Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments, the third Sacrament of Initiation (Baptism is the first Sacrament of Initiation and Eucharist is the second.) A sacrament is a sign of God’s love and presence in our lives. Sacraments give sanctifying grace – the free gift of God’s love. Confirmation establishes the beginning, NOT the end or “graduation,” of a life of full participation and responsibility in the Church.

Enrollment Fees:

1 Child – $30
2 Children – $60
3 Children or more – $75

If you would like to enroll your child(ren), please download submit the form by dropping it off at the parish office or mailing it to:
Holy Family Parish
Faith Formation
127 Chapel Drive
Syracuse, NY  13219

Confirmation 1 (Usually Grade 9)

Sunday’s 10-11:30am, meet in School Cafeteria

Candidate Responsibilities & Deadline

• Retreat, January 8, 2012
• Parish & Community Service Hours (10 hours), March 18, 2012
• 9 Confirmation Sessions, March 18, 2012

Schedule

Confirmation 2 (Usually Grade 10)

Sunday’s 11:45am-1:15pm, meet in School Cafeteria

Candidate Responsibilities & Deadline

• Parent & Candidate Meeting, September 25, 2011
• Sponsor Form, October 26, 2011
• Retreat, December 3 or 4, 2011
• Candidate & Sponsor Dinner, February 26, 2012
• Dinner with the Pastor, March 7, 2012
• Parish & Community Service (10 Hours), March 18, 2012
• Confirmation Name & Letter, March 18, 2012
• 9 Confirmation Sessions, March 18, 2012

Parents & Candidate Meeting

Parents/Guardians and Candidate’s are asked to set up a one on one meeting with either the Youth Minister or one of the Core Members.  This gives us the chance to meet with each family individually and to address any questions or concerns that the Candidate or family may have.

Sponsors (& Sponsor Paperwork)

A sponsor is a person chosen by the candidate as a mentor in the process of full initiation into the Catholic Church.  The sponsor’s role is to walk the journey as a companion to the candidate being fully initiated.

A Sponsor must be a practicing, confirmed Catholic, who is at least 16 years of age.  He/She may not be the Candidate’s mother or father.  A godparent is a good choice.  The Candidate is encouraged to choose someone close by.  The Sponsor should be a person who is prayerful, open, dependable, loving and is comfortable sharing his or her faith with young people.

Responsibilities of the Sponsor
The Sponsor represents the support and prayers of the entire Church.  He/She will be the Candidate’s “spiritual friend.”  In this program the following is asked of the Sponsor:

1. Accompany the Candidate to the Dinner for Sponsors & Candidates, February 26, 4-7PM at Holy Family Parish.
2. Attend all Confirmation rehearsals.  (Dates to be announced.)
3. Attend the Liturgy of Confirmation.
4. Meet with the Candidate regularly throughout this year of preparation to discuss the Life Night topics, etc.
5. Share your faith story with the Candidate.
6. Pray for and with the Candidate.
7. Continue to be there for the Candidate and lend spiritual support after the Confirmation ceremony is over.

Sponsors are asked to download a Sponsor Form, complete it and return it to Holy Family Parish no later than October 26, 2011. 

Retreat

Retreat Location:  The Good News Center
10475 Cosby Manor Road
Utica, New York, 13502

Candidates will have a choice of two days:
Saturday, December 3, 9a-6p or Sunday, December 4, 8a-5p.

- Please arrive at Holy Family Parish 20 minutes before the start time on the day of your choice.
- Lunch and snacks will be provided.

All parents, family, sponsors and friends are asked to attend the closing Mass for the retreat at Holy Family, Saturday Mass:  5pm.  Sunday Mass:  4pm.

Service Projects

Each Candidate is responsible for completing ten hours of service:  All within the parish, on their own or a combination.  Service is giving of one’s time where payment is not received for work completed.  It is recommended that the candidate begin working on this responsibility sooner rather than later!  Please use the tracking sheet to record dates, locations, hours completed and a signature of the person for whom the Candidate volunteered for.

Note:  Community Service does not count if it is done for Parents!  That’s called chores, not service!

Suggestions

Confirmation Name

In this Sacrament of Confirmation, Candidate’s choose a name to be confirmed under.  This name should be the name of a Saint or a person from Scripture that models for them what it truly means to pursue holiness.  Candidates may choose to retain the name given to them at Baptism as a symbolic way of confirming the choice their parents made for them, which was to become a disciple of Christ.

Candidate’s Letter

Candidates are asked to write a letter to our Pastor, Fr. Prior answering the following questions:

• What does being Confirmed Catholic mean to you?
• Why do you feel you’re ready to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation?
• Why did you choose your Confirmation Name?
• Share your service experience this year.

The letter must be 4 paragraphs long with 5-7 sentences per paragraph.

Schedule

Code of Conduct

1. I realize that as a participant in the Confirmation, Faith Formation and/or Youth Ministry I represent my church community, my family and myself. I will conduct myself in an appropriate manner at all times.
2. I will treat and be treated by adult and peers with courtesy and respect. I will refrain from profanity, abusive, offensive or sexual language and/or humor. I will not engage in or permit any form of sexual activity, or unwanted touching of any kind.
3. I will not engage in any illegal activity, including possession or use of alcohol, tobacco products, or any other controlled substance, and agree that such behavior will result in me being removed from the program and/or being held by law-enforcement personnel until picked up by my parent/guardian.
4. I will respect the property of others: vehicles, public and personal lodgings, and will not engage in or permit vandalism, theft, or destruction of any kind.
5. I will comply immediately with all instructions given by an adult leader. If I have disagreements or concerns, I will bring them to the attention of the Youth Minister, Director or Priest.
6. To the extent that I am able, I will participate fully in the activities that are planned or chosen by the group or its leaders.

This page was updated on 8.23.2011.