Confirmation
Confirmation is the second of three initiation sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist). It reinforces (confirms) the anointing of the Holy Spirit that takes place also in Baptism. It strengthens us to carry out the mission of Christ and to be His followers.
Baptized Catholic Children – Grades 3 – 5
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Catholic students, starting in Grade 3 through Grade 5, prepare for and celebrate both the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Eucharist. It is presumed that they have already made their First Reconciliation/Confession in Grade 2. If this is not the case, let us know as soon as possible so they we may also prepare them for the reception of this sacrament.
Sessions for this age group begin in January and continue until the celebration of these Sacraments with the Bishop in the Spring. Sessions are currently offered either on Saturday mornings from 10:00-11:30am or on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-7:30pm. Families may choose between either session depending on what best fits the family schedule. Each Saturday and its following Tuesday will be the same session.
Documents needed to register include the Sacrament Preparation Registration Form, Medical Release form, your child’s Baptismal Certificate, and, if registered at another Catholic church, a permission letter from your pastor to participate here at St. Francis.
Youth & Teens – Grades 6 – 12
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Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, and, if needed, First Eucharist/Communion for this age group, is held every year from September through April or until the Sacrament is celebrated with the Bishop in Spring.
Sessions are held on two Saturdays each month from 9:30 – 11:00am.
Participants should be baptized Catholic and have received First Reconciliation. If they have not, please let us know as soon as possible so that we may also prepare them for this Sacrament.
Documents needed to register include the Sacrament Preparation Form, your youth/teen’s Baptismal Certificate, and, if registered at another Catholic church, a permission letter from your pastor to participate here at St. Francis.
For registration information, go to the Faith Formation heading above and click on Sacrament Preparation.
Adults – 18+ years of age
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation for those Catholic adults who have not yet been confirmed is held in conjunction with our Becoming Catholic/RCIA process.
For more information, go to the Faith Formation heading above and click on Becoming Catholic.
As of January 1, 2003, the Diocese of Gaylord has restored the sequence for the Initiation process for children. This sequence is Baptism, Confirmation, First Eucharist/Communion. This is what is called Restored Order. It follows the process of Initiation for Adults who become Catholic through the RCIA process.
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What this means for parishes in this Diocese, is that children, already baptized Catholic, are prepared for both Confirmation and First Eucharist in Grade 3. This can be confusing for those coming into this Diocese from another Diocese, especially one that confirms their young people later than grade 3. Not to worry. We have several processes that can accommodate nearly any situation.
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Please do note, however, that if you are not registered at St. Francis of Assisi or any other area Catholic Church, you will need to complete registration for your child to continue to the celebration of the Sacraments. If you are registered at one of the area Catholic Churches, a letter of permission from that church’s Pastor giving permission to take part in preparations here is absolutely required.
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All questions regarding Sacrament Preparation can be directed to the Faith Formation Office – 231-947-4620 ext. 252