Called to Know, Love, Serve, and Be Sent

Confirmation preparation at St. Philip Catholic Church is a two-year journey that helps young people know God, love Him more deeply, serve their neighbor, and be sent as joyful witnesses of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Through weekly Faith Formation, prayer, the sacraments, retreats, service, and family support, candidates are invited to grow in their identity as beloved sons and daughters of God and prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation with faith, confidence, and joy.

Who is Confirmation for?
Confirmation preparation at St. Philip is normally for students in 7th and 8th grade. It is a two-year preparation process.

When do classes meet?

Confirmation classes are offered during the Faith Formation year. Typically September through May. Current class options include Sundays 9:45 to 11am or 11:30am to 12:45pm and Wednesdays 5pm-6:15pm. Teen OCIA meets Wednesday – 5:00 to 6:30pm + Connect 6:30 to 8:30pm

 What is expected?

Candidates are expected to attend weekly Faith Formation sessions, participate in Sunday Mass, grow in prayer, attend required retreats, choose a sponsor and saint, and complete required forms by the posted deadlines.

Already registered?
Registered Confirmation families can use the Confirmation Parent Portal for schedules, forms, requirements, retreats, sponsors and saints, prayer resources, parent updates, and contact information.

Confirmation is not just a class to complete. It is a journey of discipleship.

At St. Philip, our goal is to help each candidate encounter Jesus Christ, understand the Catholic faith, grow in prayer, and become more open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Our Confirmation preparation uses engaging Catholic resources, including Alpha Youth and Purpose by Life Teen, to create a welcoming environment where teens can ask honest questions, build community, and grow spiritually.

Year 1: Know, Love, and Serve God
Year 1 helps candidates build a foundation of faith through prayer, Scripture, Catholic teaching, the Mass, and their identity as beloved sons and daughters of God.

Year 2: Know, Love, and Serve God & Neighbor
Year 2 prepares candidates to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and live as joyful witnesses through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Candidates learn more deeply about the Holy Spirit, the gifts and fruits of the Spirit, the call to holiness, Christian service, and what it means to be sent as witnesses of Jesus Christ in the Church and in the world.

Teen OCIA
Teens past 8th grade who are seeking Confirmation, or teens who also need Baptism and/or First Communion, should participate in Teen OCIA. Teen OCIA students receive age-appropriate formation and are also connected to Connect, our high school youth ministry program.

Candidates preparing for Confirmation should expect to:

Attend weekly Faith Formation sessions
Participate in Sunday Mass
Grow in prayer and participation in the sacraments
Attend required parent/family meetings or Family Catechesis sessions
Catch up on any missed sessions
Attend required Confirmation retreats
Choose a Confirmation sponsor
Choose a Confirmation saint
Submit required forms by the posted deadlines
Participate in service as an expression of Christian discipleship
Complete a ministry service reflection

This formation process is meant to help candidates grow in faith, responsibility, compassion, and a deeper connection to Christ and His Church.

As part of Confirmation preparation, candidates choose a Confirmation sponsor and a Confirmation saint.

A sponsor is a faithful Catholic who supports the candidate through prayer, encouragement, and witness. The sponsor should be a practicing Catholic, Confirmed, at least 16 years old, regularly participating in the life of the Church, and someone the candidate can look up to spiritually. A parent may not serve as their own child’s Confirmation sponsor.

A Confirmation saint gives the candidate a heavenly friend and example of holiness. Candidates are encouraged to choose a saint whose life inspires them, learn about that saint’s virtues and mission, and ask for that saint’s intercession.

The “Saint & Sponsor Name Submission Form” (above) is to share the names chosen with the Faith Formation Team to help us prepare for the sacrament.

The “Sponsor Submission” (below) Form must be completed by the person hoping to be the sponsor.

The Catholic Church requires that all those who assume the responsibilities and obligations of sponsorship for the Sacrament of Baptism and Confirmation practice their religion faithfully and are exemplary in their conduct as members of the Roman Catholic Church. Please download the form following form and read it carefully. Complete all sections, mark the boxes with your initials and sign and return this to the parish office for Father to complete.

Christian service is not just a requirement to complete. It is a way of learning to love like Christ.

As candidates prepare for Confirmation, they are invited to recognize the needs of others, serve with humility, and discover how the Holy Spirit sends them to be witnesses in the world. Service helps candidates move from learning about faith to practicing faith through love, generosity, sacrifice, and mission.

Candidates will be encouraged to participate in meaningful service and complete a ministry service reflection. The reflection helps them think about who they served, where they saw Christ, what they learned, and how the Holy Spirit may be calling them to serve others.

Retreats are an essential part of Confirmation preparation. They give candidates time to step away from daily distractions and encounter Christ more intentionally through prayer, talks, small groups, activities, community, and openness to the Holy Spirit.

Year 1 candidates participate in the Alpha Retreat.

Year 2 candidates participate in the Adoremus Retreat.

Retreat dates, details, permission forms, and parent information are shared through the Confirmation Parent Portal and Flocknote.

Parents are the first and most important teachers of the faith. The Confirmation Parent Portal helps parents follow what their teen is learning, stay aware of important dates, and support their teen throughout the journey toward Confirmation.

Parents are encouraged to help their teen stay connected to Sunday Mass, review important dates and deadlines, support their teen in choosing a sponsor and saint, encourage service and prayer, and submit required forms on time.

All communication will come from Flocknote. All reminders, emergency notifications, etc. will be sent via Flocknote. Should we need to cancel class for any reason, we will notify you via Flocknote. If you have not been receiving emails from Flocknote, please email jmagana@stphilipfranklin.com so you can be added to the correct group. Also, make sure to add mail@flocknote.com to your email safe sender list.

Ready to begin Confirmation preparation at St. Philip? Families can register through our Faith Formation registration process. If you have questions about whether your child should enter Confirmation Year 1, Confirmation Year 2, or Teen OCIA, please contact us and we would be happy to help.

Juan Magaña
Assistant Director of Faith Formation for Youth and Young Adults
JMagana@StPhilipFranklin.com

Support the Youth Group while you shop at Kroger. Use your Kroger Plus Card to give back to our Edge/Connect Programs.

Instructions to enroll:

1. Visit http://krogercommunityrewards.com/ to “Sign-In” (if existing) or “Create an Account” (if new)
2. Click “My Account”
3. Scroll to the bottom and enroll in community rewards
4. Search for St. Philip Catholic Church or use our organization number: EJ426

That’s it! Every time you shop at Kroger with your Plus Card, St. Philip Youth Ministry benefits!

For more information contact Youth@StPhilipFranklin.com.