Faith Formation

Middle School Confirmation

We need our youth to lead the way into the future. It is our responsibility as mature members of the Church to impart to them what we know, including the wisdom of spiritual discernment in the Jesuit tradition.

Consistent with the vision of St. Joseph Parish's Faith Formation Program, the Confirmation Program aspires to open a process of personal and communal formation. This formational process is enlivened by the distinct character of St. Joseph Parish as a Jesuit parish; we integrate the Ignatian spiritual tradition, the invitation to serve in the parish’s social justice ministries, and an intellectual examination of the central beliefs of the Catholic faith. Through this program, our candidates build the foundation for a mature and lifelong faith that serves the world.

Eligibility of Church and School Students

St Joseph Parish will operate one Confirmation program in which catechetical instruction will be delivered at the church. 

At St. Joseph Church, Confirmation is open to teens who have reached the age of 13 or are enrolled in seventh, eighth or ninth grades. Our program meets on Sundays, supported by staff and parishioners on the Faith Formation team. 

Our expectation is that youth entering this program have received the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist, and are actively practicing their faith. If there are special circumstances that have impacted their sacramental preparation, please contact Theresa at theresal@ or 206-965-1651 or Samantha samanthab@ before registering for Confirmation. 

How to Register:

All participants (school and church) must register for the Confirmation program through the parish website, stjosephparish.org/middle-school.

Schedule

Confirmation preparation begins in October and meets through March. Sunday classes will meet from 10:30am—12:00pm in the St. Joseph School Library.  

What role will parents have?

After each class, the candidate will be sent home with conversation starters/topics to discuss with their parent(s), siblings, and/or sponsor to encourage candidate-driven and faith-focused communication. The biggest role for parents is to be present with their children and share their faith journey authentically and openly when them.  

Mass and Sacrament of Confirmation

We will try to schedule Confirmation Mass in April 2024. We will not be able to request dates to the bishops' offices until October. We will communicate with you about the date as soon as it is scheduled.

Attendance at Mass & Class Sessions

Above all, it is our expectation that youth preparing for Confirmation are active participants in the weekend liturgies at St. Joseph and are present at Confirmation classes throughout the program.

Consistent class attendance is required for teens to be on track to receive the sacrament as we value the central role of community in our faith. Please consider all sport and extracurricular schedules to ensure your child can commit to the Faith Formation program at this time. If there are other circumstances that might impact your teen's attendance, please contact us upon registering so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

After two absences, teens and their parents will be asked to attend a meeting with the Campus Minister and Director of Adult Faith Formation to discuss their intention to continue Confirmation preparation at that time.

Commitment of the Sponsor

A sponsor is a practicing, confirmed Catholic, who is at least 16 years of age. Sponsors will attend a rehearsal for the Rite of Confirmation and the Mass of Confirmation itself. If a sponsor is unable to attend the rehearsal and/or Mass, families may choose a proxy to step in for the sponsor. The same criteria for proxies apply to sponsors (practicing Catholic, fully confirmed, at least 16 years of age.) Note: parents may not be sponsors or proxies.  

Fees

The fee for the program is $200. All class materials including books, food, and retreat supplies will be provided. Financial assistance is available upon request. Confirmation registration is closed for this year.

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