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The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you." (John 14:26)
Our Lady of the Magnificat’s Confirmation/Youth Ministry Program offers teens in grades 9-12 the opportunity to grow stronger in their Catholic faith. As active members of our parish community, our teens take part in the Confirmation program classes, retreat opportunities, service projects and other youth events.
Confirmation Preparation
We have requested and been given permission by Bishop Serratelli to move the reception of Confirmation to the 8th grade. The Sacrament of Confirmation is a powerful grace and we believe it is needed sooner than 10th grade to strengthen students in the moral challenges that are faced today. This decision will not affect the 9th or 10th grade confirmation program. There will be a two-year transition period where the incoming 7 & 8 graders will begin the confirmation process in Sept. 2019.
Classes for the 9th and 10th grade meet one Sunday a month from September through May. Class sessions run from 10:40AM to 1:30PM. Teens will attend the 11 AM Sunday Mass, and then return to the school for lunch* and the class session. Families are encouraged to attend the 11AM liturgy with our confirmation candidates!
Classes for the 7th and 8th grade meet on Sunday and Monday evenings 7-8:30, approximately 2 times a month. It is required that students attend mass twice a month. Starting in October there will be a mass at 6 PM which students and families are encouraged to attend. Students need to sign in if attending the 6 PM mass. If not attending the 6 PM mass, then they are required to have the bulletin signed by a priest for whichever mass and parish they attend. The signed bulletin should be turned into their catechist/teacher.
Please refer to the OLM Parent & Student Handbook for complete information on the OLM Confirmation Program.Please click here for Handbook
Liturgy:
This year’s confirmation liturgy will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 10AM. The Juniors being confirmed will have their last classroom session and Reconciliation on Wednesday 9/11/19 from 7PM to 9PM. Rehearsal for the Confirmation Liturgy will be held on Thursday 9/12/19 from 7PM to 9PM (teens with their sponsors). Detailed information will be mailed directly to the families as the date gets closer.
Classes: TO BE POSTED IN SEPTEMBER 2019
Service Hours:
This required component of our Confirmation program allows our candidates to experience giving to our communities through 20 hours of volunteer service.- Five (5) of the twenty (20) hours must be completed within one of the OLM Parish Ministries.
- Service hours MUST be completed and submitted to the Confirmation Coordinator during sophomore year at the Sophomore Retreat. If hours are completed prior to this, the completed form can be mailed or dropped off to the OLM Parish Office, 2 Miller Road, Kinnelon, NJ 07405. Please mark the envelope “Confirmation – Service Hours”.
If you have any questions please call the office at 973-283-1212 or email us at confirmation@olmchurch.org.
Click here for Community Service form
Sponsors
Confirmation candidates are guided in their faith development by a Catholic sponsor. These are adults who have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation and are thus fully initiated members of the Catholic Church. They actively model and practice their Catholic faith. Since parents are the primary role models and teachers of our Catholic faith, they cannot serve as sponsors. Baptismal sponsors (God Parents) are encouraged to act as the confirmation sponsors to show the link between the two sacraments. Sponsors need to complete and return a Sponsor Validation Form to the Confirmation Office.Click here for Guidelines on Selecting a Confirmation Sponsor
Click here for a copy of the Sponsor Validation Form
Confirmation names
Candidates are asked to choose the name of a saint that exemplifies the candidates’ personal faith journey. They may also use their baptismal names.Click here for Guidelines on Selecting a Confirmation Name
Retreats:
Bridge - For 8th grade students. A Saturday morning retreat is an introduction to the Confirmation program.
Freshman Retreat - This mandatory 9th grade retreat offers teens an opportunity to grow in their faith as they reflect call to say ‘YES’ to the Lord.
Sophomore Retreat - This 10th grade mandatory retreat helps candidates come to an ever-deepening relationship with God and a better understanding of what it is to be a disciple of Christ in today’s world.
Sponsor-Candidate Retreat - This retreat provides an opportunity for sponsors and candidates to strengthen their faith relationship through discussions, prayerful reflection, and one-on-one activities.