Confirmation Preparation
St. Matthias Parish · 2026–2027
Confirmation is the third of the sacraments of Christian Initiation, completing what was begun at Baptism. This page gathers everything 11th grade candidates and their families need for the year of immediate preparation. Candidates are asked to enter this process with an open mind and heart — the decision to be confirmed belongs to the youth.
Documents & Forms
Confirmation Handbook - Coming Soon
All forms and the full handbook are available online. Forms may be submitted at any class session, dropped off at the parish office, or emailed to bjens@stmatthias-milw.org.
Document Purpose Due Confirmation Sponsor Agreement Sponsor commitment & parish verification TBA Confirmation Name Worksheet Research & select a saint name TBA Confirmation Name Official Sheet Final name submission with reason TBA Candidate Questionnaire Formal request to the bishop TBA Retreat Permission Slip Required to attend the retreat TBA Baptismal Certificate (if not baptized at St. Matthias) On file before Confirmation TBA
About the Sacrament
Confirmation perfects baptismal grace and seals us with the gift of the Holy Spirit, rooting us more firmly in Christ and strengthening our bond with the Church. Through this sacrament, candidates take on a fuller responsibility for the faith into which they were baptized.
Program Overview
Young people begin immediate preparation for Confirmation in their junior year (11th grade). 11th grade candidates remain part of the High School Christian Formation Program — gathering for relational ministry in large and small groups, prayer, Scripture, liturgy, and service — while receiving dedicated catechesis toward the sacrament. The habits of discipleship begun in 9th and 10th grade are pursued here in greater depth.
General policies for Christian Formation (attendance, behavior, cell phones, make-up work, safeguarding, weather) are in the High School Christian Formation Handbook.
Weekend Mass is the cornerstone of a candidate's preparation. Candidates are asked to attend Mass every weekend. A livestreamed Mass is available Sunday mornings.
Key Dates
| Date | Event | Time & Location |
|---|---|---|
| TBA | Commitment & Blessing at Mass | TBA |
| TBA | Sponsor/Candidate Event #1 | TBA |
| TBA | Sponsor/Candidate Event #2 | TBA |
| TBA | Confirmation Name session (saints & choosing process) | Regular session |
| TBA | Candidate Questionnaire distributed | Regular session |
| TBA | Confirmation Retreat | TBA |
| TBA | Confirmation Name, Name Sheet, & Questionnaire due | TBA |
| TBA | Staff interviews; Student/Sponsor assignments due | Interviews with Brian Jens |
| TBA | Baptismal information due | TBA |
Choosing a Sponsor
Each candidate selects one Confirmation sponsor who walks with them through preparation. A sponsor must:
Be at least 16 years old
Be a confirmed, practicing Catholic who has received the Eucharist
Lead a life in harmony with the faith and role to be undertaken
Not be the candidate's father or mother (canon 874)
The sponsor completes the Confirmation Sponsor Agreement (with parish staff signature) and returns it to the candidate to submit. The form is due Saturday, October 4, 2025.
If a sponsor cannot attend a sponsor/candidate event, a parent/guardian may attend in their place, and the candidate completes a make-up with the sponsor (directions from Brian Jens closer to the event). A proxy may stand in on the day of Confirmation, but choosing a sponsor who can be present throughout the year is strongly recommended.
Struggling to find a sponsor? Contact Brian Jens as a last resort — we will help.
Frequently Asked Questions
May a parent be a sponsor? No. Parents may not serve as sponsors (canon 874), though their role in their child's faith formation is irreplaceable.
May someone act as proxy if the sponsor cannot be present? Yes. However, choosing a sponsor nearby is recommended so they can be more intimately involved in the candidate's preparation.
Is the retreat required? Yes. The retreat is integral to preparation and is not omitted without serious reason. If a candidate cannot attend, a make-up retreat at another parish will be arranged.
What if a candidate cannot be confirmed on the scheduled date? They may be confirmed at another parish; this is coordinated between the pastors or parish directors of both parishes.
My teen attends a Catholic high school — do they still participate? Yes. Catholic school students are part of the Confirmation group and are encouraged to share the gift of their formation, though they are not expected to repeat daily religion class content. Retreats and service projects offered by the school may be integrated into the program.
What if my child is missing earlier sacraments (Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Communion)? Contact Brian Jens. We will work with your family to help your child get caught up.