Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is received in 11th grade. Through this sacrament, the Holy Spirit is received to strengthen the gifts that were given at Baptism. Confirmation enables a more full participation in other sacraments.

Confirmation Requirements 2011-12

The requirements for Confirmation are:

  • The confirmation candidate, and his or her parents, need to be registered members of St. Francis Xavier Parish.
  • Attendance at Sunday Mass. All Catholics are obligated to attend Mass on Sundays (includes Saturday evening Mass) and on holy days of obligation. Confirmation candidates must get a signed copy, by a priest or deacon, of the weekly bulletin as proof of attendance. One unsigned bulletin will be permitted beginning October 30.
  • Attendance at Confirmation sessions. Two parentally excused absences will be permitted. This begins on November 6.
  • Mandatory attendance at the Confirmation retreat. This year’s Confirmation retreat will be held here on March 24. A retreat team of 2 young men and 2 young women will conduct it. The retreat will begin at 9 am and conclude with Mass at 4 pm. Lunch will be provided. There is no charge for this retreat. If a candidate wishes to attend a different retreat (TEC for example), he or she must get approval from Joe Velie to replace the retreat at St. Francis Xavier Parish with the one he or she is choosing. Proof of attendance at that retreat must be provided. If the candidate does not attend a retreat, then that candidate will not receive the sacrament of Confirmation.
  • 30 hours of service work is required. The Diocese of Superior’s letter on Confirmation states: “Service is an important element of Christian living… Service is an integral component of the confirmation process.” The 30 hours of service is broken down into three parts: 10 Parish hours, 10 Community hours, and 10 Global hours.
  • We record your Submitted Service Hours once you hand in each Service Hours Form.
  • Those preparing for Grade 11 Confirmation in the Parish are required to perform 30 hours of service: 10 in the parish, 10 in the community and 10 globally. We record your Submitted Service Hours once you hand in each Service Hours Form.
  • Baptismal Certificate. If your son or daughter was baptized at St. Francis Xavier Parish he or she must send a written request to Kris Leggett at St. Francis Xavier Parish. If your son or daughter was baptized in a parish other than St. Francis Xavier Parish then they must get a current baptismal certificate from that parish. Why is a current baptismal certificate needed? Because any time a sacrament is administered, the church where that sacrament was celebrated notifies the church of baptism, no matter where it is in the world. So the church of baptism, when asked for an official certificate, provides "notations" that indicate any other sacraments that have been received anywhere in the world. This is why a current baptismal certificate, also called an "original certificate," is required.
  • A sponsor must be chosen. The sponsor must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, and at least 17 years old. The candidate’s parents cannot be his or her sponsor. If the sponsor is not a member of St. Francis, a letter of recommendation from the individual’s pastor is required.
  • A Confirmation name is optional. If the candidate wishes to choose a Confirmation name, that name is to be that of a saint. There are a number of Catholic internet sites which are excellent sources of information about the saints.
  • Interview with Fr. Mike.
  • Letter to the Bishop. The Diocese of Superior’s Guidelines for Confirmation describes the letter: “Each candidate is to write a letter to the Bishop requesting to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and to give his or her reasons for the request. The letter introduces the candidate to the bishop; therefore it should give the candidate’s personal feelings concerning the sacrament, the Church, and his or her faith life.”