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​​"Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the "sacraments of initiation," whose unity must be safeguarded.  It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament is necessary for the completion of Baptismal grace. For 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."
--Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1285

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Youth Confirmation Prep

Beginning in September 2020, the churches of Sacred Heart, St. Catherine's, and St. Ignatius Hilltop have implemented a new Confirmation Preparation process for youth ages 12-17. These changes have been made in order to better serve the different spiritual and catechetical needs of our youth, and to increase the fruits of the sacrament. Below you will find a link to our Confirmation Prep Handbook with a letter of explanation from the pastors, details of our new process, important dates, and key documents for candidates.

Expectations for candidates:

• Evident desire to receive the sacrament.
• Regular participation in the sacramental life (weekly Mass, Confession 2-4 times a year).
• A consistent prayer life, even in rudimentary form.
• Basic knowledge of the Catholic faith.
• Continuing faith formation (CCD, Catholic school, verified homeschool program, youth ministry, personal reading, etc.).
• Established participation in a parish ministry (see examples in our handbook) with the written support of a non-parent parish minister.

Youth aged 12-17 who desire to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation are invited to schedule an interview with their pastor. In this interview, the candidate, their pastor, and the Confirmation Prep coordinator will discern along with the candidate if this seems to be the right time for the sacrament. If so, the candidate will be invited to take an 8-week course focusing on the sacrament. If not, we will invite the candidate to continue to learn and mature in the faith, and to apply again when they feel they are ready. 

Entry into Spring 2021 Confirmation Prep is now closed. The next round of Confirmation Prep will be Fall 2021.

Sacred Heart Candidates: Call 301-934-2261 OR email cschmitz@sacredheartlaplata.org & cc aalbrittain@sacredheartlaplata.org.

St. Catherine/St. Ignatius Candidates: Call 301-934-9630 OR email qureshia@adw.org & cc aalbrittain@sacredheartlaplata.org.

Please read through our handbook below to better understand the rationale and details of our new process. If you have questions, please contact Anna Albrittain, Confirmation Prep Coordinator, here or by calling 301-934-2261 ext. 105.

Youth Confirmation Prep Handbook

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​For adults, please call Mr. William Wannall on 301.934.2261, ext. 107 to enroll in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).  Classes are held every Tuesday, September through Easter, from 7-8:30pm.