Registration form for incoming 8th grade students wanting to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. *For students older than 8th grade wanting to complete their Sacraments of Initiation, please reach out to Jen at jen.zans@shoj.org or 913-276-3147. “Before Jesus ascended to the Father, He promised to send us His Spirit (John 16:7-8). We receive this Spirit first at Baptism, and that baptismal gift is deepened and strengthened when we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. This sacrament, instituted by Christ, effects the “special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost.” (CCC1302) Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation into the Church, together with Baptism and the Eucharist. Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which seals or “confirms” the baptized in union with Christ and equips them for active participation in the worship and apostolic life of the Church. In addition to monthly participation in Confirmation class and weekly participation in the Eucharist by attending Mass, candidates must participate in ongoing religious education in order to have a greater understanding of their faith. Parochial school attendance and/or weekly participation in Sacred Heart’s Youth Ministry on Wednesday nights fulfills this requirement. Our Youth Ministry program is a comprehensive program that allows teens to experience a holistic approach to their Catholic faith. Not only will they learn their faith, they will learn it by encountering Christ in new experiential ways—with hands on activities, games, prayer experiences (kinesthetic), lessons, witness talks, music, small group discussions (auditory), and visually through demonstrations, multimedia and more. It will reach into their everyday life and meet them where they are spiritually, mentally and physically. It will give them a toolbox to connect their faith to their everyday activities as they go through Confirmation preparation and learn what it means to be a disciple of Christ and to live out mission as they continue into High School, College and their future Vocation. To be recommended to the Archbishop for Confirmation, candidates must satisfy the following: • Excellent attendance at monthly Confirmation sessions • Complete 30 hours of Christian Service • Letter to Archbishop Naumann requesting to be Confirmed Documents and Paperwork • Baptism Certificate on file • Confirmation Sponsor Form complete by due date • Confirmation Saint Form completed by due date (Check out this great article for Saint ideas: https://lifeteen.com/blog/biggest-best-list-confirmation-saints-guys-girls/) Expectations of Parents: The formation of children into the Sacramental life is first and foremost the responsibility of parents. At Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are here to help you and be part of your team, but it is crucial that you are exemplifying the Christian faith in your home through prayer, reading Scripture, formation and the frequent reception of the Sacraments. Requirements of a Confirmation Sponsor Confirmation is closely connected to Baptism. Confirmation completes the graces you receive at Baptism. In order to keep the connection with Baptism, it is recommended that the Godparent also be the sponsor. It is permissible to choose a different sponsor. If you choose someone other than your Godparent, this should be someone that has a daily prayer life and is committed to their faith. You should trust this person and be willing to open up and talk to them. Most importantly they should be a person that is willing to take this responsibility of getting you to Heaven seriously. A Brief Overview of responsibilities of a Confirmation Sponsor • A sponsor must be 16 years old, a practicing Catholic and have received Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist. You can only have one sponsor and they cannot be your father or mother. • Sponsors are required to complete the Sponsor Eligibility Form from the Sponsor’s home parish and attend the mini retreat in April with their candidate.