning or evening, there’s a time that works for you.
Please note: Regular Mass attendance is a foundational requirement for Confirmation preparation. It’s not just a box to check—it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey. Start now, and let it become a meaningful rhythm in your life.

2. Choose a sponsor.
A sponsor can be any adult practicing Catholic (Baptized and Confirmed, active in Parish life). A parent may NOT be a sponsor, and godparents are generally ideal. It is expected that the Sponsor will accompany the child through Confirmation preparation and beyond.

3. Join in Youth Group activities.
Youth Group meets regularly after the Alpha Youth series is complete. Food and games accompany faith formation, Bible studies , etc. You will participate in fundraising events for the Steubenville Youth Conference, field trips and short pilgrimages. You will be expected to begin to become active volunteers in the Parish, at Sunday Mass (greeter, lector, eucharistic minister, altar server, etc.), within the community and outside of Mass, such as at St. Peter's Outreach.

4. Attend a retreat (or two).
Retreats will be offered periodically. This year, we are pleased to have Net Ministries provide a Confirmation retreat right here at St. Mary's Social Hall on November 22nd! They are fun and engaging! More information will be available as time draws near.

5. Confirmation "Classes" are not boring!
In the Spring, 6-8 small group sessions will complete Sacramental preparation for Confirmation. During this time, students will be required to write a letter requesting Confirmation to Bishop LaValley (we will provide guidance), and chose a Confirmation name (typically the name of a saint you admire).

WHAT IS CONFIRMATION? (AND WHAT IS NOT):
Requesting the sacrament of Confirmation
"The Sacraments are rooted in discipleship." Divine Renovation, p. 205 Our goal is to help families raise devoted disciples of Jesus Christ. Our desire, our mission, therefore, is for every person to encounter Jesus Christ in a life-changing way.

Parents of children interested in the Sacrament of Confirmation may contact John Schneider, Director of Evangelization and Christian Formation, at the Parish office (315) 769-2469.

There is no longer an age or grade level requirement for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Preparation will be based on "readiness" of the child and of the family. After the child's First Communion and after reaching 7th grade, some things are necessary in order to be ready for preparation:
1. An established pattern of family Mass attendance with active involvement in the life of the Parish;
2. Participation in the ALPHA Youth program (offered in the fall),
3. Youth Group activities which will include some time of service through the Parish community.
4. A retreat will be available as well as other devotional activities (workshops or pilgrimages to shrines, youth conferences, etc. are possible).
5. 6-8 weekly Confirmation Prep classes will be offered prior to the Sacrament.
Readiness will be determined by our parish Pastor, Father Mark.
Please feel free to use the FAMILY RESOURCES links for family worship, prayer and education in an age-appropriate way. The resources will follow the upcoming weekly Mass readings, and updates will be posted every Thursday so you can prepare in advance any materials you may need.
Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit.- Acts 8:14-17

In Confirmation, the faith given in Baptism is confirmed and made strong through the workings of the Holy Spirit. A baptized person is now "sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit" and strengthened to serve God and the Church.