Confirmation Preparation

What is Confirmation Preparation?

Our Confirmation Preparation ministry aims to help young men and women deepen their relationships with Jesus, grow in knowledge of the faith, and empower them to share the light of Christ in their homes, schools, and social settings.

This two-year formation process is for all seventh and eighth graders at St. Gertrude Parish. We begin our formation in seventh grade, and candidates will be eligible to receive Confirmation at the end of their eighth grade year.* Those who intend to receive the sacrament will commit to participate in monthly formation meetings consisting of activities, talks, small group discussions, and prayer experiences, along with several other events. All Confirmation candidates are also invited to join us for our junior high youth ministry offerings.

*Candidates who are homeschooled or enrolled in St. Gertrude School and other Catholic schools are invited to participate in Confirmation Preparation! However, they are not required to participate in the entire program to be confirmed at the parish. Some key elements may still be expected. Contact the parish office at (513) 561-5954 or parishoffice@stgertrude.org so we can determine how to best support your candidate’s preparation for the sacrament!

2023-2024 Program Elements & Session Times

It’s not too late to register! Contact the parish office for more information or click the button below to sign up now.

For more details about the year, please click on the Confirmation Preparation Candidate Handbook. You can also subscribe to our Google Calendar of events at the following links:

Expectations for All Candidates (Grades 7–8)
Elements in gold are new for 2023-2024

Parent-Candidate Sessions (parents and candidates attend): August 27, 2023; January 14, 2024; April 28, 2024 | 10-11:15 a.m. or 11:30-12:45 a.m.
Initial Letter: A letter from each candidate about why he or she is entering preparation
Confirmation Retreat: Saturday, November 11, 2023 (all day commitment)
Formation Meetings (candidates only): September-April, second and fourth Sundays | 10-11:15 a.m. or 11:30-12:45 a.m.
Personal Spiritual Plans: Regular meetings throughout the year with parents and mentors (click the button below to get the Spiritual Plan Meeting Guide)

Spiritual Plan Meeting Guide

Teaching Mass (attend one of two options): Tuesday, January 16 or 30, 2024

Expectations for Eighth Grade Only

Baptismal certificate on record
Letter to the Pastor: A brief letter demonstrating an understanding of and desire to receive Confirmation
Sponsor Meeting: Sunday, February 4, 2024 | 1:15-3 p.m.
Confirmation Rehearsal: Friday, April 19, 2024 | 6-8 p.m.
Confirmation Mass: April 21, 2024 | 2 p.m. (brief reception to follow)

Click the image above for more details about the year.

Cost

Confirmation Preparation costs $80/child for the required formation program. Costs for optional outings and excursions vary based upon the event.

Contact

If you have any questions about our Confirmation Preparation program, please contact Walter Plummer, director of evangelization and faith formation, at wplummer@stgertrude.org or (513) 561-5954, ext. 2122.