Confirmation is one of the ensemble of the Sacraments of Initiation in to the Church, together with Baptism and Eucharist. Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which seal or "confirm" the baptized in union with Christ and equip them for active participation in the worship and apostolic life of the Church. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1285)

Preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation at St. John's can begin at any time in the high school years and is celebrated in the spring. Parents and teachers, work together as catechist. Confirmation Candidates are invited to a deeper commitment as bearers of the Good News. For this, Christ fills them with the power of His Spirit. Confirmation preparation is supplemental to the parish Faith Formation program: Generations of Faith or Loyola High School. For more information, contact the parish office at 507-625-3131.

LINKS and RESOURCES:

Confirmation Preparation Calendar 2009-2010

Saint Paper Requirements

Confirmation Learning Supplements from Harcourt Religion Publishing (For Candidates, Parents, Sponsors, and Catechists)

Confirmation Program

At St. John's we have a 1 year Confirmation Preparation Program, that supplements our Generations of Faith curriculum. In the Diocese of Winona, Confirmation is celebrated in adolescence; at St. John's we confirm in the spring. We follow the Bishops guidelines, and offer a program that places Confirmation within the framework of a total youth ministry program. These guidelines reflect the norms of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the General Directory for Catechesis, and Renewing the Vision: A framework for Catholic Youth Ministry. Our goal as a parish is to help our candidates accept the gift of faith, become comfortable within the St. John's Parish Family, and experience their faith in perhaps some new ways.

Our expectation is that students entering the preparation program have been consistent in attending religion classes at the Catholic Schools, or the Generations of Faith sessions in the parish, and will continue this attendance after celebrating the sacrament. The formation from 1st – 8th grade is essential in forming students in their faith so they are ready to enter into preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The formation after grade 10 is essential to continued growth in the faith. Our role as a parish is to make sure there are a variety of faith growth opportunities for all, both within and outside our confirmation program.

Confirmation is a sacrament with a fluid theology. We are always attentive to changes in Diocesan policy, and indeed the fact that Confirmation may be celebrated very differently in other places. It is not unusual for newcomers to the parish to have already been confirmed at a much younger age, or to feel unprepared at the age of 15. Our Bishop suggests that we may offer confirmation to a variety of ages of youth at the same time (14 – 18), so they may choose the time of greatest readiness for them personally. It makes sense to recognize that not all 10th graders are at the same point of spiritual maturity, and to make provisions for this in our preparation process.

Hopefully this gives you a good idea of what is expected of and offered to Confirmation candidates and their families. Each student who comes forward for confirmation is already in relationship with Jesus Christ. Our hope is to nurture that relationship and be companions on the journey toward full initiation. In this way we will model lifelong learning and participation in the faith that we share, and help our candidates truly be a valued part of our community of believers here at St. John's.

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