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CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY | AUSTIN, TEXAS
"But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you,
and you will be my WITNESSES in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Hey Parents!
Details for Confirmation 2025 will be released by October 1, 2024. Join our email list below to receive all Confirmation updates.
Primary Effects of the Sacrament of Confirmation:
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The bond with the church is strengthened which first began in baptism
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The person is enriched with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the spiritual gifts of the spirit (initially received at Baptism) are increased in them.
Both of these effects perfect the grace that is first received in Baptism and helps us continue to live our baptismal call as disciples of Christ to the world.
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"By the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed."CCC 1285
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation:
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The High School Youth Confirmation program is a two year formation process. Candidates are typically confirmed in the second semester of their 10th grade year (or equivalent age) as long as all preparation requirements have been met. Candidates must complete a 2-year preparation process. Our high school sacrament preparation classes include discussion, social justice and spiritual projects, a weekend retreat and fellowship. Confirmation candidates are given a vast array of opportunities to live, learn, and appreciate the Catholic faith. Enrollment and attendance in-person at our High School Youth Ministry, IMPACT, which meets on Sunday evenings from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the PAC, is required unless teens are enrolled in Catholic School for the 2024-2025 school year.
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SVdP Program Requirements for Confirmation Preparation:
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Candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation are expected to participate fully in each way listed below. Failure to meet these requirements will result in loss of Confirmation eligibility for the immediate Faith Formation year.
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Adolescents age 14-19 years old who are Baptized and have received Communion and regularly attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation
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Participate in regular Youth Ministry and Faith Formation activities (IMPACT Youth Nights) with at least 80% attendance for the 2 academic years prior to the Confirmation date (typically 9th & 10th grade).
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Participate in all Confirmation Prep sessions. Students who miss more than two Confirmation sessions will not be eligible for Confirmation.
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Has completed the Confirmation I Year (9th Grade Religious Education/Youth Group) *Confirmation Prep students who are not receiving Religious Education in a catholic school setting must have a record of enrollment and attendance at IMPACT (SVdP High School Youth Ministry) or equivalent.
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Complete 12 Parish Engagement Hours
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Turn in all registration, and retreat paperwork by January 15 of the Confirmation year.
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Participate in a Confirmation Retreat. See retreat information below.
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Complete a Confirmation interview with Fr. Tom Reitmeyer, Fr. Lijo Koodathinal Thomas, Fr. Roopesh Mathew, James Longoria, a deacon, or another Confirmation preparation leader.
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Show a desire for, understanding of, and readiness for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Confirmation Preparation Session Schedule and Description:
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Candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation are expected to participate fully in each session listed below. Failure to meet these requirements will result in loss of Confirmation eligibility for the immediate religious education year.​​​
Purpose Wednesdays, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Parish Activity Center (PAC)
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Large group gathering of Confirmation candidates covering a basic teaching related to the Sacrament of Confirmation. Like a Youth night with a greater emphasis on catechesis. Sponsors and Parents are also invited. Dinner not provided.
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2024-2025 Session Dates (Schedule Subject to Change):​
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11/6 - Mandatory Confirmation Parent Meeting (Parents and candidates required to attend) | 6 PM, SVDP PAC
11/13 - Purpose Wednesday | 6 PM, SVDP PAC
12/4 - Purpose Wednesday | 6 PM, SVDP PAC
12/11 - Purpose Wednesday | 6 PM, SVDP PAC
1/8/25 - Purpose Wednesday Parent Required | 6 PM, SVDP PAC
1/15/25 - Purpose Wednesday | 6 PM, SVDP PAC
2/5/25 - Purpose Wednesday | 6 PM, SVDP PAC
2/12/25 - Purpose Wednesday Sponsor Required | 6 PM, SVDP PAC
3/12/25 - Purpose Wednesday | 6 PM, SVDP PAC
4/4/25 - 4/6/25 - Confirmation Retreat, Camp of the Hills Retreat Center, Marble Falls
4/23/25 - Purpose Wednesday Parent Required | 6 PM, SVDP PAC
5/7/25 - Purpose Wednesday | 6 PM, SVDP PAC
5/14/25 - Confirmation Rehearsal Sponsor Required (Tentative) | 6 PM SVDP PAC
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The date for Confirmation 2025 has not been scheduled with the Diocese of Austin at this time. The date and time will be posted as soon as it is available.
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Parish Engagement Hours:
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Candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation are expected to complete 12 Parish Engagement hours. A Parish Engagement hour is any ministry experience completed through a ministry or volunteer program here at St. Vincent de Paul. Parents are the supervisors of the completion of the Parish Engagement hour requirement and must sign off on all activities. More details will be emailed to Confirmation candidates upon registration.
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Confirmation Retreat Information:
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All candidates are required to participate in an approved Confirmation Retreat. Retreat registration is separate from registration for Confirmation Preparation.
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Witness Retreat, (Preferred) 4/4-4/6, 2025. Register at svdpaustinyouth.com/confirmation (Registration opens 12/1)
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DCYC, January 1- February 2, 2025. (Registration opens 12/1)
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Confirmation Supply Fee Payment (Program Tuition):
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The cost for Confirmation Preparation is $50/candidate. This amount does not include retreat cost. Please contact james@svdpparish.org for any questions about fees. Payment is included in the regiatration process.
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