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!  Our 2021-2022 Confirmation prep program will begin with Sunday evening Mass where we encourage all teens and young adults to join us. Of course our Confirmation families and all parishioners are invited to attend as well. Confirmation candidates will participate in their preparation sessions after Mass (See "Our Plan" below for details). Each session will be a mix of fun ice-breakers and deep learning about growing our relationship with God and learning about our Catholic faith.

As we know, living with the ebb and flow of Covid 19 openings and restrictions means we need to be prepared to pivot at any time to keep our parishioners safe.   Keeping that in mind, our current plans are based on governmental and diocesan regulations and we will continue to practice safety measures like wearing masks, washing hands, and giving each other space.   More information will be available at our October Teen and Parent meeting. (Please see below for more information about our October Teen and Parent meeting.) 

Our Plan:
The Confirmation preparation program will meet once a month (See schedule below) from 5:00pm to 7:30.  We will meet for Sunday evening Mass and then transition to the social hall for a light dinner and our Confirmation preparation session. These 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 they prepare for Confirmation!

Two Steps to Enroll in Confirmation Preparation

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Step One: Register for our October Teen and Parent meeting -  Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 7:00pm.
The meeting will be held at St. Matthew’s in the Social Hall.  Both teen and parent shall attend. Social distancing will be practiced, and all are required to wear masks.  If you feel ill on that day, please stay home.  Register using this link: ​
slotted.co/pzaxz6nr 

Step Two: Complete a Confirmation Registration Form:   
Here is the link to register:  Confirmation Registration Form​ 
(Deadline = October 13, 2021).   Registration forms are also available in the church lobby.  

*For those joining our Confirmation Prep Program who are not registered with St. Matthew's, please complete and return this registration form in addition to the Confirmation Registration Form :  St. Matthews Registration 

Confirmation Preparation Schedule for 2021-2022

Wednesday, October 13, 7pm                             Teen and Parent Information Meeting
Sunday, October 17, 2021 5-7:30pm                  Candidate Only Session       
Sunday, November 14, 2021 5-7:30pm              Candidate Only Session
Sunday, December 19, 2021 5-7:30pm              Candidate Only Session
Sunday, January 23, 2022 6-7:30pm (No Mass) Candidate Only Session
Sunday, February 27, 2022 5-7:30pm                Candidate Only Session
Sunday, March 20, 2022 5-7:30pm                    Candidate Only Session
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 7pm                      Teen and Parent Information Meeting
Sunday, April 24, 2022 5-7:30pm                      Candidate Only Session
April – May 2022                                               Service Projects and Conversation
  (Dates to be determined)                                    Meetings with Fr. Rick & Mrs. Young
Sunday, May 22, 2022 5-7:30pm                       Candidate Only Session
Sunday, June 12, 2022 5-7:30pm                      Candidate Only Session       
Sunday, August 21, 2022 5-7:30pm                  Candidate Only Session
Saturday, September 10, 2022                          Retreat (All day)
Fall 2022                                                          Confirmation Liturgy
  (date to be determined)
All Sunday evening prep sessions include participation in 5:00pm mass (except Jan. 2) ​​

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