What is Confirmation?
Baptism, the Eucharist and confirmation together constitute the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. 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.
Director of Faith Formation: Diane Kiradjieff, 704-543-7677 x1038
Sacramental Coordinator, Confirmation: Amy Bojarski, 704-543-7677 x
Adults seeking confirmation should inquire about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Program by calling Rachel Willoughby 704-543-7677 x1020
Getting Ready: The Conversation
Have a conversation with your teen about the sacrament, keeping in mind…
-
- Confirmation is not a graduation, it is the completion of an initiation;
- Confirmation does not ‘make them a Catholic’ – they already are Catholic by their baptism;
- Confirmation is accepting God’s grace into their life and heart.
Encourage your teen to begin considering who they would like to serve as their sponsor and encourage your teen to also consider which saint they would like to be interceding on their behalf (and the name they will use at Confirmation) – see sponsor information under “Documents Required and Due Dates”
Confirmation Process at St. Matthew
We understand that every youth’s faith journey is as unique as they are. Therefore, our Confirmation program combines flexible catechesis with countless parish life opportunities that inspire the youth to enter an active life of faith as a confirmed Catholic. The confirmation process takes place in two parts. The first is designed to strengthen the youth’s Catholic foundation and knowledge before they enter into the second part, which specifically prepares them for the sacrament.
INVITED: Part One of the Confirmation Process
If a youth is in Catholic school, the first part of the process takes place within the school. If a youth is in public or private (not Catholic) school, the first part of the process takes place within Faith Formation in our new INVITED program.
INVITED is six faith content courses offered in seven-week trimesters during the program year. Beginning in 2023, the courses will be offered as a summer option as well.
IGNITE: Part Two of the Confirmation Process
Once a youth is in eighth grade or older, and he or she has completed the INVITED program, or at least one year of Catholic school prior to eighth grade, the second part of the process may begin – the IGNITE program. Regardless of what school a youth is attending, this part of the process must be completed in the parish. IGNITE is offered as a seven-week course that may be taken during the fall, winter or spring. Included in the course is a day retreat for the parent and teen to participate in together, along with the sponsor if he or she is available.
How to Register (Coming Soon!)
2022-2023 REGISTRATION FOR FAMILIES IN CATHOLIC SCHOOL
2022-2023 REGISTRATION FOR FAMILIES IN PUBLIC/PRIVATE (NOT CATHOLIC) SCHOOL (opens July 12, 2022)
