Questions, Registration, Volunteers Contact:

Bette Scaringe, Director of Religious Education
E-mail: scaringeb@gs.ptdiocese.org
Phone: 850-893-1837

Confirmation is the third Sacrament of Initiation and continues the life-long journey that began in Baptism and is nourished with Eucharist. Confirmation at Good Shepherd is a 12-month program beginning in February of each year. Diocesan Policy is that Candidates (students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation) must be in Grade 9 (or above) to be confirmed. Therefore, Candidates must be in Grade 8 (or above) in their public/private school to begin the Confirmation process.

Beginning Level (to Rite of Enrollment)

Candidates must complete the following requirements prior to the Rite of Enrollment. Refer to the Confirmation calendar for all dates. See Overview of a Candidate for more information about the expectations of a Candidate.

• Attend the Confirmation Parents and Candidates Session which covers complete information about the Confirmation program
• Attend 7 classes which cover topics such as community, sacraments, symbols and rituals, the Holy Spirit, service, and discipleship
• Select a Confirmation name, prepare a "name" project, and present completed project in class
• Choose a Sponsor by first class session and submit the Candidate/Sponsor Record Form
• Attend the Candidate/Sponsor/Parent Session and the Rite of Enrollment

Confirmation Team

Sun. 4:45–5:45  Michelle Dahnke & Tina Niggel; Pat Phelan
Sun. 7:30–8:30  Lou DiPaolo & Shelly DiPaolo
                           Bill Bibby and Karen Jay 
                           Jm Healy & Kathy Bishp
                           Jerry & Margaret Haynes; Robin Stanord
Wed. 7:00-8:00  Mona Dahlke & Mary Forrestall
                           Debra Herman and Beth Sturman

Baptismal Certificate

A copy of the student’s baptismal certificate is due before or by the Beginning Confirmation Parents and Candidates Session.

Sponsor Requirements

A Sponsor is a fully-initiated practicing Catholic who will serve as a mentor and assist parent(s) in guiding their Candidate through the Confirmation journey.  The sponsor must:

• Be a member of Good Shepherd (for at least 3 months)  OR  a registered member of another parish and submitted the Confirmation Sponsor Certificate
• Recommended age is 21, however, must have at least graduated from high school
• Attend the Candidate/Sponsor/Parent Session and the Rite of Enrollment
• Following the Rite of Enrollment, complete at least 4 meetings with Candidate, oversee Candidate Service Hours, and attend the Confirmation practice and Rite of Confirmation

Final Level (from Rite of Enrollment to Confirmation)