Confirmation

Confirmation Mass, May 4, 2025, 3:00 pm

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.

Printable version of the Confirmation 25 guidelines.
Versión imprimible de las directrices de Confirmación 25.

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 parish Faith Formation programs. Registration for 2024-2025 is closed. Registration is open again in June 2025.
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. Due by Nov 6
g) Attend 3 Parish Family Faith events for both years of preparation and be ready to share at your interview.
h) Parents attend the parent meeting at the beginning of the school year. (October)
i) The year of the sacrament, parent & child attend four monthly in-person sacramental preparation workshops.

Sunday, November 3, 2:00-3:30 pm or Monday, November 4, 6:30-8:00 pm
Sunday, December 8, 2:00-3:30 pm or Monday, December 9, 6:30-8:00 pm
Sunday, January 12, 2:00-3:30 pm or Monday, January 13, 6:30-8:00 pm
Sunday, February 9, 2:00-3:30 pm or Monday, February 10, 6:30-8:00 pm

j) Parent & child schedule an interview for the readiness of the family and child. These interviews will be held in March.

2. Additional Requirements for 2nd year Confirmation Students

a) Sign Petition to be Confirmed and turn in by November 6

b) Choose a sponsor (read Choosing a Sponsor) - There is only to be one sponsor for Confirmation or OCIA

Sponsor complete Sponsor Eligibility form. Due no later than January 15.
Sponsor submit a copy of their baptismal certificate. If the sponsor is married, submit a CATHOLIC marriage certificate. Due no later than January 15.
Sponsor and Candidate complete these 4 Sponsor Discussions: one, two, three, four
Sponsor email [email protected] when the four sponsor-candidate discussions are complete, no later than February 12

c) Choose a saint for your Confirmation Name.
You will write a paragraph about your saint and why you chose that saint.

d) Service
Meaningful participation in service of the parish (5 hours) and wider community (5 hours).
This Service will be documented on the Service Hour sheet and turned in by February 12*

e) Attend a Confirmation Retreat

Students in grades 6-8 attend the Confirmation retreat on Saturday, March 1, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm. The cost is $40 and due now. Online registration will be available in December.

Students in grades 9-12 attend a weekend Confirmation retreat on Friday -Sunday, March 7-9, 2025, in Nampa, ID. The cost is $240 and due now. When Online Registration opens, we will email you the link. Adult chaperones are needed.

f) Write a letter to Bishop Cary (if you are coming into the church on Easter Vigil, write your letter to Fr Jose)

Look at the Confirmation page on the website to find “How to write a letter to Bishop” If you need a printed version talk with Janet or Mirella.
Email or drop off letter to Janet no later than February 12*
Janet’s email: [email protected]

g) Interview
Parents and candidates attend an interview to assess sacramental readiness. Interviews will be held in January, February and March.

h) Confirmation rehearsal
Attend Confirmation rehearsal with the sponsor (or another adult) on Sunday, April 27, at 6:30-8:00 pm.

i) Confirmation Mass
Confirmation Mass with Bishop Cary is Sunday, May 4, at 3:00 pm. Candidates arrive one hour before Mass for 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 above named staff beforehand

RICA
There are additional requirements and activities for children and youth (ages 7-12) in the RCIA program seeking baptism. Click here for information on 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 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, or backs 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 #7 above
What time is Mass and what time does my child need to arrive? See #8
Will there be a reception at the church after the Mass? We will have cookies and beverages after Mass.