Confirmation Preparation

Thank you for looking into beginning your Confirmation process with us here at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.  We look forward to accompanying you on your journey!  Questions or concerns about Confirmation preparation can be directed to Beverly Miller at ssppyouth4u@gmail.com or by calling the Parish office at 388.2995
 
The Sacrament of Confirmation:
is the third and final Sacrament of Initiation in the Catholic Church. It confirms and completes the Sacrament of Baptism. The time of preparation helps the candidate to grow closer to God, develop a deeper relationship with Jesus, and open themselves to the reception of the Holy Spirit and His Seven Gifts. Weekend Mass attendance is necessary, and must be of the highest priority. In addition, increased personal prayer time, frequent reception of the Sacraments and catechesis in either the Catholic School or Parish based Faith Formation classes are essential components.
 
Candidates:
are invited to begin the two year preparation process at the beginning of their Freshman year.  Below you will find the main elements of this process.
 

Orientations: September 16, 2018 
The first step in the Confirmation process for both our incoming 9th grade students and 2nd Year students is attending our Parish Confirmation Orientations being held in the Upper Room (4th floor of Xavier Hall)   All Candidates, Parents, and Sponsors are to attend the Orientations. where all materials are distributed.    First year candidates Orientation begins at 10:45 am.  Second year candidates meet at 12:45 pm.

Interviews:

Year I Candidates First Interview will be held November 7, 2018
Year II Candidates Second Interview will be held April 10th, 2019

Loyola students will meet with Fr. Ibarra beginning at 6 pm in Beverly Miller's Office.  Public School students will meet with Fr. Ibarra during their Faith Formation time.

Choosing Sponsors:
Sponsors, chosen by the confirmandi, guide them throughout the preparation process. This person is to be a committed Catholic, one that you can look to for prayer and support, someone you feel comfortable sharing your beliefs with. The sponsor must be a mature Catholic, confirmed and practicing their Catholic Faith. We strongly recommend they be at least several years out of high school or older, preferably living in this area. The sponsor can be a family member, godparent, friend, teacher, etc..., but it cannot be your parent. Candidates and Sponsors meet several times throughout the preparation time for service projects and Year II monthly classes with Dr. Pence.
 
Commitment/ Recognition Sundays:

• Year I Rite of Welcome will be held Sunday, November 11th, 2018 at the 9:30 am Mass. We will have seats reserved in the front of church for Year I Candidates, Sponsors and/or Parents.  Please arrive no later than 9:00 am and meet in the Gathering area of Church.

• Year II Rite of Testimony will be held on Sunday, April 28th, 2019 at the 9:30 am Mass.  We will have seats reserved in the front of church for Year II Candidates and Sponsors.  Please arrive no later than 9:00 am and meet in the Gathering area of Church.  

Service Projects:
During their preparation years candidates are asked to look at how they can encounter God through the service of others. We ask sponsors and candidates to participate in these projects together.  Both Candidate and Sponsor will be asked to share in a letter how they saw Christ in their time of Service.   Contact Beverly or see your Confirmation handbook for ideas.
 
Retreats and Encounter Opportunities:
We are excited to offer Year I and Year II Candidates our new City Wide BLAZE events as part of their Confirmation Preparation!  Dates are First Fridays: October-March (no January) from 6:30-9:30 pm at the St. Thomas More Newman Center here in Mankato. 

Year II Candidates will also be attending one Retreat.  More details TBA
 
Confirmation Rehearsal and Photos: Wednesday, May 8th 2019
Photos will begin at 5:30 pm at Ss. Peter and Paul Church.  (Please arrive by 5:15 pm.) After photos, we will travel to St. Joseph the worker for rehearsal beginning at 6 pm. 

Dress Code for Rehearsal, photos, and Confirmation is as follows:
All candidates and sponsors are expected to dress appropriately. This means modest dresses/skirts & tops for girls.  No spaghetti strapped dresses, skirts should be no less than 5 inches above the knee.  Tie and dress pants, shoes, shirts for boys (suit coat optional).

Confirmation Ceremony: Friday, May 10th 2019
Confirmandi are Confirmed by the Bishop at the end of their second year of preparation, which many times will be 10th grade.   Ss. Peter and Paul will combine with St. Joseph the Worker/ Holy Family Parish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. We encourage all parishioners to attend, especially Year I Confirmation students to pray for your friends in Christ and witness what you will be receiving the following year.