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).
We are a 1-year program, and Nativity confirms in 9th grade. 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 - 8 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, two seminarians will regularly teach classes and lead sessions. We will be using materials from LifeTeen and other resources 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, please contact Emily to make other arrangements. The Parent Meeting will be Sunday, November 19, 2024 from 6:30 - 8 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 virtual and in-person Sponsor Meeting will be Sunday, December 17, 2024.
Virtual will happen on Zoom from 4 - 5:30 pm.
In-person will happen at Nativity from 6:30 – 8 pm.
- 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 Form (due by sponsor on December 1, 2023)
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 for your family in the 2024 school year: Jan 20 - 22, Feb 10 - 11, Feb 24 - 25, Mar 16 - 17, or Apr 13 - 14 at the NET Center in West Saint Paul.
Cost is $175 per teen. If cost is a barrier for your family, please contact Emily.
Retreat Details | REGISTER HERE
Saint Project Instructions (due by March 22, 2024)
- 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 April 12, 2024)
- 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 May 3, 2024)
Surveys will be used instead of an interview to capture feedback and access the candidate's readiness. Surveys are completed in the spring during class time.
In-person and virtual dates TBD. Sometime in April.
Thursday, April 25 at 7 pm at the Basilica of St. Mary
Confirmation 2023-2024 Registration
Confirmation 2023-2024 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.
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 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