Teens & Parents,
It is with great joy that we embark upon this year together in preparation for confirmation! Why is this sacrament relevant? It prepares the confirmand for a lifelong journey with Christ—a journey we pray culminates in heaven!
The Code of Canon Law explains: “The sacrament of confirmation strengthens the baptized and obliges them more firmly to be witnesses of Christ by word and deed and to spread and defend the faith. It imprints a character, enriches by the gift of the Holy Spirit the baptized continuing on the path of Christian initiation, and binds them more perfectly to the Church” (Can. 879).
In years prior, confirmation at Nativity was a 2-year program. This year, we are becoming a 1-year program. This means last year's 1st year students and this year's freshman will be confirmed together. We will continue to build upon the formation the first year students received last year through the introduction of a new curriculum while working alongside a fresh team of catechists to provide the most robust program we can for these youth. Moving forward, Nativity will now confirm 9th graders. If your student is older than 9th grade and wishes to be confirmed, please do not hesitate to contact Emily; we would love to have him/her join us!
All sessions will be from 6:30 - 7:45 pm every Wednesday evening throughout the school year. Please see the calendar below for more details.
Registration Fee (subject to change): $85- 1 Child; $150 - 2 Children; $200 - Family Max.
This year, we are pleased to partner again with the St. John Vianney Seminary for confirmation. With the direction of staff, four seminarians will regularly teach classes and lead sessions. We will be using materials from LifeTeen for confirmation preparation.
Here are the confirmation preparation components required for this year:
- Attend Confirmand & Parent Meetings
Meetings will consist of formation, conversation, prayer, and overview of the sacrament. At least one parent needs to be present; both parents preferred. If a parent or student cannot attend, both parent and student will meet with Emily to cover the content. The Parent Meeting will be Sunday, November 6 from 6:30 - 7:45 pm at Nativity of Mary.
- Attend Confirmand & Sponsor Meetings
Meetings will consist of formation, conversation, prayer, and overview of the sacrament. If a sponsor or student cannot attend, both sponsor and student will meet with Emily to cover the content. The Sponsor Meeting will be Sunday, December 11 from 6:30 – 7:45 pm at Nativity of Mary.
- Attend Mass on all Sundays (or vigil Masses) and Holy Days of Obligation
Request for Baptismal Certificate Form (only necessary to send to your teen's parish of baptism if he/she was not baptized at Nativity)
Sponsor Sheet (due by parents and confirmands on December 1, 2022)
Sponsor Form (due by sponsor on December 1, 2022)
Mail completed forms to Nativity of Mary (attn: Kelly Schumacher) or email kschumacher@nativitybloomington.org.
- Attend Confirmation Retreat
This retreat is intended for teens to encounter Jesus personally, grow in fellowship with peers, and learn about the sacrament of confirmation. Please select which weekend works best: February 18 – 19, 2022 or March 18 - 19, 2022 at the NET Center in West Saint Paul.
Retreat Details (registration coming soon)
Saint Project Instructions (due by March 31, 2023)
- Complete a Letter of Intent
Addressed to our pastor Father Nathan LaLiberte. Between 1 - 2 pages double spaced explaining why you wish to be confirmed/fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
Mail letters to Nativity of Mary (attn: Kelly Schumacher) or email kschumacher@nativitybloomington.org (due by March 31, 2023)
- Complete 3-5 Confirmation Missions
Confirmation missions consist of a variety of ways of living out the faith. These include attending daily Mass, praying a rosary, going to confession, serving at Nativity, etc.
Visit the form for examples and to upload missions (due by April 28, 2023)
- UPDATE: NO Pre-Confirmation Interview
Surveys were used instead of the interview to capture feedback.
Held on Sunday, April 30 at Nativity from 6:30 - 7:45 pm; sponsor and confirmand are required to attend. Parents are encouraged.
Virtual rehearsal will be Monday, May 1 from 6:30 - 8 pm on Zoom. Zoom link forthcoming.
Thursday, May 11 at 7 pm at the Cathedral of St. Paul
Confirmation 2022-2023 Registration
Confirmation 2022-2023 Calendar
Teens: Looking for More?
LifeLine is back! Check out this flyer to participate in monthly youth gatherings held at the NET Center in West St. Paul. Evenings include Mass, Adoration, worship, talks, and fellowship. Open to all 9 - 12 graders.
Nativity of Mary and St. Bonaventure's will be teaming up in the new year (2023) to offer a monthly youth ministry called Teen Nights! You can learn more here.
Interested in Serving?
We are looking for individuals who love the Catholic faith and desire to be invested in the lives of young people. Serve our middle school and/ high school students to help them encounter Christ, learn the faith, and grow in community. No experience necessary. Training provided. If interested, please contact Emily Dalsky at the parish.
It is an honor to serve your teen in preparation for this wonderful sacrament. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns, or comments.
-Emily Dalsky, Director of Evangelization & Faith Formation
edalsky@nativitybloomington.org or 952.881.8671 x8067