Confirmation

We ask our Confirmation candidates to commit to serving a minimum of 10 hours in a ministry here at St. James as part of your preparation to be confirmed. It gives you an opportunity to experience your faith in a new way. Please fill out the Ministry Opportunities Sheet from the Confirmation Candidate-Parent meeting, select your 3 preferences as to which ministries you would like to serve in this year and return to the CF Office no later than Sept 28.  Please note some ministries have limited spots available and will be filled in the order that forms are received. You are responsible for contacting the coordinator of that ministry & carrying out that commitment of serving throughout the year. There are varying level of commitments, so please do not sign up for a ministry hoping you will be able to participate. Our parish is counting on you to follow through on your commitments.

Confirmation Name (Due by April 14th)

Each candidate for Confirmation is asked to select a Saint for their Confirmation name.  Please do your own research and learn about the Saint that you choose.  You should be able to talk a little about your saint (what they are known for, what they did that inspires you & why you chose this Saint) when you are in front of the Bishop being confirmed.  Complete the Confirmation Candidate Name Selection form and the turn it in to the CF Office no later than April 14th.

Confirmation Retreat 

The Confirmation Retreat is a mandatory component of the Confirmation process.   Retreats are designed to build community for ALL who attends so we ask you to come with a positive attitude and be open to the experience.

Friday, January 30-31, 2026

• Watch the CF Newsletters which are emailed weekly for more information about signing up for the retreat.
• If you are unable to attend either retreat, please contact Maggie Rielley at mrielley@stjames-parish.com to discuss alternate retreat options.

Sponsor Requirements, Selection & Contact Info Form (Due by Sept. 28)

St. James Requirements of Your Sponsor (please let your sponsor know when you select them):

1. Select your sponsor.  You should choose someone who is a confirmed, practicing Catholic and is not one of your parents.  Siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles & family friends are all good choices.  Please fill in the Choosing Your Sponsor form and return to the CF Office by Sept 28th so that we can connect with your sponsor and keep them updated and in prayer about the process and events.
2. Attend the Candidate/Sponsor Reflection Day on Oct. 5th at Good Shepherd Parish (9:30am-12pm)
3. Complete ONE service activity and discussion with your sponsor
   • This service with your sponsor can be service to the church or to your community
   • We will provide some ideas for different service opportunities throughout the year.
   • Candidate needs to complete Candidate/Sponsor Service Activity Reflection Form for this activity. This is due April 14th
4. Attend the rehearsal (May 14th @ 6:00pm) and Confirmation Mass (May 17th @ 2pm) at St. James

Liturgy

Liturgy is the source and summit of our faith as Catholics. It is expected that candidates attend and participate in Mass each week, not simply out of obligation, but as a way of deepening our relationship with God. 

Questionnaires for the Bishop & Confirmation Interviews

• Confirmation Candidate Questionnaire for the Bishop – Complete and turn in to the CF office
  • Bishop Questionnaire
• CONFIRMATION INTERVIEWS will be April 7th-14th.  Every confirmand must participate in a Confirmation interview.

Attendance Policy

YOU ARE MISSED when you do not attend, so please respect our catechists and the group by attending the sessions.

1. Make up work is required after missing more than two sessions.  ** Contact Amy at areuge@stjames-parish.com for makeup assignments.
2. On occasion, candidates may attend an alternate class time in the same week as their regular class time. Contact the CF office so we can alert the affected catechists.
3. If attendance becomes an issue, candidates may be asked to postpone Confirmation to a time they can commit more to the process.