Confirmation Preparation (for teens)

  • Confirmation Preparation Process

    All teens preparing for Confirmation should:
    A. Attend scheduled sessions and complete Home Faith Reflections (online forms, below) to make up missed sessions. All teens receiving Confirmation should complete all twelve sessions of Decision Point.
    B. Complete online steps (buttons on right) and schedule meetings with Tony for Confirmation Conversations. These conversations are meant to discuss where each teen is at in his or her own faith journey.
    C. Choose a Confirmation sponsor (more below), possibly choose a name (more below) - indicate in Step 2.
    D. Participate in opportunities for ministry and mission.
    E. Attend one Confirmation retreat (sign up in Step 2)

  • Background Information

    When teens receive the sacrament of Confirmation in the Archdiocese of Boston, it is frequently offered at the conclusion of a two-year preparatory program.  In the Concord Carlisle Catholic Collaborative, prerequisite discipleship formation preceeds immediate Confirmation sacramental preparation. Together, these are High School Faith Formation.

    Usually Confirmation takes place at the conclusion of these preparations in the spring of the second year of participation. Although often done during grades 9 and 10, anyone of High School age (even 11th & 12th grade) who seeks to commit himself or herself to being a life-long follower of Jesus is encouraged to register.

    Teens attending Catholic High Schools should speak with Tony Carbrello, Coordinator of Youth Ministry, about participating only in the immediate Confirmation sacramental preparation process, though the teen would be encouraged to particpate throughout all of the collaborative's Youth Ministry.

    Because of the pandemic, teens in the high school graduating classes of 2024 and 2025 should speak directly with Tony Carbrello, Coordinator of Youth Ministry, to focus on immediate sacramental preparation.
     
    Tony wants to thank Gates D., CA '15, for his excellent artwork that contines to bless this ministry.

  • Confirmation Mass Information

    Confirmation Mass 2023

    Confirmation will be celebrated by Bishop Reed (Auxillary Bishop for our region) on Saturday, June 10, at 11am, at St. Bernard Church of Holy Family Parish. This Confirmation Mass is for both Holy Family and St. Irene parishes in our collaborative. Candidates and sponsors should arrive at 10:30am. Candidates and sponsors will sit together in reserved pews, with most pews in the church available as open seating for family, friends, and guests.

    Due to the timing of the Confirmation Mass, candiddates and attendees are advised to have some food prior to attending (we don't want anyone to pass out at lunchtime!).

    There will be a Confirmation Rehearsal at 5:30pm on Friday, June 9, followed by a dinner for candidates and sponsors.

    Please note that St. Bernard Church is air-conditioned.

    Parking is somewhat limited in the parking lot behind the church. Additional public parking is located around the Church. Please allow extra time to arrive, park, and get to Church.

    What Should I Wear for Confirmation?

    Candidates for Confirmation and their families often ask about what clothing is appropriate for the ceremony.  It is suggested that you think of what you would wear for Easter Mass, than be one step more dressy. Hair should be prepared to keep the forehead open, as the Bishop will be making a cross with oil on the forehead. Please do not wear a hat, as even dress hats often get in the way. There should be no gum or food in the church.

    Guys’ Details:
    Suits are fine, sport jacket is good, neither is necessary.
    Nice pants, can be khakis, but no jeans, no cargo pants.
    Collared shirt, better if it’s a dress shirt.
    Ties are fine (with appropriate content).
    Dress shoes – no sneakers.

    Girls’ Details:
    Comfortable dress shoes, but with no big heels, as they are too easy to trip on.
    Skirts and dresses are fine, but not required, and please be mindful of modesty.
    Conservative makeup.
    Flowers are fine.