|
at Our Lady of Grace:
Confirmation is presently conferred in the eighth grade. Formal preparation at Our Lady of Grace School and in the Religious Education Program begins in the seventh grade continuing and intensifying in eighth grade.
The seventh grade curriculum examines Jesus in the New Testament and the Mystery of God while the eighth grade discusses Morality-Life in Christ and the Church and the Sacraments.
In addition to class-room preparation, candidates for Confirmation are presented to the parish community during Mass on Witness Sunday. All candidates are also interviewed by either of our priests, or our deacon, the religious education coordinator, or selected catechists. These interviews provide an opportunity to gauge the maturity and preparedness of the candidate while being able to review and discuss the Sacrament with the candidate.
Candidates also explore the life of the Saints by visiting St. Anthony’s Chapel (Troy Hill, PA) home of the second largest collection of relics outside the Vatican. This visit, along with a research paper on the life of a specific saint, allows the candidate to gain a deeper appreciation for the Saints. Two informational parent meetings are usually held in January to discuss problems areas, review Catholic teaching on the Sacrament, review the Diocese of Pittsburgh's Policy on Confirmation Names, explain the candidate interview process, and address concerns.
Spirit Day, a parish day of reflection for our candidates follows as the date for Confirmation draws closer. (The date for Confirmation is announced by the Bishop's Office usually after the New Year) During Spirit Day, the candidates practice and walk through the ceremony while also being presented with three talks on various themes of Confirmation.
Diocesan Confirmation Sponsor Guidelines
|