The Process

Like the Disciples at Pentecost, Confirmation is a Sacrament in which we receive a new deeper outpouring of the Holy Spirit into our hearts in an extraordinary way. This process is an opportunity for teens to be "strengthened by power from heaven, made true witnesses of Christ in word and deed, and be bound more closely to the Church" (Apostolic Constitution).  As such, our confirmation process is NOT a requirement to being a Catholic, an entitlement, or a graduation from a religious education program. It IS the permanent binding of an individual to the Church and seals them with the Holy Spirit perfecting the grace received at Baptism.

"Behold, I am doing something new..." Isaiah 43:19

The Confirmation process provides interested teens with a semester-long experience in which students are prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and full initiation into the Catholic Church preferably during their junior year in high school. Preparation includes regular Mass attendance, small group meetings, service experiences, regular meetings with their sponsor, a letter to the bishop, and a full weekend confirmation retreat. Our process focuses on the Sacrament of Confirmation, as well as various elements of what it means to be Catholic.

Confirmation preparation is not a stand alone process, but part of a much bigger journey of becoming an intentional disciple of Christ.

Confirmation is not "The End" but the beginning!

Upon being sealed with the Holy Spirit, the mission of being an intentional disciple of Jesus Christ begins. The effects of Confirmation are far reaching and even more fulfilling for those who actively live their role as confirmed Catholics.

• United more firmly with Christ
• Deeper participation in the Church
• Strengthened to spread and defend the faith
• Increased gifts of the Holy Spirit
• Discernment of God's call
• Stewardship

Details

Why Junior Year

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee identifies junior year as the most developmentally appropriate time for an individual to pursue the preparation and reception of this sacrament. Individuals must have reached the age of reason so that he/she may understand its meaning most completely. The person must be baptized. They must freely profess the Catholic faith. They must be in a state of grace, following the laws of Christ an the Church and not be guilty of any serious, unconfessed sins. They must also wish to be confirmed and must be willing to be a witness for Christ.

Requirements for Confirmation

Individuals desiring to be confirmed must go through formal preparation for the reception of the sacrament in which certain expectations must be fulfilled. At St. Dominic Catholic Parish, we expect that all students participating in confirmation preparation have also been engaging in the formation and community provided through our Life Teen ministry and events throughout high school
1. Attend meetings for catechesis
2. Attend Mass
3. Select a sponsor and have regular, intentional conversations with your sponsor
4. Select a patron Saint, write a short reflection as to how you arrived at choosing this Saint to be your personal intercessor and guide
5. Attend a retreat
6. Perform service
7. Write a letter of intent to the Archbishop
8. Engage in continuing formation through the paris

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my teen enters into St. Dominic Catholic Parish outside the standard timelines?We are glad that you are here! We understand how life can throw us curveballs, so we will work with your situation in order for your teen to begin preparations right away in order to meet the timeline for reception of the sacrament.
What if we can’t meet the obligations of the program? We understand that life happens. It is important that parents, student, sponsor, and the St. Dominic staff work together to support the reception of the sacrament to the best of our abilities knowing the expectations of the sacrament.
I have a pretty crazy schedule, can my parents teach me? We understand that Junior year in high school carries many responsibilities.  We don’t wish your Confirmation preparation to be “one more thing”.  We desire it to be “the thing”.  We would encourage you to make the time to prepare well.  Preparation involves doing so in a community.  We would prefer that attendance in small group occur.
What qualifies as service?  Work for the good of others that you do not get paid for nor is it part of the expectations upon us as members of a family.

Our Team

Our professional staff is a talented group of individuals trained in their perspective duties to give direction to the program and minister our teens and their parents. They also are responsible for training and ministering to the core team.

Fr. Tim Schumaker

Associate Pastor

Office: 262.781.3480, Ext. 224

Samantha Taylor

High School Minister

Office: 262.781.3480, Ext. 229

Suzette Hildebrand

Formation & Human Concerns Assistant

Office: 262.781.3480, Ext. 226

Our Core Team is literally at the core of everything we do. Our Core Team is a group of volunteer ministers who give their time and talents to accompany teens to seek Christ, know Christ, and become Christ. Very simply, a Core member's job is to share Jesus Christ with teens. Their job is relational ministry which shows teens that they are valued and loved by God.

Jess Brown

Matt Elberson

Keryn and Joe Ghali

Maria Kucharski

Interested in joining our core team? Training and all materials are provided. If you would like to learn more about the Core Team, please contact Fr. Tim Schumakeror Sami Taylor