The Sacrament Preparation for Confirmation is guided by the Spirit and Light Collaborative of the Oak Park Parishes of "Ascension and St. Edmund" and "Saint Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles".

Confirmation is the sacrament during which we say “Yes” to the Holy Spirit: during this sacrament the Spirit seals the gifts and graces we received at Baptism, giving us the strength to walk ever more closely with Christ, fulfilling Christ’s mission for us. This is a special sacrament most often celebrated at a crucial developmental time in a teenager’s life.

The Confirmation preparation program is designed to enable the candidate’s awakening of their spiritual relationship with Christ. Most teenagers begin preparation for Confirmation in middle school. Prior to specific preparation for the sacrament, each candidate prepares for at least one year through their regular formation within the Religious Education programs or through their parish school. The middle school programs focus deeply on the person of Jesus Christ and provide the opportunity for students to gain a deeper knowledge of who Jesus Christ was, is, and will be for them.

Beginning in the fall of the candidate’s 8th grade year, specific preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation begins. During this year, the candidates will experience:

• Small faith groups, meeting approximately once a month, that will allow the teen space and guidance to reflect on and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and His Mission for them.
• Retreat time, which will give the candidates opportunities to experience the Holy Spirit, deep prayer, reflection and relationship building!
• Service and special prayer opportunities which will develop the habits of prayer, discipleship, and service to others.

The candidate’s family and chosen Sponsor will support each teen in their discernment. The Sacrament of Confirmation is then celebrated in the spring of the candidate’s 8th grade year. Each family may register for Confirmation preparation at either Ascension and St. Edmund Parish, St Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St Giles Parish, or the Family Mass Community. There will also be an opportunity to choose at which church your family prefers to celebrate the Sacrament.