Confirmation is a step toward a deeper knowledge and appreciation of Jesus Christ and the Church. It is also the final step of initiation into full membership in the Catholic Church. The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in the fall of eleventh grade. We do not assume all teens wish to be confirmed. Confirmation calls for a personal decision on the part of the candidate. Therefore, a Confirmation retreat provides the time necessary for the candidate to reflect on the process and the meaning of the Sacraments in their life. The retreat is mandatory.
The signs of readiness as determined by the Diocese of Syracuse are:
- a personal faith consciousness-as indicated by some type of personal prayer life and awareness of God in her/his life
- an appreciation of Sacred Scripture as a unique aspect of God’s revelation and as an invitation to an ongoing relationship
- a communal faith consciousness-as indicated by participation in the faith community according to her/his ability
- a sense of service-as indicated by participation in service within the parish and larger community
- a sense of Christian identity-as indicated by participation in the faith formation process or other faith opportunities.