Confirmation

At this present time in the Diocese of Worcester, Confirmation is usually celebrated during one's high school years.  There is no mandate that this must be done during this time of one's faith journey or development. 
Contrary to popular opinion, it does not make one an adult in the Church.  It does mean that one is fully initiated in the Church and therefore is eligible to sponsor another person in the Church.  Not being confirmed does not prohibit one from celebrating a marriage by the Church or from witnessing one as a best man or maid of honor. It does prohibit one from serving as a godparent or sponsor for another at baptism or confirmation.  The reason for this should be clear, a godparent steps up in good faith to take responsibility for the faith journey of another person.  If a person has not followed through on their own faith journey, how would they be responsible for someone else?

As it is for the other sacraments, one must have been enrolled in regular Religious Education classes or in a Catholic high school in order to be eligible to register for the Confirmation preparation sessions.  These classes should be completed a year before the fall of the intended enrollment for Confirmation. This is usually completed when student is in the 9th grade. Home study students need to complete an interview with the Pastor or Religious Education Director in order to ascertain the completion of this requirement to register.

The final and intentional preparation sessions for Confirmation are held from October to November.  A special registration fee for these six sessions is only $50.  These classes will be remote this year with home study materials available throught the religious education office. Completion of all assignments is mandatory in order to receive the sacrament. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to the director, Kathy Moran at 508-478-7440.

An important part of the preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation is the participation of each candidate in a full day retreat which is organized in collaboration with the religious education leaders of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Milford. We are hoping to be able to attend a retreat at the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford, Ct.  If that is not possible this year, we will have our day retreat at the St. Mary's parish center in the Spring of 2021. Date and location will be confirmed at a later time. 

Bishop McManus has informed us that he will join us on Friday, April 30, 2021 to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in our parish at 7 PM.  A rehearsal for all candidates will be held on Thursday, April 29th from 6:30 to 8 PM.  All candidates are expected to attend this rehearsal with their sponsor or a parent. *These dates and times are subject to change due to tightened restrictions that may be placed on public gatherings because of the current Covid-19 pandemic.