Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Church. With baptism and Eucharist, it is one of the three sacraments of Initiation. Through an outpouring of the special gifts of the Holy Spirit, Confirmation completes the graces of Baptism by confirming, or “sealing” the baptized person’s union with Christ and by equipping that person for active participation in the life of the church.

Preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation is a two-year process in the Diocese of Colorado Springs. At Saint Peter the process is in the seventh and eighth grades. Students in those grades attend weekly classes that focus on Catholic doctrine and practice and how students can grow in relationship to Christ and his Church. In the second year, in addition to weekly classes, students attend a monthly session with their sponsors that focuses specifically on the sacrament of Confirmation. This session takes the place of the regular weekly session.

In addition to classes, students are required to make two retreats during the two-year period and complete a total of 40 hours of service in their family, church, community and world (10 hours in each of the four areas). Service hours may be completed during projects sponsored by the church, work done through school or extra-curricular activities, individually, or in any combination. We encourage families to answer Christ’s call to service together, forming themselves for life-long commitment to community.

At the beginning of the second year of preparation, candidates should have a sponsor. Sponsors for Confirmation need to be at least 16 years old, confirmed themselves, actively participating in their parish and, if married, in a marriage the Church recognizes. Most importantly, the sponsor needs to be someone that the candidate has a good relationship with and someone who will continue to mentor the candidate long after the classes are complete. Canon Law prohibits parents from sponsoring their own children.

For students older than 7th and 8th grade, Confirmation is still a two-year process. We have programs for our older students.

Remaining Candidate/Sponsor classes for the 2011-2012 school year are scheduled for:

Mar. 11, 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. OR Mar. 12, 6:45-8:00 p.m.

Apr. 15, 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. OR Apr. 16, 6:45-8:00 p.m.

Please contact Donna Hessel at 481-3511 ext 1129 for more details.