Sacrament of Confirmation

The sacrament of confirmation strengthens the baptized and obliges them more firmly to be witnesses of Christ by word and deed and to spread and defend the faith.  It imprints a character, enriches by the gift of the Holy Spirit the baptized continuing on the path of Christian initiation, and binds them more perfectly to the Church.

(Code of Canon Law 879)

 

 

​Our Lady of Mercy Parish generally administers the Sacrament of Confirmation in High School (Grades 9-12).

Adults (18 and over) who would like to receive the sacrament should contact Zara Tan (331-707-5381) or Zara@olmercy.com for information on the RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults).

High School Teens are invited to the preparation program when they are ready. Please see the requirements below for high school teens. Generally, the program below will take 2 years to complete, so teens should consider beginning the L.I.G.H.T. program in their Freshman year, however teens and parents should understand the time commitment before enrolling. We will do everything possible to help families in this process.

Information meetings for L.I.G.H.T. (and the Sacrament of Confirmation) will be announced. It is highly suggested you attend one of these meetings so you understand the program!​

Please contact Dave for details or questions at DaveM@olmercy.com 331-707-5371.

Links & Documents for High School Teens

LIGHT Information & Checklist – List of requirements for Confirmation and a checklist to keep track of everything! 

Faith Conversations – After Alpha for Youth, teens are asked to have a faith conversation with a Faith Mentor to explore readiness for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Sign-up HERE.

Become a Faith Mentor – Adults who want to help our teens explore faith and our Church can help as a mentor along their journey.

NEW! Confirmation Letter of Intent Packet (available Jan 1, 2023)

Discovery Retreat Information

Sponsor Guidebook – Candidates should give this guidebook to their sponsor.

Family Guidebook – Information on the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Saint Report Information – Teen Candidates complete a Saint Report which is due by the last preparation class session.

Requirements for High School Teens

Before entering the Sacramental Program, students are required to complete the following:
(Please note that students do NOT have to complete this all in one year, they may complete requirements at their own pace.)

  1. Attend the Youth Alpha Series (9 sessions)  and the Youth Alpha Night Away (offered in the Fall each year)
  2. Have a Faith Conversation with Faith Mentor (usually held after Alpha)
  3. Complete the 4 “Basics of Our Catholic Faith” Mini-Courses: Being Catholic, Morality and Justice, Meeting Jesus in Scripture, and Prayer and Worship (Offered Jan-May)
  4. Complete 3 service projects and 1 discipleship project

**Teens attending a Catholic School should contact Dave to go over the requirements (as some may have been met in your school).

Once the above requirements are met or scheduled, the Confirmation Preparation Program requires the following:

Available January 1st (each year), Teen Candidates/Parents will need to complete and return the Sacrament of Confirmation “Letter of Intent” by the established deadline. Once all the necessary forms and paperwork are turned in to the Youth Ministry Office, candidates will be notified that they are registered in the Confirmation Preparation Program. Information on the Preparation classes and the Discovery Retreat will be available at a later date.

  1. Attend the Opening Session for Candidates, Sponsors & Parents.
  2. Attend the Discovery Retreat (offered in the Summer/Fall).
  3. Attend all five sessions of the Confirmation Preparation Course (offered in the Summer/Fall of each year). Topics include: The Power of the Holy Spirit, The Holy Spirit in Scripture, Moved to Mission, The Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit and The Rite of Confirmation.
  4. Faith Conversation formal meeting #2 for Candidate and Sponsor/Parent – generally held in late early fall before the sacrament if administered by the Bishop.
  5. Rehearsal and Ceremony (held each Fall) with a Bishop presiding.

***Family and Sponsor Guidebooks will be given out to families at the Opening Session with additional information.

Contact Us

Karen Schwartz
Administrative Assistant
KarenS@olmercy.com
(331) 707-5369

Dave Miserendino
Youth & Young Adult Ministry Director
DaveM@olmercy.com
(331) 707-5371