Confirmation Prep Year Two

And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of Truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you,” John 14:16-17.

In order to assure that children are fully formed and ready to receive the sacraments, the Arlington Diocese requires that at least two full years of religious instruction are completed preceding any sacrament. 

Preparation for Confirmation is strictly a two-year program beginning in the 7th grade. 8th graders who were not enrolled in a 7th grade class cannot jump into 8th grade. Please contact Diane Taylor, Director of Religious Education at d.taylor@saintfrancisparish.org


The requirements for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation include satisfactory class attendance, meeting attendance, retreat participation, successful completion of the Confirmation interview and preparatory materials, and completion of twenty hours of service. These requirements will aid each candidate to receive the Holy Spirit with openness, docility, and enthusiasm.



“O Infinite Love, I love Thee; do Thou confirm and increase my love!”


CONFIRMATION – Thursday, April 24 2025 at 6:30PM

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred by Most Reverend Michael Burbidge


Rehearsal is Wednesday, April 23 at 5:30pm

There will be a reception in Our Lady of Victory Hall following the Confirmation Masses for newly confirmed and their families and guests.


2024-2025 IMPORTANT DATES:



  • October 31 – Sponsor selection should be made
  • December 5 – Sponsor paperwork and sponsor interview reports due
  • December 14 – Wreaths Across America – volunteer opportunity (Antietam National Cemetery)
  • January 5, 6:30pm – Potluck Dinner with sponsors and candidates (following 5:30pm Mass)
  • February 6 – Letter to Pastor (Fr. Gould) completed
  • Saturday, April 5 – Confirmation Retreat
  • February/March – Father Gould Confirmation interviews
  • TBA – Confirmation Exam part 1
  • TBA – Confirmation Exam part 2


The dress code for Confirmation is as follows:


The candidates will wear red Confirmation robes.


Guys wear dress slacks or khakis, collared shirts, and a tie, and dress shoes. No sneakers or flip flops. A jacket is not to be worn under the robe.


Girls wear a skirt, dress or dress pants.NO LOW CUT, STRAPLESS, OR SPAGHETTI STRAPS OR MINI SKIRTS. Closed toe shoes are preferable, but opened toe dress shoes are allowed. No sandals or flip flops.


Resources:


If your Confirmation sponsor is a registered member of Saint Francis de Sales, and meets the qualifications of a sponsor, please fill out the Sponsor Eligibility Form and bring it to the Parish Office for the pastor to sign and seal.


All sponsors from other parishes need to fill out the St. Francis de Sales parish form, present it to their pastor to sign and seal and return to the RE office.