Confirmation 2026

St. Mary 2026 Confirmation program focuses on the essentials of the sacrament, leveraging Fr. Mike Schmitz’s engaging content and fostering a direct connection between the candidate and their sponsor.

Please follow the plan laid out below and prayerfully prepare to receive The Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation! Your Sponsor, parents and trusted mentors should be a part of your formation.



Please also note that this formation is in joint with a regular faith formation education. This may include parish religious education sessions, homeschool or formal Catholic School.

St. Mary joins with our partnership parish St. Joseph, Dexter for an approximately October Confirmation date.  Candidates traditionally prepare during their 8th grade year and are confirmed their 9th year.

Phase 1: Foundations

Focus on understanding the "Why" behind Confirmation and the role of the Holy Spirit.

• Education: Watch The 5 Powerful Effects of the Sacrament of Confirmation by Fr. Mike Schmitz. Discuss with parents, trusted mentor or sponsor why Confirmation is a "commissioning" rather than a "graduation".
• Sponsor Engagement: Candidates should interview their sponsor about their own Confirmation Day and how they try to live as a disciple today.  Have your Sponsor watch the following video Being a Confirmation Sponsor.
• Turn in the Choosing a Sponsor Interview Assignment with Sponsor Choice.
• Ask Sponsor to turn in Sponsor Form.
• Service: Identify and complete a "Mercy Encounter"—small acts of service within the family or parish. 

Phase 2: The Sacramental Life

Connect Confirmation to Baptism and the ongoing life of the Church.

• Education: Use segments from The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) focusing on paragraphs 1285-1321 (Confirmation). Highlight how it "strengthens baptismal grace".
• Sponsor Engagement: Attend Sunday Mass together or simultaneously. Afterward, discuss the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and which ones the candidate feels they need most.
• CHOSEN Session 12-3: The Holy Spirit in Your Life
• CHOSEN Session 13-1: Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Part 1)
• CHOSEN Session 13-2: Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Part 2)
• Service: Complete about 5 hours of hands-on service, such as volunteering at a local food pantry, any parish service or event, assisting with Knight of Columbus events or other opportunities in our community.

Phase 3: Mission & Discipleship

Prepare for the rite itself and the lifelong commitment to follow Christ.

• Education: Give God Your Best Yes (like Mary Did) - YouTube emphasizing that saying "yes" to Confirmation is choosing to live for Jesus in a difficult world. 
• Also, Read Acts 2:1-4. Discuss: How does the Spirit "set us on fire"?
• CHOSEN What Happens at Confirmation
• Familiarize yourself with the Rite of Confirmation
• "A Walkthrough the Rite of Confirmation"
• Sponsor Engagement: Sponsor and candidate go to Confession together or simultaneously, if possible, to ensure they are in a "state of grace" before the sacrament.
• Also discuss Mission or your Yes to God with your sponsor, parents, or trusted mentor. What will/does your life look like when you say yes to God?
• Service: Finalize the "Mercy Encounter" and “Hands on Service Hours” and write a short reflection consider including this experience in your letter to the Bishop.

Final Assignments and items that need to be turned in:

•  Sponsor Interview and Short Reflection
• Choosing a Sponsor Form “What Makes a Good Sponsor?”
• Sponsor Form (Sponsor fills out)
• Mercy Encounter and Hands On Service Reflection
• Saint Report and Confirmation Name Choice
• How to choose a Confirmation Saint
• Letter to the Bishop

Resources for Candidate, Sponsor and/or Parents:

• Candidate Form
• Confirmation Prep Checklist 2026
• Confirmation Lesson Plans and Assignments 2026
• Candidate Sponsor Form
• Proper Attire for Confirmation

• A Sponsor Prayer for their Candidate
• Confirmation- What Parents Should Know
• Confirmed In the Spirit – Prayer Guide
• Faith to Faith 1-21
• Faith to Faith 22-33
• Sponsor Article- Intro to Confirmation
• Sponsor Article – Prayer to the Holy Spirit
• Key Teachings of the Catholic Church