Children Preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation

Students in seventh and eighth grade prepare to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of confirmation. Since students this age are mature enough to make their own decision about receiving this sacrament, the students are responsible for their own work, independent of their parents. However, parents are encouraged to support their child and be present through the preparation process. Preparation begins in January of the 7th grade year beginning with a parent/student meeting. Students receive the sacrament of confirmation in 8th grade.

Click here to learn more about our Religious Education program for children. 

Adult Confirmation

Fall 2011

Please read the following information carefully before registering for confirmation. Thanks!
Click here to download all this information in one document.

The sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist are intimately connected to one another and are known as the Sacraments of Initiation. All three make up full Christian initiation. Confirmation deepens our baptismal call to be witnesses of Jesus Christ in the world. In receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit to build communities of love and service. If you are over the age of 18, were baptized Catholic, received first Eucharist, and were educated in the faith -- yet never received the sacrament of confirmation -- we invite you to consider participating in this sacrament.

Prior to the confirmation we will participate in a number of formation sessions and a prayer service with the sacrament of reconciliation. Please note these dates and times. You are expected to be present for all sessions.

Formation Sessions (Saint Clement Chapel):
Tuesday, October 11, 6:30-8:30 PM
Tuesday, October 18, 6:30-8:30 PM
Tuesday, October 25, 6:30-8:30 PM
Tuesday, November 1, 6:30-8:30 PM
Tuesday, November 8, 6:30-8:30 PM
Tuesday, November 15, 6:30-8:30 PM

Night of Reflection/Reconciliation and Confirmation Rehearsal:
Tuesday, November 22,* 7-9 PM Saint Clement Church
*Please note this session takes place during the week of Thanksgiving. We would ask that you make any travel plans accordingly.

Confirmation Liturgy:
Tuesday, November 29, 7 PM; Saint Clement Church

Pot-luck Celebration and Wrap Up:
Tuesday, December 6, 6:30-8 PM; Saint Clement Chapel

Absences:
Since our preparation course is extremely brief, we ask you to make a sincere effort to be present for all sessions! If exceptional circumstances prevent you from being at a session, we ask that your sponsor (see below) or a designated classmate collect any handouts and important information for you during the session. You may also be asked to do some additional reading or reflection with your sponsor to cover any material you missed.

Sponsors
We ask that you have a sponsor who will support you during this journey as you prepare for Confirmation. The role of a sponsor is to walk with you as a mentor and friend, to be a witness of their faith, and to be a bridge to the larger Catholic community and tradition. (Note: sponsors need not be saints or walking Catholic encyclopedias, but rather disciples striving to live a Christian life – with all its joys and challenges!)

Your sponsor should be a practicing Catholic with whom you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and experience. Your sponsor must be a confirmed Catholic over the age of 16, and cannot be your parent. In choosing a sponsor, you might consider reflecting on the following questions:

1. Who do I know that values their Catholic faith?
2. Who do I know that practices their faith regularly and/or is actively involved in their Church community?
3. If I were going to ask someone to pray for me, who would I ask?
4. Would one of my Godparents be a good sponsor? (Since baptism and confirmation are closely connected!)
   

If you are at a loss for a sponsor, we would be happy to introduce you to a volunteer sponsor from our parish community

Sponsors are strongly encouraged to attend the formation sessions with you, as it often helps to spark discussion when reflecting together outside of class. If your sponsor does not live in Chicago, you will want to be sure you are able to set aside time to communicate and reflect with this person as you prepare for Confirmation. We will review the role of the sponsor at our first session and provide some helpful hints for making the most of your sponsor relationship.

Documents
We will need a copy of your baptismal certificate by Tuesday, November 8. If you do not have your original certificate and need to obtain a new one, please write or call the church where you were baptized and ask them to send one either to you or directly to Saint Clement at the following address:

Saint Clement Church
c/o Christina Bax
642 W Deming Place
Chicago, IL 60614

Books, Materials, and Program Fee
We will provide you with a copy of the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults and a few additional materials; however, you will need to bring your own Bible. There are many different translations of the Bible, but the one that is used at Mass is the New American Bible. We encourage you to use this translation. If you are need of a Bible, we strongly recommend the Catholic Study Bible. It has helpful footnotes and a reader’s guide, and can be ordered on Amazon.com.

There is a $40 program fee to cover the cost of the book and materials, but scholarships are available for those in need (contact Christina Bax – information below). If sponsors would like their own copy of the U.S. Catholic Catechism they may purchase one through Saint Clement for $15 at any of our sessions.

Location & Parking:
The Confirmation Liturgy and Night of Reflection/Confirmation Rehearsal will be held in the Church. Tuesday evening formation sessions for Confirmation will take place in Fireside Hall at Saint Clement School. The School is located to the west of the church on 2524 N. Orchard Street. Aim for the North-most door, which is the gym entrance. There is a call box to the left of the door – dial “03” for Fireside Hall. Once inside, go down the stairs, and through the cafeteria. Fireside Hall will be located on your left. (Don’t worry – we’ll be out front to flag you down the first night!)

Parking is available in the small lot across from the church building on the corner of Orchard and Deming. The lot can be accessed from Orchard or Deming (Deming is one- way going West, Orchard is one-way going North). Using public transportation is always encouraged.

How to Register
You can register for the sessions and pay the program fee by credit card at the following site: www.events.org/AdultConfirmation

For questions or more information, please contact:
Christina Bax, 773-281-0371
e-mail: christinab@stclementchurch.org