The sacrament of Confirmation is a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the candidate to strengthen their baptismal vocation and to awaken the gifts necessary for active participation in the life of the Church. In the scriptures, the Holy Spirit bestowed upon the apostles the gift of courage: to tell the Good News, to share the faith, to boldly proclaim the “mighty deeds of God who has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). It is imperative that every disciple seek out the gifts of the Spirit offered gratuitously through the sacrament of Confirmation.
Requirements to be Confirmed at St. James of the Marches
Baptismal Certificate: Students not baptized at St. James of the Marches, need to provide a copy of their Baptismal Certificate.
First Communion Certificate: Students who have not received First Communion at St. James of the Marches, need to provide a copy of their First Communion Certificate.
Class Attendance: Students must attend all classes and participate in the discussions and activities. Only two legitimate class absences (illness, special family events) will be allowed per year.
Mass Attendance: Students must attend Mass on the weekends and Holy Days of Obligation.
Prayer: Students are to pray daily for the guidance of the Holy Spirit during the period of preparation for themselves and their class.
Responsible: Students are to be more responsible in their family, church and community.
Retreat: There will be a two day retreat each year before the Confirmation ceremony. All students must attend the retreat.
Community Service: Thirty (30) community service hours and Twenty (20) Parish hours are required to be served from 7th grade up until Confirmation. All hours must be completed before Confirmation takes place.
Sponsor: Each student will select a person to sponsor him or her throughout the Confirmation process. This person must be a Confirmed, practicing Catholic over the age of 16 and not the candidate’s parents.
Saint Name: Each student will select a saint name. In addition, the student must submit an assignment demonstrating that he/she has learned something about the Saint and indicating why that Saint was chosen.
Confirmation Test: Students are required to learn Confirmation material and prayers. Tests will be administered periodically. Each student is required to pass each test.
Final Exam and Interview: Students who will be receiving their Confirmation are required to take a final exam. Each student will also be interviewed by the DRE and/or Father before Confirmation.