Faith Formation - Sacramental Preparation

Ongoing Faith Formation – As candidates prepare for Confirmation it is vitally important for them to continue to grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s word as well as the traditions, teachings, and practices of the Catholic Church.  Our Catholic faith is vast in scope, rooted in centuries of theology, and rich in symbol, prayer, and practice; but sometimes the true meaning of our worship or action is lost in layers of ritual.   
One could study for a lifetime and still not fully know all that can be known about the Catholic Church or its teachings and traditions.  During this period of preparation candidates will focus on what are considered the most basic truths related to being a practicing Catholic. 

Small Faith Sharing Groups – Most candidates will participate in the Confirmation Preparation process at either Our Lady of the Lakes’ or St. Mary’s Faith Formation Sites.  Small Faith Sharing Groups (classes) formed in the first year will continue to meet together through the second year of preparation. Any candidate missing more than one session in any given year may make up the session(s) but must communicate with the Director of Confirmation in order to do so. 

Liturgy: “Source and Summit” – For all Candidates and every Catholic, the Eucharist is an inexhaustible mystery to be loved and lived.  It is a sacrament; it is a sacrifice; it is a meal; it is a liturgical celebration, a public proclamation of our faith in sign and symbol; it is the “source and summit” of our Christian experience (where we are fed for the journey and it is our destination).  To truly understand who we are as Catholics; to fully participate in the life and mission of the Church; to become the person of faith that God has called us to be, we must seek Christ in the sacraments; we must seek Christ in the Eucharist.  

Candidates seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation commit to completing the following Faith Formation-Sacramental Preparation milestones:

• Attend Mass weekly.  All candidates preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation are expected to attend Mass every week. 


• Commit to ongoing faith formation.  All candidates preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation are expected to learn about the teaching and practices of the faith by participating in faith formation (Small Faith Sharing Groups).