“And while staying with them Jesus charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, He said, ‘You heard from me, for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit'”
(Acts 1:4-5)
Confirmation is a Sacrament of Initiation in the Catholic Church in which the candidate receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit by the Bishop who extends his hand and anoints with the chrism oil. The Sacrament of Confirmation enables the faithful to receive the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as was given to the apostles on Pentecost, strengthening them in Christian life.
At St. Joseph Parish, the Confirmation Program extends two years during 7th and 8th grade. The program used is Chosen: Your Journey Toward Confirmation and includes twenty-four lessons to prepare the students both intellectually and spiritually to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and to become lifelong disciples of Christ. The material, which uses a mix of media, is comprehensive, relevant and effective.
The program is taught by volunteer Catechists. Classes are made up of all girls or all boys. Classes remain intact for two years. The program involves classroom sessions, special events and both individual and group service. The program culminates with the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring of the 8th grade year.
All Kindergarten through 8th grade students register together atCOME HOLY SPIRIT, FILL THE HEARTS OF YOUR FAITHFUL AND KINDLE IN THEM THE FIRE OF YOUR LOVE. SEND FORTH YOUR SPIRIT AND THEY SHALL BE CREATED. AND YOU SHALL RENEW THE FACE OF THE EARTH. O, GOD, WHO BY THE LIGHT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, DID INSTRUCT THE HEARTS OF THE FAITHFUL, GRANT THAT BY THE SAME HOLY SPIRIT WE MAY BE TRULY WISE AND EVER REJOICE IN HIS CONSOLATIONS, THROUGH CHRIST OUR LORD, AMEN