St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church

When is the deadline for participants to enroll in Confirmation 2013?

An information flyer, enrollment form, and calendar are mailed to all parish households with a teen who is a current high school freshman in October. If you do not receive a packet, please contact Amy Panek, apanek@stmargaretsparish.org or 246-6800 to request a packet. The deadline for registration is Sunday, November 20, 2011.

Absolutely no registrations will be accepted after the opening retreat.

What is the fee for the Confirmation program?

The cost of the program is $70 per person.   Registrations turned in after November 20, 2011 will be charged a $20 late fee.   The money is used for expenses associated with group meetings, sponsor/candidate meetings, and retreats.

What are the components of the Confirmation Program?

Small Group Meetings - Teens preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation investigate their Catholic faith by participating in small group meetings held on Sunday evenings, occasionally with the youth group, over one calendar year.

Sponsor/Candidate Meetings - Candidate for Confirmation select an adult sponsor, who helps the teen prepare for the sacrament and serves as a witness to its reception. Sponsor/Candidate meetings are held on Sunday afternoons throughout the year. Large group sessions focus on the wisdom and worship of the Roman Catholic Church, including the Sacraments. In December, sponsors and candidates will share in the final retreat.

Retreats - Confirmation candidates take part in two retreats before receiving the sacrament. The opening retreat is with their small groups in January. The final retreat is with their sponsor in December.

Rite - In November, the teens will participate in the Rite of Choosing during Mass.

Service - Since living lives of service is an important aspect of carrying out our faith, teens preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation will participate in and reflect on several service experiences. We are called to be Jesus for one another; service helps us respond to that call. Each teen will serve at St. James Soup Kitchen the month their small group discusses Peace & Justice. They will also join the youth group for another service opportunity in November. Five times throughout the year, as listed on the calendar, teens must come to Confirmation prepared to reflect on a service experience. Service opportunities will be posted on a table as the teens enter church every time they meet.

Interview - Personal interviews with all Confirmation candidates will be conducted in November.

Confirmation Name - Each of those to be confirmed should choose an appropriate Confirmation name. One name only is chosen. This name should be that of a recognized saint in the Church's tradition. Because this is a significant sacramental celebration, names that are very unusual or contrary to Catholic tradition are discouraged. Names should be of like gender to the confirmed. The Confirmation name should be presented in its proper form, rather than in the diminutive (eg. John, instead of Jack; Susan, instead of Sue). To help in your selection, you can refer to the Patron Saint Index (by topic and name): http://saints.sqpn.com/indexsnt.htm