In order to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Diocese of Rockford has a minimum standard of two years preparation work beginning in seventh grade and continuing through eighth grade. Often times parents feel that First Communion is a “sacramental graduation” until the next sacrament of Confirmation, its not. Forming a child in their faith is a cumulative process with each year building on the previous years. You would not skip math grades in grades three thru six and then come into seventh grade and be ready for that level of math. The same can be said for ongoing catechesis. Learning the faith is an lifetime process. 

Students may begin their Confirmation preparation as early as seventh grade. It is very important for the student to not only understand the meaning and the importance of the Sacrament, but also how the sacrament unites us in the community of the Catholic Church, and deciding to commit to becoming a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. 

Readiness for the sacrament is determined by the following:

  1. A desire to celebrate the sacrament; Students should not be forced to attend religious education class, or receive the sacrament, if they don’t want to pursue the Catholic faith or oppose the teachings of the Church.

  2. An age-appropriate understanding of the sacrament of Confirmation.

  3. Attending and participating in Mass on a weekly basis. If your family has no intentions to attend Mass now or in the future, please prayerfully consider the actual need to receive the sacrament at this time and speak with Father Jacek. The sacraments are nurtured through receiving graces from the Mass and continual growth of the faith is passed on through spiritual enlightenment of being present in the Mass. 

  4. A spiritual awareness and growing understanding of the Blessed Trinity.

  5. Essential paperwork by both student and sponsor, completion of service hours and family classes taught by our Deacons of St. John the Baptist (dates to be determined).

  6. Must be a registered and actively practicing parish family of St. John the Baptist or registered to a local parish nearby in the Diocese of Rockford, IL.
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Here, at St. John the Baptist, youth celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation after their 8th grade year of religious education has been completed, or second year of Confirmation Prep classes. The Confirmation curriculum that St. John's teaches is in accordance with the Diocese of Rockford. It is a two-year preparation program beginning in 7th grade and continuing through 8th grade. 

Preparation for the reception of Confirmation requires a process that embraces evangelization and catechesis. In the spirit of the New Evangelization, Confirmation preparation should be the context in which a life of discipleship is developed, and a missionary spirit encouraged. Similarly, the spirit of catechesis should provide the activities that promote, enhance, and challenge the candidate’s journey to a mature faith. - Diocese of Rockford Illinois

*For any missing, late, or incomplete prep work, Confirmation will be at the discretion of the Parish Priest.

**Please make a copy of the completed forms for yourself before they are turned in. If they get lost you will have a backup. It is important for the Confirmation candidate to understand their role, show a high level of preparedness, and outward desire to recieve the sacrament.

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