No fees apply for sacramental formation. The cost of materials may be low or null.
Confirmation is meant for practicing Catholics who had received Baptism and Holy Communion as children but were never confirmed in their faith. Therefore, the process is relatively short (about a year or less).
Confirmation is also offered to non-Catholics who want to convert. In that case, the candidates are admitted to the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults or RCIA.
The main requirements for Confirmation are:
Practicing the faith by attending Mass regularly (daily or weekly).
If your job prevents you from attending a weekend Mass, you have a dispensation for that day’s obligation, but please attend a weekday Mass to nurture your faith by receiving Jesus in the Eucharist.
Celebrating Reconciliation at least once a year. Remember to attend reconciliation as soon as you can if your sin is mortal. We are to receive Jesus only when our souls are in state of grace. It is important to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) before your Confirmation. If you need a refresher, we recommend “Forgiven” available free on Formed.org. It has 5 videos, each approximately 30 min. in length. (For access, see item 7)
Being married in the Church if married
Other requirements for Confirmation are:
1. Register and attend Mass at St. Catherine’s.
Register on your own at https://stcatherine.org/join-st-catherines-community/
If you are over 23 years old and/or live in a separate place from parents. you must not be on your parent’s registration.
2. Registration form
Contact the office at 972-492-3237 to fill out a registration form. An appointment will be set. It takes about 20-30 minutes.
3. Your Baptismal certificate
We need a NEW copy of your baptismal certificate dated within the last 6 months. To obtain it, please contact the church where you were baptized and ask for a certificate with notations. They will send it to you or to us (you choose). We only need a copy.
4. Choose a ministry
If you are not already involved in any ministry or group at St. Catherine’s, please choose one! You do not need to volunteer, but it is important to connect to the parish in some way. If you need assistance, please talk to your catechist about it.
5. You may need to attend the Kerygma Experience
The Kerygma Experience is a 90–120-minute mini-retreat offered as needed. It is scheduled based on your and the DOC’s availability. It may be offered as a group or individually. No materials are needed.
6. Choosing a sponsor
You may choose a sponsor who is over 16, confirmed, attends Mass regularly, and (if married) is married in the Catholic Church. Since the role of the sponsor is to aide your spiritual needs like a father or mother would do, hence, your sponsor may not be one of your parents. But other family members who practice the Catholic faith are eligible.
There is a form (attached) for your sponsor to fill out with their parish priest attesting to the requirements for a sponsor. You only need 1 sponsor. You will be advised when to submit this form.
If you are having difficulties finding a sponsor who can support you on your faith journey, let us know so that we can contact a parishioner prepared for this role. Sponsors are also asked to review some online learning modules described in item 7 (below) and discuss with you before you meet for your discussion with a clergy member.
7. To review the online learning modules, please go to www.formed.org and use code NHR3Z6 to register for free access. The recommended videos are:
The Holy Spirit and the Life of Grace (18 minutes)
Gifts of the Holy Spirit (27 minutes)
8. Discuss online learning with clergy or with the director of sacramental catechesis
Conversation should take 1 hour at a mutually agreeable time. Our clergy are:
Fr. Sushil Tudu– frsushil@stcatherine.org and Deacon Walter Stone – deaconwalt@stcatherine.org
9. Attend the practice and celebration of the Rite of Confirmation (with your sponsor)
Details will be shared by the director of sacramental catechesis and/or the catechist(s).