Confirmation prepares high students for the Sacrament of Confirmation to help them build a closer relationship with God beyond Catechism.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The confirmation program at St. Lorenzo Ruiz is a two year preparation process. It is open to high school students between the ages of 13 and 17 years old.
Students attend a weekly class session where they
further explore their faith. They engage in discussions, group activities, and talks led by trained catechists. With their parents and sponsors, they attend evenings of reflection during the advent and Lenten seasons. In addition, they go on a retreat each year to help them on their spiritual journey.
Students are introduced to the community by hosting masses throughout the year. They are also asked to complete twenty service hours each year, a portion of which needs to be done at the parish. All of these combined together help to prepare each candidate to receive the sacrament of confirmation.
YOUR SPONSOR
· Your sponsor should be willing and able to participate in your formation for Confirmation. They should be willing and able to attend certain Confirmation sessions.
· The person you choose as your sponsor should be someone that you admire and respect and who actively lives out the beliefs of our Catholic faith. Ø
· Your sponsor should be someone that you trust and feel comfortable turning to for help, advice and guidance, especially in regard to your spiritual life. Ø
· Your sponsor should be someone who, through his/her example, shows you what it means to be Catholic and who will take an active role in your preparation for Confirmation.
· After you receive the Sacrament of Confirmation your relationship with your sponsor DOES NOT END. You both are called to lead each other closer to God, to continue to grow in knowledge of your faith, and to challenge one another to lead lives of holiness and service.
· PRAY! Spend some time asking God for guidance on whom to choose as your sponsor.
YOUR SAINT AND CONFIRMATION
Choosing a patron saint is a big deal and the decision of which one to choose should be taken seriously. You should decide what the saint will represent to you. Patron saints represent everything from specific geographic areas to diseases, occupations, and specific problems. If you're not familiar with what the saints represent, research is definitely in order. The saint you choose will always be with you. Your saint will intercede for you in Heaven and having one for your Confirmation and beyond is similar to having a relative who you look up to and whom you would like to emulate. Your saint will become like extended family to you and will pray to God on your behalf any time you ask. Of course, you can pray to whichever saint you like after your Confirmation, but the saint you choose will always be yours. This is why it's so important to make an informed, meaningful decision.
Choosing a saint isn't a difficult process but it can be time consuming and confusing. Research is the key to choosing a patron saint that is best suited for you and you should understand that there is no right or wrong saint. Find one whose life speaks to you or who otherwise touches you in some way. Prayer may also be helpful when seeking guidance.