CONFIRMATION:

St. Raphael begins formation to celebrate Confirmation in the seventh grade year.  Teens are to begin looking for ministry and service projects to move them into a deeper level of commitment to their Faith.  Prayer, celebration of the Sacraments and classes are important.  Five projects are suggested for this year.  With their sponsor and parents they discuss what Confirmation will mean in their lives. 

    In the eighth grade, they are invited to deepen their prayer and spiritual life.  Ministry or service projects require a greater commitment on their part as ten projects are suggested.  Academic formation focuses on the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit.  The teens discover how the Holy Spirit is active in their lives already.  They learn that, proper use of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, enlivened at Confirmation, will bring them the Fruits in abundance.  It takes much practice and prayer to reap the Fruits of the Holy Spirit, and they are blessed with a lifetime to pray, use and develop the Gifts.

    A Confirmation Retreat in the fall of eighth grade for the Candidates, gives them an opportunity to meet, pray, and form a community of Catholic young people to travel with on their Faith Journey, for the whole year and beyond.

    Parents are offered materials to help them work with their teen as the family prepares them to come to the Sacrament of Confirmation.

    A Sponsor and Candidate Retreat is offered in the spring.  Sponsor or parent and Candidate come for an evening of prayer, discussion, and reflection.  Sharing during this evening is always very vibrant and significant.

Confirmation is celebrated with a Bishop from the Archdiocese at his convenience in the spring.