Confirmation Formation Overview
  • What are the changes I hear about regarding Confirmation?

In early 2003 Bishop Aymond promulgated a new policy on the formation and age of Confirmation in the Diocese of Austin. Prior to this policy, the age of Confirmation in the Diocese ranged from second grade to eleventh grade and the formation period ranged from six weeks to two years, depending on the individual parish. The new policy helps to strengthen parish programs by offering a consistency in the age and formation requirements in neighboring parishes and throughout the Diocese.
 
  • When will I be Confirmed?

In light of Diocesan Policy on Confirmation, St. Paul will offer Confirmation formation in the spring of a student’s sophomore year of high school.
 
  • What is the Religious Education requirement for Confirmation?

Our hope is that students are continually involved and engaged in religious education, youth ministry and the life of their parish. However, pursuant to the Diocesan Policy for Confirmation, students must have, at a minimum, the two years immediately prior to beginning Confirmation formation in a formal parish Religious Education, Comprehensive Youth Ministry or Catholic School program. At St. Paul, since our formation will begin in the spring of the tenth grade year, students will have to be active in the program from their second semester eighth grade year until Confirmation begins in the spring of their tenth grade year.

Ideally, students should be involved in religious education and youth ministry every year and adults should be pursuing adult formation opportunities. At a minimum students should have the following to enter the Confirmation formation in the spring of their tenth grade year.
 
  • 8th Grade Year

Students should participate in the parish’s RE classes or be enrolled in a Catholic School with theology and/or religious education classes.
 

  • 9th Grade Year

Students are required to attend 80% of the religious education classes or be enrolled in a Catholic School with theology and/or religious education classes.
 

  • 10th Grade Year

Students are required to attend 80% of the religious education classes before Confirmation formation begins in January or be enrolled in a Catholic School with theology and/or religious education classes.
 

  • What if I attend a Catholic School?

All students regardless of school will participate in the same parish Confirmation formation in the spring of the tenth grade year.
 

  • What does the Confirmation formation process look like?

The Confirmation Formation Program will begin in early January and consists of the following:

  1. A retreat
  2. Confirmation Classes
  3. A day of renewal for students and sponsor
  4. Complete and document a service project
     
  • What if I have more questions, who do I contact?

All questions about youth Confirmation or high school Religious Education can be sent to Ana Jackoskie at ajackoskie@s-p-c-c.org or you can call her at 512-280-4460.