Confirmation
​Welcome!

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The sacrament of Confirmation is all about choices. When we choose to be confirmed, we choose to own the baptismal promises that - for most of us - our parents made for us when we were still in diapers. We choose to stand up and be counted. We choose to tell the world that we are ready to fully and actively participate in our faith community. We choose to acknowledge and accept our birthright as children of God. We choose faith!  Choosing to be confirmed is an important decision. We believe teens in our parish deserve special time and space to discern what path to take as young adults and how faith fits into this path.
We are excited to begin a new year of preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation here at St. Matthew’s! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our 2020-2021 Confirmation prep program will be a little different than in the past. Of course, we know that growing our relationship with God and learning about our Catholic faith in a meaningful, safe and fun way can happen in any situation!
 
As we know, this year is unlike any other, and so we are adapting our program with the safety and well-being of all in mind.  Our current plans are based on governmental and diocesan regulations and could change if these regulations change.  We will practice safety measures at all times: social distancing, small groups, and wearing masks, etc.  More information will be available at our October parent/candidate meetings. (Please see below for more information about our October parent/candidate meetings.)  
 
Our Plan:

We will meet once a month, in small groups (cohorts) that stay together as the year progresses. We will wear masks and practice social distancing. The confirmation preparation sessions will be offered in way that is as safe as possible while still offering the best of what our candidates have come to know: a combination of rich, deep, faith filled growth experiences ... and opportunities to make friends and have fun as you prepare for Confirmation!
 
Our monthly candidate meetings will take place on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm.  Once we know the total number of teens who will participate in Confirmation prep this year, we will then determine the number of small groups we will need to form to safely accommodate our health and safety protocols. At this point, we encourage you to tentatively hold all Thursday evenings open for now until we can provide you with your specific meeting date for each month. The following is our current schedule for the 2020-2021 Confirmation preparation year.

Two Steps to Enroll in Confirmation Preparation

​Step One: Register for one of our October parent/candidate meetings -  Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at 6:30PM OR Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 6:30PM. The meetings will be held at St. Matthew’s in the Social Hall.  Social distancing will be practiced, and all are required to wear masks.  If you feel ill on that day, please stay home.  Capacity will be limited so registration is required.  Register using this link: Update: Registration for 2020-2021 is now closed.

Step Two: Complete a Confirmation Registration Form: 
Here is the link to complete the Confirmation Registration Form: Update: Registration for 2020-2021 is now closed.
(Deadline = October 8, 2020)

Tentative Confirmation Preparation Schedule for 2020-2021

  • October 6th at 6:30PM OR October 8that 6:30PM: Parent/Candidate Information Meeting (You choose one. You must sign up using the link above.)
  • October-August (TBD: Once a month on Thursdays at 6:30PM) Confirmation Preparation Sessions – Candidates only
  • Spring (TBD):  Candidate Service Projects 
  • April-May (TBD):  Individual Conversations with Candidates 
  • September (TBD):  Retreat
  • Fall 2021 (TBD):  Confirmation Liturgy 

Questions?

Please contact Mrs. Chrisi Young, Coordinator of Youth Ministry, 518-765-2805 / stmattsyoung@gmail.com
We Bring Your Love

Loving God,

Help us 
to focus on what we have,
not on what is removed or changed.

Strengthen us
when we feel discouraged
or overwhelmed.

Embrace us
so that us we know your loving presence
within us and among us.

Walk with us
as we bring your love,
and carry your light,
into our world.

Amen.
- Sandra Lucas, MDiv., BCC
A Coronavirus Prayer
Loving God,
Your desire is for our wholeness and well being.
We hold in tenderness and prayer the collective suffering of our world at this time.
We grieve precious lives lost and vulnerable lives threatened.
We ache for ourselves and our neighbors, standing before an uncertain future. 
We pray: may love, not fear, go viral. 
Inspire our leaders to discern and choose wisely, aligned with the common good.
Help us to practice social distancing and reveal to us new and creative ways to come together in spirit and in solidarity.
Call us to profound trust in your faithful presence,
You, the God who does not abandon.
-Sister Christine Koelhoffer, IHM

​View more Prayers during the Coronavirus Pandemic