Confirmation at St. Therese is not specifically "time-bound", but based on guidelines of being ready to receive the sacrament as outline by the universal Catholic Church and the Diocese of Green Bay.  As a pilot program within the diocese, this process may appear unusual or surprising.  This page outlines the key steps, but always feel free to call the office to seek greater understanding when you have questions.

Parent Information Packet

Four Stages

Teens receive the sacrament of Confirmation as they progress through four stages outlined by the Catholic Church as they show evidence of being ready for each:

1. Pre-catechumenate: the initial phase of seeking.  All high school students who are open to a relationship with Jesus are welcome to join a high school small group (grades 9-12) in this initial phase.  10th grade students who are in at least their second year of formation, or 11th grades students, may attend the overnight retreat to prepare for the catechumenate.

2. Catechumenate: the second phase of learning to be a committed disciple for those who desire it.  Catechumens go to weekly Mass, regularly go to confession, practice daily prayer, and engage in service.  They meet often with their sponsor and attend weekly small groups.

3. Purification and Enlightenment: this is the time immediately before receiving the sacrament.  Teens participate in formation specific to the Holy Spirit and the Confirmation Liturgy and attend a one-day retreat.

4. Mystagogy: this takes place during the year after being Confirmed.  Rather than simply ending formation and group prayer, teens are expected to return to weekly catechism to fully benefit from the graces intended for them in the sacrament.  Teens learn to understand the gifts and charisms they received in Confirmation and are supported in applying these into parish life.

Transition Points

Movement between stages occurs at specific points during the school year.  Each transition is verified through a student written questionnaire and a face-to-face interview between the student and catechist.  If a catechist believes that a teen is not ready to move to the next stage, we will notify parents to explore ideas to help that students.  Some students may remain at a stage into an additional year if more time is the best option for them to be prepared and disposed to receiving the sacrament.

Precatechumenate to Catechumenate: teens need to demonstrate a desire and willingness to commit to living as a disciple.  This transition does not look for mature faith, but a personal interest in developing mature faith.

Catechumenate to Enlightenment: teens need to show that they are living as committed disciples of Jesus by practicing their Catholic faith.  They also need to express Jesus as not simply part of their life, but as their king and Lord in all things.  This is not a small statement or commitment, but it is what Jesus calls us to.  Students may need an additional year or more to be able to show that they are living as disciples or ready to make such a bold proclamation.

Enlightenment to Mystagogy: upon being Confirmed, teens move into the last phase of mystagogy, where they commit to ongoing formation at the parish without the "prize" of receiving a sacrament, simply expressing a desire for God's grace and to grow.

Timeline:

• High school small groups begin with the first day of adult/youth catechism -- Sep 15, 2024
• Students discern if they are open and ready for Confirmation through reflective questions and a conversation with their catechist.
• Students register for the Confirmation overnight retreat, October 11-13, 2024, at Camp Tekakwitha.  This retreat is required for Confirmation.
• Students discern into the catechumenate stage a week after the retreat.
• They must choose a sponsor and a Saint by November
• In February, students discern with their catechist into the Enlightenment stage
• In March-April, students write a letter to Bishop, complete a project on their Saint, and attend a one-day retreat to prepare for the liturgy
• The Confirmation liturgy is at St. Therese with Bishop Ricken on Wednesday, April 30, 2025