Preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation

• Preparation for the Sacrament
  As with other Sacraments, All Saints recognizes the significant impact that parents, family, and other key adults have on the lives of those seeking to mature in faith. All Saints Catholic Church also expects that those choosing to be Confirmed desire full participation in the parish community. With this in mind, the parish has established the following structure for Confirmation preparation.
  
  First: All young people are to be engaged in either the parish Faith Enrichment Program (full year 18 weeks) or attending an accredited Catholic High School in the area. (Students attending an area Catholic High School are asked to attend sessions once a month October to March.)
  
  Second: Students and an adult partner (parent, mentor, or Confirmation sponsor) will attend Confirmation Preparation Gatherings. One in September (Catching the Spirit), January (Confirming Disciples), April (Gifts of the Spirit) and May (Sealed with the Spirit)
  
  Third: Students will complete an at home journal that includes written reflection on requirements for Confirmation including: the Sunday Gospels, involvement in the life of the parish, their Confirmation name, their Confirmation sponsor, and their readiness for the Sacrament.In the Sacrament of Confirmation, initiation into the Christian life is completed so that believers are strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit to live lives that bear witness to Christ in word and deed. The Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred through the profession of faith, the laying on of hands, and anointing with Chrism.

In the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis, the normative age for the celebration of Confirmation is 16 years of age or older. The celebration of this Sacrament usually takes place at the Cathedral of St. Paul, enhancing the understanding of this Sacrament as grace given and received by the broader Catholic Church.