"Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the 'sacraments of Christian initiation' "(CCC 1285). Confirmation completes baptismal grace. Through the sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit, including increasing the gifts of the Holy Spirit within us. Confirmation is also strengthens us to share the love of Christ with others.
Those raised in the Catholic faith in this Archdiocese typically are confirmed during 10th grade. Preparation for Confirmation begins in 9th grade. If you would like to inquire about your teenager being confirmed and find out more information, please contact Judy Ramsey at j.ramsey@dbqarch.org or 319.329.8068
If you are an adult Catholic and have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation, or are an adult who wants to become Catholic and receive your Sacraments, please contact Sean McVeigh at s.mcveigh@dbqarch.org or 319.377.4869 ext. 109 to learn about the process of preparing to be confirmed as an adult.
What will Confirmation Prep consist of for the 2020-21 Class (current 9th graders)?
All content-based lessons will be done at home. A faith leader should be determined and this faith leader will guide the candidate through the lessons. These lessons are not to be self-directed by the candidate.
When should the lessons be completed by?
Before you arrive at our large group gathering on Sep 5, 2021.
Can I have another responsible adult (other than me the parent) lead the lesson?
Yes, if you feel that your candidate's sponsor, grandparent or your perhaps good friend would be the best leader for your child, then by all means make those arrangements. However, it is ultimately the parent's responsibility to assure that the lessons are completed before Sep 5, 2021.
Be sure that whomever leads the lesson reads through all materials prior to teaching the lesson to candidates- The best teachers are the prepared teachers!
If I arrange for someone else to lead the lessons for my candidate, do I have any other responsibilities as the parent?
It is recommended that no matter who presents the lessons to the candidates that every parent reads through the lessons, so you are aware of what your child is experiencing during Confirmation prep.
Can my child’s older sibling lead the lessons?
Yes, if the sibling is a high school graduate.
Can a group of family friends or neighbors gather together and share the teaching responsibility either in person or virtually?
Yes.
Where do I find the At Home Confirmation Lessons?
On the parish website.
Will there be any in person gatherings this year?
We hope so. It is our plan that we will gather on Feb 21, 2021 and April 18, 2021 in person at the Church. If Covid precautions at that time deem otherwise, our gatherings will be virtual. Parents and Candidates will gather on those dates from 7-8pm either way.
When is the Confirmation retreat?
Our retreat will be on Sunday Sept 5- 12pm-10:30pm, Camp Io-Dis-E- Ca Solon IA
When will this class receive their Sacrament?
Sunday Oct 31, 2021 at 2pm.