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At Confirmation, we perfect the grace received at Baptism, strengthening the bond that already exists between the candidate and the Church. The anointing with chrism, the words of consecration and the laying on of hands symbolize and impart to the baptized person the fullness of the Holy Spirit. 

Through Confirmation, we receive increased love and strength to serve the church, and to bring ourselves, as well as others, to God. We are called to be God’s “anointed” and to act bravely, unafraid to stand up for faith. At Sacred Heart, we take our role in assisting candidates in the preparation process very seriously. 

Confirmation requires a period of preparation. Candidates spend time in questioning and introspection as they learn about the beliefs of the Catholic Church. With the help of a sponsor, candidates are able to talk openly about their shared faith. To emphasize the unity of Baptism and Confirmation, the sponsor is often a Baptismal godparent for the candidate. 

In the Diocese of Des Moines, Confirmation will be celebrated during the sophomore year of high school. Candidates should participate in Sacred Heart Middle School Ministry during their 7th & 8th grade years. During the candidate's freshman year, candidates will meet a number of times to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The celebration of Confirmation will take place in the fall of your sophomore year for those who have completed the preparation process.
 

Confirmation Preparation Information

For all teens in high school next fall, you are now eligible for Confirmation. Each teen will be placed in a small group to prepare for the Sacrament. After registration each registered family will meet with a member of the Confirmation team to have a conversation that will help us place the teen in the best possible small group for them. These conversations will take place in July so please register by June 30, 2022.  

There will be two tracks for preparation. The "Foundational" track will begin with building the foundation of our faith. We will answer questions about the existence of God, why believe in Jesus and why be part of the Catholic Church. After building this foundation, the teens will learn why Confirmation is a Sacrament and its purpose. The "evangelization" track is for teens who have the foundation of faith already constructed and are ready to go deeper into their faith. Both tracks will have a total of ten sessions. The first session will be a parent/teen session (orientation) then the small groups will meet for nine more sessions at a frequency, location, and time agreed upon by the small group leader and the teens. This allows for maximum flexibility. The sessions will be about 90 minutes.

It is very important when we have the "Confirmation Conversations" that you let us know:

• Which track you feel will most benefit your teen (this should take priority over all other considerations).

• The days you will be available to meet with your small group.

• Friends you would like to be with (we are placing young ladies with other young ladies and young men with other young men).

• Anyone you do not want to be with in a small group

• Any questions that you have that you want to make sure are answered.

After meeting with each candidate we will match each candidate with a small group and mentor.  The mentors will be prepared to lead the small groups.  On September 11, 2022 the candidates will receive the Rite of Enrollment at the 9:30am (English) and 1:00pm (Spanish) Masses.  We will have the first session of Confirmation preparation (Parent/Teen) and orientation beginning at 11:15 am (English) and 2:15 pm (Spanish) in the Parish Center.

Following the Rite of Enrollment and orientation session the small groups will begin to meet and prepare for Confirmation.  

Dates are to be determined for retreat, rehearsal and the Sacrament of Confirmation.

IF YOU HAVE ANY TROUBLE REGISTERING PLEASE CALL JULIE AT 515-225-6414 Ext 320
I am happy to help you!

If you are an adult who has not been baptized in the Catholic Church and would like to learn more about the process, CLICK HERE.