CONFIRMATION PREP

JUST GETTING STARTED? BEGIN HERE!

Beginning this year, our Confirmation program will transition from a two-year formation process to a one-year program beginning sophomore year of high school. All teens who enrolled for the Confirmation Program last year (24-25) will continue their preparation as planned. New inquiries will follow the guidelines of our new program to find the best place for each teen based on their needs.

Register Here

WHO SHOULD APPLY TO CONFIRMATION PREP?

A teen must meet the following requirements before enrolling in Confirmation Prep:

  • Baptized validly as a Christian (Baptismal Certificate required)

  • Received their first Holy Communion

  • Participates weekly in Sunday Mass

  • Professes faith in Jesus Christ and has a personal desire to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation

  • Completed at least one year of high school

  • Family must be registered parishioners of St. Mark for at least 6 months*

*We are now requiring all Confirmation Candidates and their families to be registered parishioners of St. Mark.

  • If you have not already registered, but regularly attend Mass at St. Mark, please visit the parish website to do so and register to participate in Life Teen this year!
  • If you are looking at our program, but are registered at another parish and need to attend preparation with our parish due to a schedule conflict, please contact Megan in the Youth Office before registering. 210-494-1959 ext. 332

 

PLEASE NOTE: If there is anything preventing a teen from beginning Confirmation Prep (such as a lack of desire for the sacrament, not yet being baptized, or not participating in Mass regularly) we still want them to feel at home! They are always welcome at youth activities such as Life Teen and retreats and can let us know what questions or concerns they have about faith, Catholicism, or religion in general.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Step 1: Meet the requirements listed above and reach out to parish staff if you have any questions or concerns.

Step 2: Submit a Registration Form and then complete payment 

Step 3: Upon reception of welcome email from staff, review the calendar, paperwork, and important dates for Confirmation and have candidate fill out the Confirmation Prep: Initial Interview form before the first Confirmation session. 

 

What if my child is a freshman in high school?

Due to the changes we are making to our program, we will not be accepting any freshman into our Confirmation Prep classes. However, we still want to accompany them on their journey of faith and welcome them into our St. Mark Young Church community.

All Freshman are invited to:

  • attend our monthly Life Teen sessions - view the calendar for Life Teen here
  • come on St. Mark high school retreats - Spring Retreat, Inspiration SA, Youth Spectacular, Teen ACTS, Summer  Camp, Steubenville Lone Star, etc. 
  • earn service hours - view service hour requirements here

 

FURTHER DETAILS

Participating in Holy Mass

Everything we do on our Catholic journey proceeds from and leads us back to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, in particular, the Eucharist. By actively participating in liturgical worship as a community, we encounter the great mystery of Christ's love for us and the whole world. Those preparing for Confirmation are strongly encouraged to serve in a Liturgical Ministry (Lector, Usher, Choir, Altar Server) at the 5pm Sunday Mass. Visit this page for the Liturgy Coordinator's contact information. 

Life Teen

Life Teen provides the youth of St. Mark with the opportunity to build friendships as they grow in their faith. During Life Nights, teens will learn more about God and His Church and be encouraged to participate in the larger parish community alongside their peers. The curriculum for Life Teen is based on what teens want to know, the questions they are asking about the faith, and how to respond to topics that are relevant to the situations they face in their daily lives.   

Confirmation Prep

Confirmation Prep builds on candidates' experiences in Life Teen, calling them to deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through a life of Christian discipleship and active participation God's plan of salvation. These sessions will focus on more specific topics relating to the Sacrament of Confirmation. During their year of preparation, candidates will 1) participate in weekly formation sessions, 2) choose a sponsor, 3) participate in service, 4) choose a patron saint, and 5) participate in the annual Spring Retreat.

The deadline to register for Confirmation Prep is Friday, September 19th. Those that miss the deadline to register for Confirmation Prep are invited to participate in Life Teen and other St. Mark Young Church events, but will not be allowed to join Confirmation Prep late. 

 

Please review the dates, attendance policy, and required forms by clicking here.