Confirmation
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is regarded as the perfection of Baptism, because, as the introduction to the Rite of Confirmation states: by the Sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists five effects of Confirmation:
- It roots us more deeply in the divine filiation [as sons of God] which makes us cry, " Abba! Father!"
- It unites us more firmly to Christ.
- It increases the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in us.
- It renders our bond with Christ more perfect.
- It gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ bodly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross.
Information
It is up to the student to pursue this Sacrament. The Parents are to support their child in the process of going through classes, however, they cannot make the student recieve Confirmation. Three years of clases are required and also 20 hours of community service (5 in pre Confirmation I and II, 10 in the Confirmation year). The youth are also introduced to the different ministries in the parish. The students will also be given an exam based on all they have learned in their three years of study. Students are required to bring their texbook to class. Anyone without a textbook will be marked as absent. Only 3 absences are permitted during the program year. Mass attendance on Sundays and Holy Days is also mandatory. Students will sign in at the end of mass in the log near the south doors of the church. If visiting a different parish a bulletin (signed by the priest or deacon) will be sufficient.
Parent Information
In order for your child to Participate in confirmation classes a 50 dollar fee to pay for books, supplies, etc is required (this does not cover retreat costs). Your child must provide a baptismal certificate at the time of registration. If baptized in this parish please contact the parish office at 869-2189. Your child must wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation of their own free will; you cannot force them to take part in confirmation as this is their faith journey. Parents and Sponsors must attend and participate in meeting
Students are to attend a mandatory retreat during their third year of confirmation classes. The retreat will be announced by the Faith Formation Office. The retreat will take place on a weekend at the Parish. The purpose of the retreat is to enrich the student's knowledge of the Sacrament as well as form a community with each other and Christ.
Sponsors
Students must choose a sponsor to guide them through their Confirmation and beyond.
The sponsor must meet all of the guidelines set forth by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe which are:
-
Baptized members of the Catholic Church
-
At least 16 years old and received the Sacrament of Confirmation
-
Sponsors must be practicing Catholics, if married they must be married in the Catholic Church. Sponsors cannot be married by the Justice of the Peace or co-habitating
Sponsors must obtain a leter of eligibility from their parish, including Our Lady of Guadalupe. (Letters must be returned by the deadline date provided.)
Patron Saint
Confirmation Canidates must select Patron Saint and write an essay (no more than 300 words), including:
-
Feast day of the Saint
-
The virtue of the Saint you most want to imitate
-
Why you selected this particular saint
Code of Conduct
Students are to have the upmost respect for the teachers, staff, Pastor, Deacons, fellow students, and Church facilities. Using vulgar language (bad words) is absolutely not permitted. Vandalizing the Church, Church facilities, and surrounding property will absolutely not be tolerated. No food, gum, or drinks will be allowed in the classroom or the church. Cell phones must be OFF at all times in the classroom and church.
Bad behavior not only by the student but also by the parents or sponsor will be cause for removal from the confirmation program.
Dress Code
It is important that candidates, parents and sponsors dress appropriately at all times. Candidates, sponsors, and parents are asked not to wear shorts. Wearing skirts or dresses above the finger tips of an extended arm, and low cut tops to classes or Mass is also unacceptable.
Day of Confirmation Dress Code
On confirmation day students are to dress in approved attire only. For males this includes a white button up shirt with a tie, black pants fitted and worn to waist (no sagging) and dress shoes. Females are to wear a white or light pastel colored dress (knee length or longer) with sleeves. NO bare shoulders or spaghetti straps, no plunging neck line (below 2" from collar bone), NO bare backs, No slits above the knee. Absolutely NO pants, capri pants or shorts.