The Christian life is an ongoing journey. In the Sacrament of Confirmation we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and reaffirm our baptismal commitment to the Mission of Christ. The Spirit comes to us, enabling and empowering us to live as fully initiated members of the Catholic Church and sons and daughters of God who extend the message of Christ to the world. Christ sends us out to share his love.
Confirmation for Grade School
Young people prepare for this sacrament during two years of Religion classes at St. Michael School or Religious Education Classes in our parish Faith Formation Program. Typically a candidate for Confirmation is in 7th and 8th grades for this two year journey. As we know, parents are the first and primary educators of their child. Hence, parent participation and involvement in sacrament preparation is essential for your child to understand this sacrament.
There is a team, led by Jesus, who works together with our children. It is comprised of their parents St. Michael School Teachers, Religious Education Catechists and Parish Staff.
To be Confirmed, young people learn what it means to be a follower of Christ, to serve as Jesus did using their gifts from God, and to follow the Holy Spirit on their lifelong journey living as a disciple of Christ. Preparation includes the following:
- A two-year journey of faith formation and study as a student of St. Michael School in Grades 7 and 8 or the Parish Religious Education Program in Grades 7 and 8 or Grades 8 and 9.
- A total of 33 hours of service in the candidate’s extended family, school, parish, and community.
- Participation at a Rite of Enrollment at Holy Mass for the candidate, their parent(s), and sponsor in the Fall of the second year of sacrament preparation.
- A youth-focused retreat facilitated by the School or Religious Education Staff.
- A Confirmation rehearsal for the candidate and parent or sponsor during the week of Confirmation.
For information or for your child to begin the Confirmation preparation process, please contact Kelly Martinez, Coordinator of Religious Education, at 708-349-0903 ext 633 or email at kmartinez@saintmike.com.
Confirmation for High School Students
High School Students who are seeking to be Confirmed are invited to contact two local parishes in our Vicariate who facilitate this preparation:
- Christine Collins of Our Lady of the Woods Parish in Orland Park – ccollins@ourladyofthewoods.org
- Farrah Fojas of St. Julie Parish in Tinley Park – farrah@stjulie.org
Confirmation for Adults
Adults (college age and up) who are seeking to be Confirmed are invited to contact the Parish Office at 708-349-0903, to discuss your faith journey and to determine the appropriate preparation and the timing for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation.