Holy Spirit LifeTeen at 355 E Champlain Drive, Fresno, CA 93730-1273 US - This is where you'll find all information regarding Life Teen, our high school Youth Ministry program. Please note that all fees related to Youth Ministry at Holy Spirit may be paid online at www.holyspiritlifeteen.bigcartel.com

Celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation at Holy Spirit

Registration is closed for Confirmation 2008-2009
If you are interested in future Confirmation classes
please contact us in the LifeTeen office.

Who has time for Confirmation?

No one really does. Living in a world where our teens are constantly pressed for time, involving themselves in sports, music, drama, getting ready for college, etc., it seems difficult to think that you could squeeze in one more thing. But actually, Confirmation isn’t just one more thing. Confirmation can help us to make sense of our hectic lives. Instead of being "one more thing," it is in a category all by itself and one that helps to balance all of the other places. And besides, growing in your faith with God should be a top priority!

What is Confirmation and why should I get confirmed?

Confirmation is...

·          One of the three Sacraments of Initiation, completing your initiation into the Catholic Church

·          Confirmation strengthens and completes the outpouring of the Spirit that was given to you at 
  Baptism

·          It unites us more firmly to Christ

·          It increases and strengthens the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in us

·          It bonds us closer to the Church

·          It gives us strength to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses to Christ, to
  confess the name of Christ boldly, and to never be ashamed of the Cross

Confirmation is not...

·          Choosing to be Catholic; you're already Catholic

·          The end of your faith journey or your graduation

While it is a choice to be Confirmed (no one can force you), Confirmation is also a gift to be received. The choice is in receiving it.

How did Confirmation get started and where are we now?

·         Jesus sent the Spirit to the Apostles at Pentecost.

·         The Apostles spread the Word of God, baptized people and imparted the Holy Spirit through the  
 laying on of hands.

·         Baptism and Confirmation are linked as Initiation Sacraments for people coming into the Church, and
 you will renew your Baptismal promises at your Confirmation.

·         Confirmation solidifies the connection between the all three Sacraments of Initiation.

Why are people confirmed at different ages depending on where they live?

Canon law states that we can celebrate Confirmation at the age of discretion, which is known as 7. It also allows Bishops in each country to decide at what age they want to Confirm. And then in the US and Canada, each Bishop can set the age he considers best for his diocese. The Diocese of Fresno requires that Candidates be 16 and at least a junior in high school when confirmed, following a two year period of formation.

What can I do to make preparation for Confirmation a more worthwhile experience?

Be open.  Trust your parents, your parish, your sponsor, and God.  This is part of your faith journey.

I’ve been attending religion classes or going to Catholic school since I was 6… what else is there for me to learn?

You learn and experience differently at every age.  The things that you will learn and discuss at the age of 14, 15 or 16 are considerably different from the things you learned at the age of 6.  You will encounter new topics, regardless of how much you know, and Confirmation is all about the transformation of the heart, not stockpiling facts.

Do I have to do service projects for Confirmation?

You are called to use your gifts for others both through service and ministry. Our program requires 20 personal hours over the two-year period of formation and two group service projects.

Do I have to choose a Confirmation name?

It’s up to you!  In the Bible, conversion is often symbolized by a name change.  While your parents gave you a name at Baptism to symbolize your new life in Christ, you can choose a symbolic name at Confirmation.  Also, you should choose a name because you admire some quality of the Saint, not just because you don’t like your name or just like the Saint’s name. You also should choose a Saint’s name if you were not baptized with a Christian name.

Will I have to go to confession?  I haven’t gone in years, what will the priest think?

We do ask that you go to reconciliation as part of the process of preparing yourself to receive the Sacrament.  And the priest will be okay with it; he’ll be excited that you’re there!

Do I have to go on a retreat—what will it be like?

You will go on a retreat.   This is a time to get away from everything and focus on your faith.  It is a time of learning and growth and is usually one of people’s favorite things about the Confirmation process.

How are my parents involved in this process?  What if they aren’t involved at all?

This is something that needs to be your choice, and your parents cannot make this choice for you.  They made the choice to have you baptized, and now it is your choice to receive the gift of Confirmation. At the same time, understand they are very wise and desire for you to learn more about Confirmation.  Parents can be strong support through the process by praying for you, discussing your journey with you and helping you to keep your schedule straight!

Why do I need a sponsor?  Who can be my sponsor?  What will they do?

Your Sponsor fills the role of role model, companion, mentor, and witness for you to the entire Church.

Does my parish community do anything to help me?

Yes!  They will pray for you—each of you will be assigned to someone as a prayer partner.  They will also celebrate your Confirmation with you at Mass.

Do I have to do this now?  Can I wait a while?

If you are still trying to decide, I suggest that you look at the schedule, think about it, talk about it with  your parents, and pray about it.  You should enter into it willingly. Otherwise, you won’t get anything from the process.  You can always be confirmed later, but the gift is there, waiting for you right now.  I suggest giving it a try.  You don’t have to commit to getting confirmed right away but the process should help you know whether it is right for you at this time in your life or not!

What if I don’t feel holy or good enough for this?

If we waited until we were perfect, none of us would ever get confirmed!  God’s love is a gift; we don’t earn it.  We have the choice to accept or reject the gift.  This is not a graduation from faith; it is a step in the journey!

What happens if I choose not to be confirmed?

You will not be punished or rejected by the church.  You may experience tension at home.  Again, we would love for you to open yourself to the process and pray for God to show you His will.

When and where will we meet?

We meet on the first and third Sunday of each month during the school year, immediately following our LifeTeen Mass. During each session there will be various speakers, small group time and activities.