Confirmation
For more information please contact:
Nicole Garcia
Secretary, Faith Formation
ngarcia@n-bvm.org
505-340-0421
Francesca Twiss
Director, Faith Formation
ftwiss@n-bvm.org
505-340-0428
Welcome, and thank you for your interest in our Confirmation program!
The confirmation program for Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish is a two-year program in compliance with the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. All confirmation candidates must be attending high school prior to the reception of their sacrament.
First year confirmation is for students in 8th grade through 11th grade. This year is designed to ensure the candidates know the basics of the Catholic faith and introduce them to the opportunities our faith offers to them as adults as well as the Creed. This class is offered on Sunday from 10:45am to 12:15pm and Wednesdays from 6pm to 7:30pm.
Our second year is for students in grades 9 through 12. This year focuses on the kids’ discernment of their relationship with God. Classes are offered from 10:45am to 12:15pm on Sunday with mandatory 12:30pm Mass attendance immediately after. We use videos and discussion to open ourselves to the Spirit.
We introduce our candidates to the opportunities of Christian service all around them. We help the candidates to interpret the teachings of the Church in their lives, to include the challenges of the modern age such as morality, sexuality, social justice, and responsibilities as a citizen of this country and of the world. Our goal is to equip them with the tools they need to live and thrive as active Catholics in the world.
Because of the amount of material we must convey to the candidates, it is imperative that your child attends every class! A meeting will be scheduled with Francesca or Kim, the student, and a responsible adult before the beginning of class to go over all requirements and ensure that all questions are answered.
Please pray for our Confirmation candidates while they go through a process of discernment, academics, and retreats throughout the year. This is a challenging program, so they can use all our prayers.
Upcoming Events
Confirmation FAQ
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation, along with Baptism and First Communion are all "sacraments of Christian initiation."
Confirmation, then, allows for the completion of the grace that you recieved during your Baptism.
"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 Paragraph 1285
How old do I have to be to start the program?
First year begins no earlier than 8th grade and no later than 11th grade. This still holds true if your child was advanced or held back a year. Policy is to place the child in the grade that they are currently in.
Who can be my Sponsor?
Your Sponsor can be any practicing Catholic that you feel will help on your faith journey for the rest of your life. The basic requirements to be a Confirmation Sponsor are as follows:
- They are a baptized member of the Catholic Church
- They are at least 16 years old
- They have made their First Communion and have been Confirmed
- They are not married outside of the Catholic Church (justice of the peace, marriage by friend, or other pastor from a different faith tradition), and are not cohabitating (living with someone)
- They normally attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, receive the Sacrament of Penance (Confession) at lease once a year, and receive Holy Communion at least once a year in the Easter Season.
Can my parents be my Sponsor?
No, parents are not allowed to be Sponsors for their own children.
How many Sponsors can I have?
You are only allowed one Sponsor unless your Baptismal Godparents will be your Confirmation Sponsors. Then you may have two.
I go to a Catholic/ Christian school. Do I still need to go the full two years?
Yes! Per Archdiocesan policies, even those that either were or are currently attending a parrochial school must complete two consecutive years to receive their Confirmation.
After Confirmation I'm done, right?
Nope! Your Confirmation is your agreement to fully take up the responsibility that Jesus gave to his disciples to "go forth and make disciples of all nations." You are now called to use your time, talent and/or treasure to help build up the Church!
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Interesting or Helplful Links
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Archdiocese of Santa Fe Office of Faith Formation
The Bible
Catechism of the Catholic Church
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