Confirmation for High School Teens in Grades 10-12
Welcome to Confirmation at Church of the Holy Family
Did you know...
... that the Sacrament of Confirmation is not a "graduation" from catechesis? It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation and "perfects the Sacrament of Baptism."
Catechism of the Catholic Church no. 1316
2023-2024 Confirmation News and Updates
The first Confirmation meeting for parents and teens is Sunday, October 8th from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Teens must register for Christian Formation classes AND Confirmation sacramental preparation classes. Both are required in order to receive Confirmation. Click the button below to register for Confirmation:
Preparing for and Receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Diocese of Richmond
Teens may receive the sacrament as early as 10th grade.
There is now an “inquiry time” (pre-confirmation 9th grade) – things to do before preparing for Confirmation
And “immediate preparation” – things to do during the year you will celebrate Confirmation.
Pre-Confirmation (9th Grade)
Active Participation in Parish Life by
attending Mass regulary
attending religious formation classes AND attending Confirmation in-person classes and completing online modules by due dates. Please note these are 2 separate formation requirements.
being committed to living the Catholic Christian Life – before and after confirmation
Immediate Preparation
(beginning as soon as10th grade)
Parish Registration- Teens (families) must be a registered parishioner at a Holy Family. If not registered at Holy Family, you must submit written permission from your pastor to participate in our sacrament prep program.
General Expectations — Must be actively involved in the sacramental life of the Church. Teens must be attending Mass weekly. Christian Formation- - Concurrent enrollment & attendance in Christian Formation is mandatory. Missing more than 3 CF nights may delay the reception of the sacrament.
Interview—The interview is for the student who wishes to be confirmed. The interview is to facilitate a conversation between the pastor/parish staff member and the candidate to see if they are prepared to be confirmed.
Confirmation Classes—Classes are mandatory preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Missed classes must be made up. If after looking at your schedule, you feel like you cannot commit to being present, we ask that you wait to receive the sacrament.
Retreat- You must attend the scheduled retreat. The retreat is mandatory and time should be saved immediately to guarantee participation. Work schedules, school activities, sports, and SATs, etc can be adjusted with adequate notice. Start working now to clear your calendar.
Sponsors— A Confirmation sponsor must be a confirmed and practicing Catholic in good standing in the Church. It cannot be a parent; however, the sponsor can be a grandparent or godparent. Candidates should select a sponsor who "is to take care that the person confirmed behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the duties inherent in the sacrament." Sponsors must have a sponsor form on file.
Baptism-Candidates must have been baptized and a copy of their Baptismal record is due by by December
ConfirmationLiturgy—The date & place of the celebration of the sacrament is determined by the Diocese.
Parents— The Church recognizes you as your child's primary witness in the life of faith. Your role is pivotal as your child prepares to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and be fully initiated into the Catholic Church. (See handout ‘Preparing your son or daughter for Confirmation)
Decision-At the end of the process, candidates will indicate whether or not they desire to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.