Confirmation
Confirmation Mass, May 6, 6:00 pm for 2026
The Sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. CCC #1285
Like the sacrament of Baptism, Confirmation makes an indelible spiritual mark- sealing the person for Christ and setting them aside for life with him.
At St Francis, preparation for Confirmation is a two-year journey starting as early as 5th grade for the 1st year and 6th grade for the 2nd year.
1. Requirements for all children preparing to receive a sacrament:
a) Attend a full year of Faith Formation classes or attendance at Catholic School the year before receiving the sacrament (80+% attendance).
b) Attend a full year of Faith Formation classes or attendance at Catholic School the year of the sacrament (80+% attendance).
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 Faith Formation programs 2026.
f) Turn in a copy of your student's baptism certificate. If baptized at St Francis, let us know and we will look up the record.
g) Parents attend the parent meeting at the beginning of the school year. (October)
h) The year of the sacrament, parent & child attend in-person workshops for the sacrament your child is preparing to receive.
i) Parent & youth schedule an interview for the readiness of the family and youth. These interviews will be held in January, February, and March.
2. Additional Requirements for 2nd-year Confirmation Students
a) Attend the Parent-Child Confirmation Workshop - Sunday, November 16, 2:00 - 3:30 pm, or Monday, November 17, 6:30-8:00 pm.
b) Attend a Confirmation Retreat
Note: If you are a student in grades 6-12 and preparing for first Communion, you will receive first Communion at Confirmation Mass
* If, for some reason, you cannot turn in your papers on the set dates, please let Janet or Mirella know. If they are not turned in on time, your child’s Sacraments can be postponed unless you have spoken to the above-named staff beforehand.
Like the sacrament of Baptism, Confirmation makes an indelible spiritual mark- sealing the person for Christ and setting them aside for life with him.
At St Francis, preparation for Confirmation is a two-year journey starting as early as 5th grade for the 1st year and 6th grade for the 2nd year.
1. Requirements for all children preparing to receive a sacrament:
a) Attend a full year of Faith Formation classes or attendance at Catholic School the year before receiving the sacrament (80+% attendance).
b) Attend a full year of Faith Formation classes or attendance at Catholic School the year of the sacrament (80+% attendance).
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 Faith Formation programs 2026.
f) Turn in a copy of your student's baptism certificate. If baptized at St Francis, let us know and we will look up the record.
g) Parents attend the parent meeting at the beginning of the school year. (October)
h) The year of the sacrament, parent & child attend in-person workshops for the sacrament your child is preparing to receive.
i) Parent & youth schedule an interview for the readiness of the family and youth. These interviews will be held in January, February, and March.
2. Additional Requirements for 2nd-year Confirmation Students
a) Attend the Parent-Child Confirmation Workshop - Sunday, November 16, 2:00 - 3:30 pm, or Monday, November 17, 6:30-8:00 pm.
b) Attend a Confirmation Retreat
- Students in grades 6-8 attend the Confirmation retreat on Saturday, March 7, 9:00 - 5:00 pm. The cost is $40, and it is due now. The Confirmation Retreat Registration will be available soon. Payment of $40 is cash or check at the parish office or online.
- Students in grades 9-12 attend a weekend Confirmation retreat on Friday -Sunday, March 13-15, 2026, in Boise, ID. The cost is $240, and it is due now and can be paid online or at the parish office. ICYC Registration is only online. Adult chaperones are needed.
- Sponsor complete Sponsor Eligibility form.
- Sponsor submits a copy of their Confirmation certificate. If the sponsor is married, submit a CATHOLIC marriage certificate.
- Sponsor and Candidate complete these 4 Sponsor Discussions: one, two, three, four
- Sponsor email [email protected] when the four sponsor-candidate discussions are complete,
- You will write a paragraph about your saint and why you chose that saint.
- Meaningful participation in service of the parish (5 hours) and wider community (5 hours).
- This Service will be documented on the Service Hour sheet
- Use this template for How to Write a Letter to Bishop. If you need a printed version, talk with Janet or Mirella.
- Email or drop off the letter to Janet. Janet’s email: [email protected]
- Attend Confirmation rehearsal with the sponsor (or another adult) on Sunday, April 26, 6:00-8:00 pm.
- Confirmation Mass with Bishop Hennen is Wednesday, May 6, 6:00 pm. Candidates and sponsors arrive one hour before Mass for instruction and a group photo.
Note: If you are a student in grades 6-12 and preparing for first Communion, you will receive first Communion at Confirmation Mass
* If, for some reason, you cannot turn in your papers on the set dates, please let Janet or Mirella know. If they are not turned in on time, your child’s Sacraments can be postponed unless you have spoken to the above-named staff beforehand.
OICA
There are additional requirements and activities for children and youth (ages 7-12) in the OCIA program seeking baptism. Click here for information on OCIA for children
For Adults see: OCIA
There are additional requirements and activities for children and youth (ages 7-12) in the OCIA program seeking baptism. Click here for information on OCIA for children
For Adults see: OCIA
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 Coordinator of Evangelization and Catechesis.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is the attire for Confirmation candidates? Nice church clothes. Dresses should be no shorter than 2 inches from the ground while kneeling. Shoulders, middles, backs, or cleavage should not show. Boys should wear a collared shirt and nice pants.
- Does my child need a candle, Bible, or rosary? No. Candidates will not have anything in their hands. Gifts can be given after the Mass. The priest will bless items after Mass at the baptismal font.
- Is photography allowed during Mass? Please limit photography from your seat during Mass. Please do not stand; there are others behind you. The bishop will be available for photos after Mass in the vestibule.
- What do sponsors for Confirmation wear? Nice church clothes. Ladies, you will go up a step and raise your hand to your candidate's shoulder, so allow at least 3 inches of extra hem.
- When is rehearsal? See #2g above
- What time is Mass and what time does my child need to arrive? See #2h
- Will there be a reception at the church after the Mass? We will have cookies and beverages after Mass.
|
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
2450 NE 27th St. Bend, Oregon 97701 Phone: (541) 382-3631 Fax: (541) 385-8879 Parish Office Hours Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wednesday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Historic Church 599 NW Lava Rd. Bend, Oregon 97703 (corner of Franklin & Lava in Downtown Bend) To Give: Thank you for your generosity. Click here. |