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Confirmation » Youth Confirmation

Youth Confirmation

Registration is Open for the 2024-25 Year!
 
Welcome! We are excited your family will be joining us for the program!
CLICK HERE to download the Confirmation Parent Registration Checklist to help you get started.
 
Important Dates
  • August 15, 2024: Deadline to register and pay the deposit of $175. CLICK HERE TO PAY and select "Youth Confirmation" in the drop-down menu.
  • September 30, 2024: All certificates and forms are due.
  • November 15, 2024: Deadline to pay remaining balance. The total fee for the year is $325. CLICK HERE TO PAY and select "Youth Confirmation" in the drop-down menu.
  • December 17, 2024, 7:00 pm: Mandatory Retreat Info Meeting. All parents and students must attend.
  • January 3,4, & 5, 2025: Weekend Retreat.
 
Confirmation Sessions
Year one students will meet every other Tuesday at either 6 pm or 7:30 pm. Please note your preference in the registration form and your teen will be added to one of the small groups.
 
There will also be four mandatory Sunday evening sessions during the year. Dinner will be served at most Sunday evening sessions.
 
Mandatory Sunday Sessions
  • Sunday, October 13, 2024: Rite of Acceptance at the 5 pm Mass followed by a mandatory activity for the teen and parents. Parents, you must attend this one with your teen to participate in the ritual with them during Mass. 
  • Sunday, December 8, 2024, 6:15-8:30: Dinner and a session with the teens and their newly selected Sponsors.
  • Sunday, February 9, 2025: Dinner and a session with the teens and their Sponsors.
  • Sunday, April 13, 2025: Dinner and a session with the teens and their Sponsors.
 
Community Service
The students will be expected to participate in service projects that are scheduled and hosted by our program.
  • November - Warm Blanket and Clothing Drive for the East San Gabriel Valley Coalition for the Homeless. We will have students collect items at each Mass for two weekends during November. A sign-up sheet will be sent out in October.
  • December 21, 2024, 10 am-1 pm (Gift wrapping) - Adopt-A-Family for a few local families served by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Dorothy. A sign-up sheet will be sent out in December for the gift-wrapping day.
  • January 31, 2025, 7-8:30 pm - Event and diaper drive for the Foothills Pregnancy Resource Center. Attendance at the event is required. A sign-up sheet will be sent out in January for event help.
  • February 15, 2025, 10 am-1 pm - Cancer Kids First Project/Event. Details TBD.
  • March 9, 2025, 1:00 pm - The Crop Hunger Walk - A 5k Walk/Run for Hunger. The proceeds raised go to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, The East San Gabriel Valley Coalition for the Homeless, and other great organizations.
  • April 2025 (in the morning through the early afternoon) - Project for the homeless in LA. Details TBD. Depending on what we do parents may be required to accompany any teen who goes with us to LA.
 
Retreat Info Meeting
December 17, 2024, 7:00 pm
This meeting is mandatory for all teens and parents. 
At this meeting, we will review the rules, expectations, and important details regarding the retreat. Missing this meeting will result in exclusion from the retreat. Reminder: Attendance at the retreat is mandatory for all candidates.
 
Retreat
January 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2025
Retreats are integral to the Catholic Confirmation process as they offer a dedicated space for intensive spiritual reflection and community building. Away from daily distractions, the teens engage in prayer, meditation, and discussions, deepening their understanding of Confirmation's significance. The Confirmation students at St. Dorothy are required to attend a weekend retreat each year that they are in the program. Two retreats total before Confirmation.
 
Cell Phone Policy

All cell phones and other electronics will be stored in the designated phone caddy at the beginning of each class session. The phone caddy will be securely managed by our leaders to ensure the safety of participants' devices. This policy aims to minimize distractions and create a focused learning environment conducive to spiritual growth. The teens will be encouraged to fully engage in class activities and discussions without the distraction of cell phones.

 

Below are some of the benefits of this policy:

  • Spiritual Focus: Teens can fully engage in the sessions without distractions from texts or social media, enhancing their connection with God.
  • Building Community: Face-to-face interactions foster unity and authentic connections, creating lasting friendships.
  • Mindfulness and Reflection: Without technology distractions, teens can focus on prayer, reflection, and the session’s topic, leading to a more profound experience.
  • Respect for Sacred Space: Maintaining a cell phone-free environment contributes to a serene and respectful atmosphere during the sessions, allowing everyone to engage fully in spiritual activities.
 
Dress Code
Modesty: Clothing should be modest and respectful, avoiding excessively revealing or provocative attire.
Neatness: The teens should dress in a clean and tidy manner, reflecting respect for the program and its values.
Appropriate Attire: Clothing should be suitable for a religious setting, no items with offensive slogans or graphics.
Special Events and Masses: For special Masses and events, participants should dress nicer than usual, avoiding jeans, t-shirts, shorts, flip flops, or immodest clothing. There may be events where a specific dress code is expected.
 
Sponsors
Parents/guardians, please do not select a Confirmation Sponsor with your teen yet. We will spend dedicated time in our Confirmation sessions helping them choose a good sponsor. Their sponsor must be a fully initiated, actively practicing Catholic who can accompany them through this process, and through all of life's big moments and milestones. We will take time in prayer and reflection to help them make this decision. 
 
Parent Meeting
Parents/guardians, the new year of sessions will start in September with small group meet-and-greet gatherings for parents/guardians ONLY! Your teen will not be permitted to begin the program unless you attend one of these gatherings. We would like both parents/guardians to attend if possible. Please CLICK HERE to sign up. Please only select one slot for both parents/guardians.  
 
Registration Fee
The fee for Confirmation Year 1 is $325.
Deposit: $175 due August 1, 2024 
We are accepting payment ONLINE ONLY. Please CLICK HERE  and select "Youth Confirmation" from the drop-down menu to make a payment.
Email a copy of the payment confirmation to [email protected].
Teens linking arms and praying together in front of the Monstrance
A Confirmation small group sitting and praying together

Why is attending Mass so important?

Mass attendance every Sunday is essential for someone preparing for Confirmation for the following reasons:

Deepening Understanding of Faith: Attending Mass helps teens understand their faith better through the Scripture readings, homilies, and liturgical practices.

Participation in the Eucharist: The Eucharist is central in Catholic life, offering teens a direct encounter with Christ, which is crucial as they prepare for Confirmation.

Spiritual Discipline: Regular Mass attendance teaches teens the importance of spiritual discipline and setting aside time for their faith.

Community Connection: Going to Mass connects teens with their church community, helping build supportive relationships and fostering a sense of belonging.

Living Out Their Faith: Attending Mass allows teens to actively practice their faith, integrating it into their daily lives and preparing them to be witnesses of their beliefs.

Preparation for Confirmation: Consistent Mass attendance shows commitment and readiness for the sacrament of Confirmation, ensuring teens are prepared to reaffirm their baptismal vows.