REGISTRATION FOR THE 23/24 YEAR BEGINS ON JULY 1!
Please reach out to Kristin Hauser, Director of Youth Ministry, with any questions.

STM Confirmation Preparation

Confirmation preparation is a two-year program usually beginning in the 9th/10th Grade and concluding in the Spring of the 10th/11th Grade.  All youth must complete two years of preparation, regardless of when they begin the program. Please consult with Kristin Hauser, Director of Youth Ministry, to determine readiness and preparation for Confirmation for any student after 10th Grade.

Confirmation prep occurs during regular youth ministry sessions on Sunday evenings.  Each session, youth meet with their peers to deepen their faith through large group sessions, activities, games, and discussions!
Please refer to the Confirmation Curriculum channel for more information on topics and goals of the program!

Confirmed Already? Check out our Ignite youth program for juniors and seniors!
 

Resources for Young People Currently in our Confirmation Program

Confirmation Handbook:  English (PDF) Español (PDF) 

Sponsor Eligibility Form: English (PDF) Español (PDF) 

Service Hours Form: English (PDF)

What exactly is a retreat?
When we talk about retreats, we simply mean an intentional time to focus on our own spiritual journeys. We do this by sharing with one another in small groups, connecting with others during free time, getting away from the business of our daily lives, taking intentional time for prayer and reflection, and having fun! Retreats are not meant to be boring, day-long lectures or seminars. The goal of a retreat is to help you feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and connected to God and our community.

When and where is the Confirmation retreat?
February 4th from 10 AM - 7 PM at Camp Chestnut Ridge. 4300 Camp Chestnut Ridge Rd, Efland, NC 27243

Who attends this retreat?
All youth in Year 2 of Confirmation preparation are required to attend a Confirmation retreat before being Confirmed. You must be a current high school student in Year 2 of Confirmation preparation to attend the retreat. Parents, Year 1 youth, and friends of Year 2 youth are not permitted to attend the retreat. 

What should I bring to the retreat?
Please bring a signed permission form (will be provided on Sunday, January 8th during youth ministry) and $25 to cover the cost of food, supplies, and the camp space rental. 

What if I have a conflict that prevents me from attending?
The diocese of Raleigh requires that all youth participate in a retreat before Confirmation. If you cannot attend the STM retreat, you will be responsible for finding another retreat to attend. We would recommend contacting other local parishes in the area, to see if they have space on their retreats. Please note that the Department of Youth Ministry is not responsible for contacting other parishes on your behalf. We publicize the date of our retreat so early (and ask you to sign the Confirmation Handbook with the date included) so that everyone is able to plan accordingly and attend the retreat that we offer!

I need to attend a retreat at another parish. What else do I need to do?
There are a handful of things that need to be done if you are unable to attend the Confirmation retreat at STM.

1. Notify Kristin Hauser that you will be attending a retreat at another parish.
2. Call other local Catholic churches in the area and ask to speak to the director of their Confirmation program. Ask this person when their Confirmation retreat is and if they have space for you to attend.
3. During the STM Confirmation Retreat, we will hold interviews to determine your readiness for Confirmation. Since you will not be present at the retreat, you will need to set up a time to meet with Kristin Hauser, to complete this interview. Please email her ASAP to find a time to meet.
4. Please turn in your Sponsor Form before the retreat, as it is due that day! 

What if I need to arrive late or leave early?
We cannot allow youth to arrive late or leave early from the retreat. Our sessions build upon one another, so parts of the retreat do not make sense without the whole. If you are not able to attend the entire retreat, please make plans to attend a retreat at a different parish. 

Why are you collecting cell phones at the retreat?
While technology is an amazing tool, a retreat is about stepping back and focusing on our relationship with God, each other, and ourselves. For this reason, all youth will be required to turn in their cell phone at the beginning of the retreat. Phones will be returned at the end of the retreat. An emergency number will be provided for parents who may need to be in touch with their child during the day. Youth who are not willing to turn in their cell phones will not be permitted to stay for the retreat.

What if someone is asked to leave the retreat for disciplinary reasons?
If someone is asked to leave the retreat for disciplinary reasons, they will be required to participate in a meeting with the Director of Youth Ministry and their parents to determine readiness for Confirmation. We give young people quite a bit of leeway in our program, so if an offense is serious enough or disruptions are numerous enough for them to be dismissed from the retreat, it is likely that the young person may need to wait another year or so to receive Confirmation. This gives them time to reflect, grow, and mature before making this important decision. It is likely that the young person will need to repeat Year 2 of preparation again next year.