Catechesis

Confirmation

WHAT IS CONFIRMATION?

Religious Education for adults seeks to address the needs of the adults of Epiphany in deepening their understanding of their faith which will then lead to a more committed way of living their faith in Jesus Christ. Building on the religious education received as children, the questions and needs of adults go beyond what was learned during school years. Respecting the life experiences of adults, adult religious education should seek to integrate their questions with the teachings of the Church.

Learning about one’s faith, deepening one’s relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church does not end in 12th grade, but rather is a life-long process. We invite you to join us for the various adult education programs that are offered. Additional programs are being added on a regular basis. For more information, please follow the appropriate links or you may call Mandy at 722-0051 or Judy at 722-2110 extension 125.

PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION

Confirmation is a two-year process which usually starts at the beginning of the school year for the ninth grade. The preparation continues through the tenth grade, and the Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in the fall of the eleventh grade.  Students should have completed a minimum of one year of Religious Education prior to enrolling for Confirmation (8th grade), either at Epiphany or another Catholic parish, or at a Catholic school. Regular attendance at the Sunday evening sessions is a requirement for Confirmation.  Older students will need to contact the Director of Religious Education at 405-722-2110 ext 118.

PARENT AND STUDENT COMMITMENTS TO THE PREPARATION PROCESS

  • Attend Mass regularly and observe the other precepts of the Catholic Faith.
  • Be enrolled for Confirmation through the R.E. Office prior to the start of the program.  No one will be allowed to enroll without the written permission from the Director of Religious Education two weeks after the start of the classes.
  • Have documented 20 Hours of Community Service for each year.
  • Attend preparation sessions including retreats (minimum 80% attendance & 2 retreats).
  • Obtain a copy of your (the confirmandi’s) baptismal record and first communion so that it is on file with us.
  • Select a Saint’s name as your special patron and have that on file with us.
  • Select a sponsor and ensure that his or her sacramental records are on file with us.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

As the primary catechist of the your son or daughter, parents are invited to support their children in the preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation in response to God’s call. This includes helping them to arrive at Mass, classes, and retreats on time and to follow the other commitments of the process.

CONFIRMATION STUDENT COMMITMENTS

Students are invited to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation in response to God’s call in the parish of Epiphany of the Lord, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma according to the directives of our Pastor, Reverend Stephen Bird, the Director of Religious Education and catechists.

AFTER CONFIRMATION

Religious Education does not stop at Confirmation!  Mystagogy and Religious Education continue through the end of 12th Grade.  Please support your young person’s on-going journey of faith by encouraging them to end the Mystagogy portion of the Confirmation process and then to continue on with Religious Education.

Mystagogy is the period after the rites of initiation into the Catholic Church. It’s a time for settling in, such as when you move to a new place, start a new job, or begin at a new school. It is exciting to begin, but those first steps might be wobbly. We rely on people around us to help us. That’s the purpose of mystagogy.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM READY FOR CONFIRMATION?

None of us have done anything to deserve the astounding grace present in the sacraments.  Thankfully, God does not require us to be worthy, but only asks that we cooperate with His grace and prepare ourselves as best we can.  We do that by:

  • Taking seriously the process of preparation and completing the requirements to the best of our abilities.
  • Selecting a sponsor who can be a role model and provide spiritual guidance on our journey.
  • Work with your sponsor and catechists to understand the teaching of the Church, especially on issues of disagreement or concern.
  • Making a personal, positive choice to receive the sacrament.

Ultimately, if you are able and willing to stand before the Archbishop and the congregation of Epiphany of the Lord Parish in honesty and sincerity to request Confirmation, you are ready. God will handle the rest.