Confirmation

Confirmation is a Catholic sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. Like Baptism and Eucharist, it is a Sacrament of Initiation for Catholics and a Sacrament of faith in God's fidelity to us.

Letters were sent in June to registered parishioners who have a 10th grader  or older who may be eligible to prepare for Confirmation in the spring of 2012.  This information includes an introductory letter, a schedule of sessions (choice of 2) a registration form, and a Religious Ed. schedule

Candidates are expected to participate in the confirmation process and religious education classes with the exception of Catholic School students. Catholic School students only need to participate in confirmation process since they receive regular formation sessions at school.

Confirmation 2012

Complete information packet (letter, schedule and registration form)

Parent Orientation

• WINTER SESSION Sunday January 29, 2012 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. in Herbert Hall

Diocesan and Parish Expectations:  Scheduled preparation classes, 1 retreat and participation in religious education classes.  Exemption from religious education classes are students in Catholic School.

Retreats

Candidates are expected to attend one retreat..  The retreat will be held on Sunday February 12, 2012 and February 19, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. then gathering for Mass at St. Edward at 5:00 p.m.  On your registration form, please choose one of these dates.  The retreats will be held at Roslyn Episcopal Retreat Center on River Road.

If your candidate cannot attend one of the parish retreats, the parent and candidate will need to make arrangements with another parish or the diocese to fulfill this diocesan requirement. Please be aware that there may be an additional charge for a non-parish retreat.

Student Sessions

WINTER SESSION:  Sunday January 29, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. in Herbert Hall  Sessions conclude with Mass at 5:00 p.m. and the retreat session EITHER Sunday February 12 OR February 19, 2012 (see Retreat information above.)

MYSTAGOGIA: Sunday, June 10, 2012 at 10:00am in Herbert Hall
Both Summer and Spring session attendees are required to attend this reflection on the reception of the Sacrament gathering.

Diocesan Policies

St. Edward Church follows the new diocesan policy for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation for Confirmation.

• The preparation process should be similar to that for a baptized adult who seeks the Sacrament of Confirmation.
• The number of preparation sessions for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be limited to approximately 12-15 hours with specific goals and objectives prescribed for each session.
• Confirmation preparation must be separate and distinct from formal religious education and catechesis for the high school youth. This will ensure that appropriate attention is paid to both Confirmation preparation and catechesis. It is important to emphasis that catechesis is a lifelong endeavor to learn about our Catholic Christian faith.
• Preparation and reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation and reception of the Sacrament may occur as early as the 10th grade year.

Before a youth can celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation, the candidate needs to participate fully in the process by attending the candidate sessions:  in the Summer or Spring and participate in one retreat.

A candidate also needs to be registered for Religious Education classes throughout the High School years including the year of confirmation preparation unless a candidate is attending Catholic School.  Classes are offered during Summer Loreto or the School Year Sunday mornings 9:55-11:05am or evenings 6:30-8:00pm.

Parents, Sponsors & Ministers in Partnership

The Church teaches that the primary role in the religious education of children is the one that parents/guardians carry out simply by being Christian parents. Our process recognizes this truth and supports parents as partners in this ministry. We want this partnership of parents/guardians, sponsors and the parish community working together for the good of our youth as they prepare to encounter Christ and the Holy Spirit in our sacramental way of life. Catechists will work alongside parents/guardians and sponsors in preparing the candidates for the sacrament. Members of the parish will conduct special celebrations to introduce the youth to the experience of the sacrament. Working together, we hope to offer the very best preparation for Confirmation. We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with your family this year.

Registration

Families are asked to complete the Confirmation Registration form. You can also obtain one from the parish office. You may return it along with a payment of $95 for materials and retreat or request a scholarship at the beginning of the process. All information is confidential. You may return the form to us through the mail, fax, email or stop by the office.  You may even drop it in the collection basket.  Be sure to mark an envelope with Office of Christian Formation-Confirmation. If your child was not baptized at St. Edward Church, please be sure to supply us with a copy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate. The church must have a copy of the Baptismal certificate in order for the candidate to be confirmed. Even if your child celebrated First Eucharist at St. Edward, please supply a new copy.

If you require additional information about this year's Confirmation program please email Peggy Byers or call her on 864-4714. Or, email Dr. Margaret McKinnon or call her on 864-4715.

Checklist

• Contact info: Peggy Byers at 864-4714 or Joan Nelson at 864-4708.
• Return your completed Data form along with a copy of your Baptismal certificate and payment to St. Edward the Confessor Church, 2700 Dolfield Drive, Richmond, VA  23235.
• Attend Confirmation Preparation sessions (see schedule). Make up work for a missed class is due by the next class.
• Identify a sponsor as soon as possible so he/she can be a part of your preparation.  Inform the office of your sponsor's name no later than January 29, 2012.
• Attend one Confirmation Retreat:  Winter session participants retreat will be held in February 2012 at Roslyn Episcopal Retreat Center on River Road.  Participants must list their retreat selection on their registration form.  See Retreat section above.
• Make sure office has all information: Sponsor’s name, Confirmation Saint’s name, number of seats reserved for family and guests at Confirmation Liturgy, etc. by March 31, 2012.