Confirmation
Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the "sacraments of Christian initiation," whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For "by 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."" CCC 1285
Click here for a print-friendly version of the Confirmation 2023 Information.
1. Requirements for all children preparing to receive a sacrament:
a) Attend a full year of Faith Formation either at the parish weekly classes or in attendance at a Catholic School the year before receiving the sacrament.
b) Attend a full year of Faith Formation either at the parish weekly classes or in attendance at a Catholic School the year of the sacrament.
c) Regular attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
d) Be a registered member of St Francis Catholic parish.
e) Register with the parish Faith Formation Register Here
f) Attend 3 Parish Family Faith events for both years of preparation.
g) Attend the parent meeting at the beginning of the school year.
h) The year of the sacrament, parent & child attend four monthly in-person sacramental preparation workshops.
2. Choose a sponsor and complete four discussions with you sponsor. Be prepared to write a paragraph introducing your sponsor to Bishop Cary and telling him what you and your sponsor did in your sessions to prepare for Confirmation. When the Sponsor sessions are complete, your sponsor will send an email to faithformation@stfrancisbend.org no later than March 15 2023.
Guidelines to be a sponsor, Sponsor Discussion 1 , Sponsor Discussion 2 , Sponsor Discussion 3 , Sponsor Discussion 4
3. Give service to your family, your community and your church. Be prepared to write a paragraph about what you did and how your service helped others.
4. Attend a Confirmation Retreat
5. Write a letter to Bishop Cary. Follow this link for help in writing your letter How to Write a Letter to Bishop. Deliver your letter to Janet Deppmeier by email or drop off at the parish office no later than March 15, 2023. We will deliver all of the letters from St Francis candidates to Bishop together in one envelope.
6. Parent and candidate attend the interview.
7. Attend the Confirmation rehearsal with your sponsor (or another adult) on Sunday, April 30, at 6:00 pm. Candidate and sponsor (or proxy) attend.
8. Confirmation Mass is at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Candidates and Sponsors arrive at 6:00 PM for instruction from Bishop Cary and a group photo.
9. If you are preparing to receive 1st Communion and Confirmation, you will receive 1st Communion at the Confirmation Mass.
10. If you are preparing to receive Baptism, 1st Communion, and Confirmation, you will receive all three sacraments at the Easter Vigil. See the RCIA requirements and dates. RCIA for children
Click here for a print-friendly version of the Confirmation 2023 Information.
1. Requirements for all children preparing to receive a sacrament:
a) Attend a full year of Faith Formation either at the parish weekly classes or in attendance at a Catholic School the year before receiving the sacrament.
b) Attend a full year of Faith Formation either at the parish weekly classes or in attendance at a Catholic School the year of the sacrament.
c) Regular attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
d) Be a registered member of St Francis Catholic parish.
e) Register with the parish Faith Formation Register Here
f) Attend 3 Parish Family Faith events for both years of preparation.
g) Attend the parent meeting at the beginning of the school year.
h) The year of the sacrament, parent & child attend four monthly in-person sacramental preparation workshops.
- Sunday November 13, 2:00-3:30 pm or Monday November 14, 6:30-8:00 pm
- Sunday January 8, 2:00-3:30 pm or Monday January 9, 6:30-8:00 pm
- Sunday February 5, 2:00-3:30 pm or Monday February 6, 6:30-8:00 pm
- Sunday March 5, 2:00-3:30 pm or Monday March 6, 6:30-8:00 pm
2. Choose a sponsor and complete four discussions with you sponsor. Be prepared to write a paragraph introducing your sponsor to Bishop Cary and telling him what you and your sponsor did in your sessions to prepare for Confirmation. When the Sponsor sessions are complete, your sponsor will send an email to faithformation@stfrancisbend.org no later than March 15 2023.
Guidelines to be a sponsor, Sponsor Discussion 1 , Sponsor Discussion 2 , Sponsor Discussion 3 , Sponsor Discussion 4
3. Give service to your family, your community and your church. Be prepared to write a paragraph about what you did and how your service helped others.
4. Attend a Confirmation Retreat
- Students in grades 6-8, attend the Confirmation Retreat on Saturday, March 4 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Cost is $40. Registration is required. Confirmation Retreat 2023 Registration
- Students in grades 9-12, attend the weekend Confirmation Retreat on Friday-Sunday, March 10-12. Cost is $180. Registration is required.
5. Write a letter to Bishop Cary. Follow this link for help in writing your letter How to Write a Letter to Bishop. Deliver your letter to Janet Deppmeier by email or drop off at the parish office no later than March 15, 2023. We will deliver all of the letters from St Francis candidates to Bishop together in one envelope.
6. Parent and candidate attend the interview.
7. Attend the Confirmation rehearsal with your sponsor (or another adult) on Sunday, April 30, at 6:00 pm. Candidate and sponsor (or proxy) attend.
8. Confirmation Mass is at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Candidates and Sponsors arrive at 6:00 PM for instruction from Bishop Cary and a group photo.
9. If you are preparing to receive 1st Communion and Confirmation, you will receive 1st Communion at the Confirmation Mass.
10. If you are preparing to receive Baptism, 1st Communion, and Confirmation, you will receive all three sacraments at the Easter Vigil. See the RCIA requirements and dates. RCIA for children
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions for answers to your questions.
What is the attire for my child's sacrament Mass?
Does my child need a candle, Bible, or rosary?
Is photography allowed during Mass?
What do sponsors for Easter Vigil and Confirmation wear?
When is rehearsal?
What time is Mass and what time does my child need to arrive?
Will there be a reception at the church after the Mass?
What is the attire for my child's sacrament Mass?
Does my child need a candle, Bible, or rosary?
Is photography allowed during Mass?
What do sponsors for Easter Vigil and Confirmation wear?
When is rehearsal?
What time is Mass and what time does my child need to arrive?
Will there be a reception at the church after the Mass?
RICA
There are additional requirements and activities for children and youth (age 7-12) in the RCIA program seeking baptism. Click here for information for RCIA for children
For Adults see: RCIA
There are additional requirements and activities for children and youth (age 7-12) in the RCIA program seeking baptism. Click here for information for RCIA for children
For Adults see: RCIA
Note for unique situations: These requirements are the norm, but we understand that families might have unique situations. To discuss your situation, call the office at (541) 382-3631 and ask to be transferred to the Director of Faith Formation.
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
2450 NE 27th St. Bend, Oregon 97701 Phone: (541) 382-3631 Fax: (541) 385-8879 Office Hours Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. To Give: Thank you for your generosity, click here. |