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St. Mark Parish and School Celebrates 136 Years Serving the Catholic Faithful

Confirmation Preparation

Dear Parents and Families,

This year marks a special moment in our parish as we continue preparing students in grades 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 for the Sacrament of Confirmation, following the guidelines of Archbishop William Lori. With the lowering of the age for Confirmation, we want to ensure that no student is left behind during this transition, which is why all grades will be included together in preparation.

Confirmation is not graduation from faith formation—it is a strengthening of the grace of baptism and a deepening of your child’s relationship with Christ and the Church. It is our prayer that this journey will inspire them to live their faith with courage, hope, and love.

Because we anticipate a larger group this year, we will need additional volunteers to serve as catechists, small group leaders, retreat helpers, and hospitality ministers. We invite you to prayerfully consider joining us in this ministry of walking with our young people.

In the following pages you will find guidelines, requirements, frequently asked questions and important dates. Please read them carefully and do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.

In Christ,

Fr. Santhosh George, O.SS.T.
Pastor

  • Parent Requirements Checklist

    • Complete the Confirmation Registration Form.
    • Submit a copy of your child’s baptismal certificate (if not already on file).
    • Attend the mandatory parent meeting.
    • Ensure your child attends weekly Faith Formation classes or Catholic school.
    • Submit sponsor eligibility form (signed by sponsor’s parish).
    • Help your child choose a Confirmation saint name and attend the “Potluck & Pick Your Saint” family event.
    • Ensure participation in the Confirmation retreat and rehearsal.
    • Walk with your children throughout this process and their faith journey. We encourage parents to lead by example!

  • Program Guidelines

    • Confirmation will now be received by students in grades 4–8, in line with Archbishop Lori’s directive. Our program will be tailored by group 4,5,6 and groups 7,8 to ensure that each child receives age appropriate formation.
    • All candidates must be baptized, have received First Reconciliation and First Communion, and have at least two years of religious formation prior to Confirmation.
    • Regular attendance at classes and parish life is required.
    • Sponsors must be practicing Catholics in good standing and may not be parents of the candidate.
    • Candidates and families are required to attend the Confirmation Welcome Mass to complete their Rite of Enrollment.
    • Candidates will complete a group style Confirmation interview with Father Santhosh.
    • Participation in day retreat and rehearsals is mandatory.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • My family is not registered at St. Mark. Can my child enroll in the Confirmation program?

    Children are eligible to enroll in the St. Mark Confirmation program if they are either registered parishioners of St. Mark Parish or students at St. Mark School.

    Students who attend St. Mark School but are registered members of another parish are welcome to participate. However, before receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Mark, they must provide a Letter of Permission (also called a Letter of Allowance) from the pastor of their home parish granting permission to celebrate the sacrament at St. Mark.

    Children who are registered members of another parish and do not attend St. Mark School are not eligible to enroll in St. Mark’s Confirmation program. They should complete their sacramental preparation through their home parish.

    If you are interested in becoming a parishioner of St. Mark, we invite you to visit the home page of our website and click “Join Our Parish Family.” We would be delighted to welcome you into our parish community!

  • What grade does St. Mark celebrate Confirmation?

    This 2026-2027 year, students in grades 4th through 8th are eligible to participate in the St. Mark Confirmation program.

  • What will the program look like now that the age requirement has been lowered?

    Because of the wide age range among participants, our Confirmation program will be tailored by group 4,5,6 and group 7,8 to ensure that each child receives formation and instruction that is appropriate for their age and developmental stage. Our goal is to help each candidate know Jesus personally, love him deeply, follow him faithfully!

  • Is there a retreat, and is it mandatory?

    Yes, a retreat is part of the journey and helps prepare candidates spiritually. We will be holding a day retreat this year. More information will be shared closer to the Spring.

  • What are the requirements for sponsors?

    Sponsors must be confirmed Catholics, at least 16, practicing their faith, and able to mentor the candidate. Parents cannot be sponsors.

  • Are all Confirmation dates and events mandatory?

    Yes, all scheduled dates are mandatory, with the exception of illness. A requirement of the Confirmation program is attendance at all scheduled meetings, retreats, and events. Each has been prayerfully planned to help prepare every candidate to receive this holy Sacrament.

    We ask that families make every effort to adjust their schedules so that participation in the Confirmation program remains a priority. Consistent attendance is an important part of the preparation process and reflects the commitment to this significant step in the candidate’s faith journey.

  • Does my child need to attend the Confirmation small groups on Sunday and Wednesday?

    No. Each candidate will attend either the Sunday small group or the Wednesday small group. Both groups will cover the same content; they are offered on different days to give families the flexibility to choose the option that best fits their schedule.

    The only combined small group session will be on Sunday, December 13, at 12:00 p.m. All Confirmation candidates and their families will gather after the 11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Mark’s for the third small group session, which will include a Potluck and Pick Your Saint event. This is the only session where both the Sunday and Wednesday small groups will meet together.

  • Does my child still need to attend Faith Formation if they are enrolled in the Confirmation program?

    Yes. Candidates are expected to participate in Faith Formation throughout the year in addition to the Confirmation program.

    The Confirmation program is a stand-alone sacramental preparation program and is not a substitute for ongoing faith formation. It is designed to complement, not replace, a child’s continued religious education and participation in parish life.

    Please note: Students who attend a Catholic school are not required to enroll in a parish Faith Formation program while preparing for Confirmation, as their Catholic school provides ongoing faith formation.

Confirmation Forms

Please fill out the form by clicking on the button below:

Confirmation Registration Form
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