Sacrament of Confirmation
“Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian initiation,” whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For “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. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” – Catechism of the Catholic Church #1285
Welcome to Confirmation preparation at Sts. Simon & Jude! We are excited to continue partnering with parents and candidates on this journey of faith. The Sacrament of Confirmation consists of two years of preparation for those in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade. As the junior and senior years of High School can be demanding, it is encouraged that Candidates begin their preparation in 9th grade. This helps to foster community and faith alongside their peers. However, the two year journey can begin anytime up until the senior year of High School.
Preparation includes classes (approx. 2 per month), events & retreats for candidates and their sponsors, and service in the community. However, as we continue to navigate through the uncertainty of COVID-19, we want to offer faith, flexibility, and safety in our Confirmation preparation. That means more class times and methods of instruction but also postponing some of the usual events and retreats. That also means things will look different than previous years and we might have to change along the way if rules and restrictions are lifted or re-imposed. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
Sts. Simon & Jude will have two class options for the 2020/21 school year: IN-PERSON or ONLINE.
Preparation is a 2 year journey for all 9th–11th grade youth in the Diocese of Orange.
* Classes run from October – May. Candidates in Year 1 & 2 meet on alternate Sundays
* There are two class times for IN-PERSON classes: 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Candidates only need to attend one of these classes but must choose their class preference when registering.
Both class times will conclude with Mass.
* ONLINE classes will have two parts: an at-home assignment that can be completed at any time during the week
and a 30 min Zoom call to expand upon the lesson and engage in small group discussion. If candidate’s choose
the online option but are able to return to in-person classes later in the year they may switch to the other class option.
* The candidate’s family must be registered members of Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic Church.
PLEASE NOTE: The online classes are only for candidates who are not yet ready or able to attend in-person classes due to health reasons and concerns related to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The online classes will be available for the full 2020/21 school year. When restrictions are lifted and increased safety returns, we will revert back to in-person classes only.
YEAR 1 CANDIDATES
* Please complete the online Year 1 Confirmation Registration Form
* A copy of the Baptism and First Holy Communion certificate must be provided at the time of registration.
* Please read through the Year 1 Information Packet
* Attend a parent/candidate meeting (see the Year 1 Information Packet for dates) Please note a change in the dates - meetings will be held on Sunday September 13th & 27th)
* Complete and return the Minor Permission and Release Form
YEAR 2 CANDIDATES
* If you completed Year 1 at SSJ during the 2019/20 school year please complete the Year 2 Confirmation Registration Form
* Please review the Year 2 Information Packet for details on what to expect this year
and some of the changes we have made to our Confirmation Journey.
* Attend a parent/candidate meeting (see the Year 2 Information Packet for dates) Please note a change in the dates - meetings will be held on Sunday September 13th & 27th)
* Complete and return the Minor Permission and Release Form
If you completed Year 1 of Confirmation preparation at another parish but would like to complete Year 2 at SSJ please contact Andrew Watson for more information.
Contact:
Andrew Watson
Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry
Year 1 Information Packet
714 794 1856
“In this Sacrament (Confirmation), the Holy Spirit is given to the Baptized for strength
just as he was given to the Apostles on the day of Pentecost”
– Thomas Aquinas.