Confirmation

What is Confirmation?

The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the grace of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism & First Holy Communion) by a special outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which seal or “confirm” the baptized in union with Christ and equip them for full, active participation in the worship of the Church.

Family Requirements for Confirmation

St. Jude of the Lake’s sacramental preparation program is family-oriented. Parents, as the primary educator of your child, your faith journey is important to us. We only see your children for less than 24 hours of instruction time/year meaning you get most of the deep questions of the faith. We are here to support and encourage you as parents on your faith journey too. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Deacon Pavlick or Ryan Scherber for advice or with questions.

Confirmation Registration and Information Night:

Parents: Mark your calendar for the Mandatory Parent Meeting on September 25th from 4:30 to 5:15 PM.

If you cannot attend this meeting please contact Ryan Scherber to arrange a meeting date.

All families must sign up for Flocknote and opt-in to the 24-25 Confirmation Parish Group. To sign up for Flocknote go to stjudeofthelake.flocknote.com/

Family Expectations: 

Parents will:

• Attend the Parent Meeting or meet with Ryan Scherber before class begins.
• Help get their son or daughter to mass, attend all sessions, do makeup work if they miss a session, communicate needed information to students, and that their child attends the Confirmation retreat.
• Attend the final class of the year, May 7th from 4:15 – 5:30 PM.

Dear Parents, I want to emphasize how vital your role is in preparing your child for this important sacrament. As the primary educators of your children, you are the first to introduce them to the faith and guide them on their journey to relationship with God. Your example as committed parents—regularly attending Mass, living out your faith, and nurturing their spiritual growth—speaks volumes. You are called to help your child reflect prayerfully on the decision to receive Confirmation and to assist them in their immediate preparation through prayer, study, and Christian service. While you cannot serve as their sponsor, your active participation in their formation, including attending meetings, mass, adoration, and supporting their service projects, underscores the sacrament’s significance. Encourage them to see Confirmation not just as a rite of passage, but as a lifelong commitment to living out their faith and an outpouring of grace, giving the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Your support, prayer, and involvement are essential in helping your child embrace the fullness of the gifts and grace this sacrament offers.

Eligible candidates will:

• Attend Sunday Mass and observe holy days of obligation
• Be open to the faith and teachings of the Magisterium.
• Complete the requirements for Confirmation. 
• Complete the Sponsor activities with their sponsor. 
• In the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Confirmation is usually received in eighth grade or later.

Confirmation Focus

The focus of our Confirmation is to bring students into a deeper relationship with Our Lord and his Church. We use a “small group” model where all students are assigned to a small group (6-8 students of a single gender.) Adult Parishioners,  Parent volunteers, and St. John Vianney students at the University of St. Thomas lead the small groups. We typically watch an opening topic/video in small groups and discuss the content.

If a student misses a class, the student will be expected to make up the work. Contact Ryan for instructions.

Confirmation Sponsors

Sponsors play a huge role under Archbishop Hebda’s leadership in the Archdiocese, and we follow his lead. 

A Confirmation Sponsor is a person who is responsible for helping the confirmand (confirmation candidate) live as a witness to Christ by witnessing to Christ in their own life and encouraging the confirmand. Sponsors should pray for the confirmand daily and practice their own faith well. Confirmation sponsors are expected to meet with their confirmation candidates throughout the year and work together on a faith journey to help guide them closer to Christ and his Church. 

Important Dates to Note:

• Wednesday, May 7th: Confirmand’s last class
• Wednesday, May 14th: Sponsor Retreat at St. Jude of the Lake 
• Sunday, May 18th: Rite of Sending at St. Jude of the Lake 
• Tuesday, May 27th: Confirmation at the Cathedral of St. Paul