Confirmation

“Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ's Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church, article 1275

At Immaculate Conception Church, our preparation stresses that the individual begins to acknowledge a personal commitment to a spiritual journey that will last a lifetime. Catechesis encourages this commitment by deepening each individual's understanding of the sacrament through formation sessions, by encouraging personal witness through social justice activity, participation in the parish's liturgical life, and by helping to enrich each candidate’s prayer life through retreats and other prayer experiences. Diocesan and Immaculate Conception Church requirements are fulfilled in a two-year preparation process which begins in high school, normally in the ninth grade. Candidates for confirmation must be baptized and able to renew baptismal promises. For information about the Confirmation Preparation process for youth, see Confirmation Preparation.

It is preferred that the sponsor chosen for Confirmation be the same as the baptismal godparent. If this is not possible, the sponsor must fulfill all the requirements mentioned of godparents. For other requirements and additional information, see Sponsors—Roles and Responsibilities.

Baptized Catholic adults who have not celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation are asked to contact the RCIA Coordinator for more information about sacrament preparation and full initiation.

Adults who wish to share in this ministry by volunteering to be a catechist or sponsor may contact the Youth Minister for more information.

Confirmation Preparation

Confirmation is one of the sacraments of initiation. Like First Eucharist, candidates are to be involved in the Youth faith formation process (TYM) at least one year prior to immediate preparation. While Catholic schools provide education in theology, reinforce Catholic values, and promote practice of the Catholic faith, it is the parish community that is responsible for providing catechesis for the sacraments.

At Immaculate Conception Church and most other parishes in the Cape Fear Deanery, a year of participation in the Youth faith formation process (TYM) constitutes the Confirmation Level I process—the year of “remote” preparation. It provides the foundation for sacramental catechesis, which is the focus of the immediate preparation and which takes place in year two—Confirmation II.

The year of “immediate” preparation—Confirmation Level II, involves sessions for candidates and sponsors (or an adult companion), as well as participation in a Confirmation retreat. Candidates in Level II are usually in tenth grade or beyond.

Commitment to all activities related to preparation is required. Consequently, youth will need to balance this commitment with their other obligations and activities and make some adjustments to them during this preparation period. Generally, celebration of the sacrament will be conducted during the Easter season on a date designated by the bishop.

Confirmation Requirements

Preparation for Confirmation involves:

• Participation in weekend liturgies and in the faith life of the parish community
   
• Participation in TYM and WCC
   
• Participation in a one-day Confirmation Retreat (Level II)
   
• Participation in preparation sessions for Confirmation
   
• Engaging in service and demonstrating good stewardship
   
• Providing necessary documentation: data sheet, baptismal certificate, stewardship hour slips, letter of commitment, eligibility letter from the sponsor’s parish
   
• An interview with the pastor or his designated representative

Registering for our Confirmation Program is separate from Faith Formation (TYM) Registration. In order to register for the Confirmation Program at Immaculate Conception, parents of the candidate must attend the required Parent Meeting. Registration for this sacramental program will only be accepted at the Parent Meeting.

Paperwork
The deadlines for paperwork are very important. This allows Immaculate Conception, the Cape Fear Deanery, and the Diocese of Raleigh the time needed to process and prepare the administrative portion of this Sacrament. Below you will find a listing of required forms.

Baptismal Certificate
In order to register your child for the Confirmation Program, you will need to provide a copy of their baptismal certificate. If you do not have a personal copy, you can contact the parish in which they were baptized and request one.

Sponsor Eligibility Letter
The Code of Canon Law is quite specific about who may be selected as a sponsor. Sponsors must be at least 16, have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, not be the father or mother of the one to be confirmed, and be in good standing with the Catholic Church. Each sponsor is required to obtain a letter confirming their membership in their local parish thus demonstrating their ability to serve as a sponsor. This is accomplished by contacting the parish in which they are a registered member. This letter of recommendation must be sent to Immaculate Conception Parish before the candidate is eligible to be confirmed.

Confirmation Data Sheet
So that our parish records and the information reported to the Diocese is correct, the Confirmation Data Sheet must be filled out with accurate, up-to-date information.

Attendance
We are considerate of the fact that youth today are very busy with numerous commitments, but this process, too, is a commitment. If it is not a priority in your child’s life at this time, then we would respectfully suggest that your child consider waiting before pursuing Confirmation. This is not the only time that your child will be able to receive this sacrament, and it is not required that they receive the sacrament now. Confirmation should be celebrated at a time when your child truly wishes to commit the time and attention to this process. If now is not that time, your child’s decision will be treated with respect.

Attendance Policy
Attendance to all eight sessions of our Confirmation Preparation Program is mandatory. Failure to attend any session will result in your child’s Confirmation being delayed until the following year. Our program does not offer make-up classes or alternative sessions and no exceptions will be made. Excellent attendance to TYM is required of all Candidates for Confirmation. Since proper catechesis and study is required for the reception of the Sacraments, if your youth misses more than three (3) TYM Faith Formation sessions during a Sacramental year their preparation or reception will be delayed until the following year. In the event a Candidate is faced with a personal illness or family emergency that would keep them from attending a TYM session, a parent should contact the Youth Minister. Our program does not offer make-up classes or alternative sessions and no exceptions will be made.

Class Schedule
All sessions ordinarily take place on Sunday afternoons from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in Brisson Hall of the De Sales Faith Formation Building. Youth should arrive on time and are expected to attend the entire session in order to be considered present. Click here for the current Confirmation Preparation Schedule and a Timeline and Required Documents.

Letter of Commitment to the Pastor
A letter to the pastor, indicating a desire to be confirmed and reasons for requesting this sacrament, is due prior to the interview. This letter should be at least one full page. Interviews with the pastor or his designated representative will be scheduled prior to the celebration of the sacrament.

Stewardship Requirements
Rather than having the focus on youth performing stewardship hours, ICC is encouraging that those preparing for the sacrament focus on opportunities in which they will work from start to finish on particular projects. The goal is that youth will come to take ownership over their work and faith by seeing the fruits produced from the gifts the Spirit has blessed them with. Each youth will be responsible for completing a total of 15 hours of stewardship, with the focus on participating in projects from start to finish. These stewardship requirements are a commitment that must be met completely in order for them to be counted towards the requirements of Confirmation. Stewardship hours are counted for community service projects and events in the parish and local community. Service in a ministry that takes place during the liturgy will not be counted, as participation in the weekly liturgy is expected already. If you have a question as to whether an opportunity or project will be counted, please contact the Youth Minister for clarification.

Confirmation Retreat
The one-day Confirmation Retreat is an important part of this process. It is for candidates only and takes place in the spring. For more information, see Confirmation Retreat.

Cape Fear Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation
The dates for the deanery celebration(s) are set according to the bishop’s schedule. Candidates and sponsors are required to attend a rehearsal. See the current Confirmation Schedule.

Confirmation Sponsor Roles and Responsibilities

Sponsors must be at least 16, have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, and not be the father or mother of the one to be confirmed, and be in good standing with the Catholic Church.

Each sponsor is required to obtain a letter confirming their membership in their local parish thus demonstrating their ability to serve as a sponsor. This is accomplished by contacting the parish in which they are registered. This letter of recommendation must be sent to Immaculate Conception Parish before the candidate is eligible to be confirmed.

Have you been asked to be a sponsor for Confirmation for someone in another parish? If you meet the requirements above and have been a registered Immaculate Conception parishioner for at least six months, you will need to contact the parish office at least one month prior to the celebration of the sacrament for a letter attesting to your eligibility to fill this role.