Confirmation

Preparation (usually in) grades 6 – 8

One-in-the-Spiirt

Artist: Ms. Pat Pesce, Ascension Catholic School (Oak Park, Il) Assistant Principal and Art Teacher

Be Sealed with the Spirit


WHAT IS THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION?
This Sacrament of Initiation allows the Confirmandi to reclaim membership and ownership of the Church and the community they joined at Baptism. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1303, the following are the 5 Spiritual effects of the Sacrament of Confirmation:

  1. Child of God: It roots us more deeply as children of God
  2. Closer to Christ: It unites us more firmly to our Savior Jesus
  3. Gifts of the Holy Spirit: It increases the gifts of the Spirit in us
  4. Fully Catholic: it rends our bond with the Catholic Church more perfect
  5. Defend the Faith: It gives us a special strength to spread and defend the faith as true witnesses of Jesus Christ

WHEN DOES ST. ANNE OFFER CONFIRMATION?

At St. Anne parish the traditional process for Confirmation begins in 6th grade. Content builds throughout 7th grade RE (DASH 2) , and greatly deepens in their 8th grade year (DASH 3). After three years of faith formation, a student receives Confirmation traditionally in the Fall of a student’s freshman year.

HOW LONG IS PREPARATION?

Per Diocesan guidelines, students must be enrolled for at least two consecutive years in either a religious education program (or a Catholic school if you are a transfer family) in order to receive the Sacrament.  For St. Anne Parish students need to be enrolled in our religious education program in DASH 1 (6th grade) & DASH 2 (7th grade) before final preparation for Confirmation which is the entire focus of DASH 3 (8th grade year.)

*DASH is the name of the Jr. High Program and is an acronym for Disciples Actively Striving for Holiness*

What is the purpose of Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation?
(Catechism of the Catholic Church #1309)
It is aimed at: a person’s understanding of Church teaching, PRACTICE OF PRAYER (having a more intimate union with Christ and familiarity with the Holy Spirit)  through SERVICE (part of a responsibility of Christian life)  so that they have a strong foundation to know how to first LIVE and  then defend their faith.

PLEASE VISIT THE DASH PAGE TO LEARN MORE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS PER DASH 1, 2 AND 3 LEVELS.

CAN A “NON-TRADITIONAL AGE STUDENT” JOIN THE PROCESS?

Working with students of a “non-traditional” age will vary based on the year and number of students who come forward to be confirmed.  We have many families who come to us whose child/children need to receive one or more Sacraments – including Confirmation. After listening to the family and taking into account the age of a student and their previous religious education, we place the teen into an option to best honor their faith formation and their intellectual level.

WHO DIRECTS PREPARATION?

Confirmation is facilitated by our Director of Jr. High Religious Education/Youth Ministry and is included in a student’s enrollment in DASH (Disciples Actively Striving for Holiness) Jr. High Religious Education (RE.)
QUESTIONS? Contact:  Ms. Julie  Krakora  – 630-554-1425    JHDRE@stanneparish.org