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Confirmation Documents
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“Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the ‘sacraments of Christian initiation…’ [T]he reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace…[B]y the sacrament of Confirmation [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285)
Since 2004, it has been the policy of the Archdiocese of New Orleans to confer the sacrament of Confirmation on students in the 11th grade, after at least two years (30 hours) of preparation. Criteria for receiving the sacrament are that the candidates (1) must be baptized; (2) must not have not been previously confirmed; and (3) must be “suitably instructed, properly disposed, and able to renew one’s baptismal promises” (Canon 889)
The Confirmation Preparation Process at St. Benilde:
Here at St. Benilde, we seek to adopt first and foremost a relational approach. Our hope is that Confirmation candidates will develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that will sustain them throughout their adult life. That they will come to know, love, and serve Christ and His Church, fully embracing a life of active discipleship.
To facilitate this process, Confirmation candidates must participate in our sacramental preparation program, which occurs within small group gatherings known as Discipleship Groups (D-Groups). These D-Groups are gender-exclusive, consisting of two safe-environment trained adult mentors and roughly 8-10 youth. They will meet a total of 8 sessions (roughly twice a month) at the date, time, and location determined by that particular group from January-late thorough mid April 2023.
Candidates must also attend a mandatory Confirmation retreat, scheduled for Saturday, March 4, from 9:00-4:00 p.m., and a Day of Service scheduled for Saturday, April 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Candidates will also attend a one-on-one interview with Fr. Mathew Johnston, pastor, late March to determine their readiness to receive this important sacrament.
Registration forms and paperwork are due by Monday, December 5, 2022, and there is a mandatory orientation for both parents and candidates on Wednesday, December 7, at 7:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria. For more information about the 2022-2023 Confirmation Program, please contact coordinator Audrey Huck at a[email protected]
Summary of Confirmation Preparation Dates & Requirements:
- Mandatory Orientation for both parents and candidates – December 7, 2022, in the Cafeteria.
- Active participation in a D-Group (consisting of approximately 8 gatherings) in the months leading up to the sacrament. At least 6 scheduled sessions must be attended to be eligible to receive the sacrament.
- Mandatory Confirmation Retreat on March 4, 2023, from 9:00-4:00 p.m. (Location St. Benilde Campus).
- Mandatory Day of Service on April 1, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Personal interview with Fr. Matthew Johnston, Pastor, in late March. These will be scheduled at a later date.
- Confirmation Sponsor Form & Confirmation Saint - Due Date TBD
- Attend Confirmation practice with your sponsor on Tuesday, April 11 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Confirmation has been set by the Archdiocese of New Orleans as Wednesday, April 12 at 7:00 p.m.
2022-2023 Confirmation Preparation Schedule
If you are an adult in need of the Sacrament of Confirmation, please click here for information about the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).