Dear 9th Grade Families,

   Greetings from St. John’s Confirmation team.  We welcome you to the first year of our Confirmation Preparation process.  As Catholics, we believe the reception of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation complete our initiation into the church.  Our goal as a parish is to help our candidates accept the gift of faith and express it in their daily lives.  The three components of the confirmation process are: apprenticeship, faith sharing, and faith formation.  Through these components, candidates are invited to see the person of Jesus actively present in their daily lives.

   In the 9th grade year we focus on faith formation.  This includes elements of faith sharing and apprenticeship, although they are not the primary focus.

   Loyola 9th Graders fulfill the faith formation requirement with their religion classes and campus ministry program at school.  They are NOT required to attend the monthly classes at St. John’s.  Loyola families are encouraged and welcome to attend Generations of Faith each month with their families, but it is not required.

   Public School 9th Graders fulfill the faith formation requirement by attending 2 sessions each month.  Students attend Generations of Faith each month with their families.  The parish curriculum this year is Responding in Prayer, and focuses on the importance of prayer, and the many different ways Catholics pray.   Students also attend an additional class each month focusing on Living Catholic Values. 

   Both of the above options for 9th graders help form them and their families in the faith, so they are ready to say “yes” to being confirmed in the Catholic Faith in their 10th grade year. 

   In addition to faith formation, we ask that 9th graders and their families attend Mass weekly, participate in parish activities and service opportunities, and continue or begin to develop a personal prayer life.  (Generations of Faith will really help with the personal prayer life this year!!)

   In September of 2008 there will be an Orientation Session that will begin the formal preparation for being confirmed in the spring of the 10th grade year.  At this time you will learn more about the theology of the sacrament, role of the sponsor & parent, retreats, and other things specific to the celebration of the Confirmation Mass.    

  We look forward to working with your families.  We continue to keep you in our prayers and encourage you to call if you have any questions about what is expected. 

God’s Blessing on your Families,

Mary Beth Nygaard & Confirmation Team

                      Click here for 9th Grade Confirmation calendar