Welcome to the Mission Parish High School Confirmation Prep!

Our aim is to help our high school youth engage in their Catholic faith. For most, we prepare them to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. This preparation is a **two-year program. Once confirmed, a youth has the opportunity to join our *Core Team to support the next upcoming Candidates. Also, we welcome youth who have already received their Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, & First Holy Communion) at an earlier age: After all, Faith Formation does not stop after Sacraments are received!

Starting July 1, 2023 Level 8 Prerequisite for Confirmation Prep - Level 1 Starting July 1, 2023

Beginning July 1, 2023, Level 8 Faith Formation will become a prerequisite for students seeking to enroll in Confirmation Preparation - Level 1. Level 8 Faith Formation can be taken here at the Mission San Diego or any other Catholic parish. The requirement is also fulfilled by students who have successfully completed grade 8 in a Catholic elementary school or an approved home school Faith Formation program.

The goal is to ensure that all high school students beginning Confirmation Preparation have a solid and common foundation in the faith when preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation. Experience tells us that students who have not been enrolled for at least one year in a Faith Formation process prior to starting Confirmation Prep - Level 1 have a difficult time “keeping up” with students who have been enrolled in Faith Formation programs and have completed Level 8.

Confirmation Prep 2022-2023

When? Sundays 4pm-5:20pm, starting September 11, 2022 through May 2023

Where? La Sala, accessible from the Rose Garden; & the Fr Serra Room, located in the Religious Ed Building

Confirmation Prep Calendar 2022-2023

*Core Team Members are enriched with valuable experience in discipleship. You help make the Catholic faith accessible and relatable to your peers. This is a way to live out the call of your own Confirmation! Plus, earn volunteer hours for school.

Interested in being a member of Core Team?

Contact Us:

Director of Catechetical Ministry, Carol Gamara, at (619) 624-0900, or cgamara@missionsandiego.org

Faith Formation Administrative Assistant, Amy Faley, at 619-283-1371, or afaley@missionsandiego.org

What You Need to Register (New & Returning Candidates):

Complete a Registration and our TWO Release Forms
- If registering two or more Candidates, please complete separate forms for EACH Candidate

Registration Form General Release Form Medical Release Form

2. If applicable, we need a copy of the youth's Baptism and First Communion Certificate

3. Submit Forms via...

- Paper Forms and Certificate copies can be mailed or dropped off (see below). Whether dropped off or by mail, please place forms and copies in an envelope and write "Attn: Carol & Amy"
- Mailing Address -- Mission San Diego de Alcala, Attn: Carol & Amy, 10818 San Diego Mission Rd, San Diego, CA 92108Drop Off Locations (Write "Attn: Carol & Amy" on the envelope): Religious Ed Building with prior notice, as our office hours vary; the Parish Office mail slot anytime; or the Parish Gift Shop 7 days a week, 9am to 4pm
- Electronic Forms (Scanned or take a clear Picture) can be emailed to both Carol and Amy at cgamara@missionsandiego.org AND afaley@missionsandiego.org

4. Registration Fees (does not include Weekend Retreat)

~~Early Registration Fee (until July 31): $125 for one Candidate, $200 for two sibling Candidates~~

~~Registration Fee (August 1-31): $135 for one Candidate, $220 for two sibling Candidates~~

Late Registration Fee (September 1 and later): $150 for one Candidate, $250 for two sibling Candidates

- Fees help cover the cost of program materials and supplies
- Payments can be made by cash, check, or card. Card payments can be made over the phone and will be charged a 5% additional fee for online processing. Make checks out to "Mission San Diego de Alcala" with "Youth Ministry" in the memo
- Payment plans and tuition assistance are available for tight budgets

NOTE: FOR REGISTRATIONS AFTER SEPTEMBER, MAKE-UP WORK will be required

FAQs:

When can a youth begin Sacramental Preparation for Confirmation?

As early as 9th Grade AND **Starting July 1, 2023** having completed Level 8 Faith Formation

How long is the Sacramental Preparation for Confirmation?

Two Catechetical Years. For example, if your child begins Sacramental Prep for Confirmation in September 2022, they should receive Confirmation in May 2024.

My youth has not received Baptism or First Communion...is this the right program?

Yes! In the two-year Confirmation preparation, we will give the Catechumen (non-baptized person seeking Sacraments) supplemental Sacramental Prep for Baptism and First Holy Communion. At the conclusion of the two years, the Catechumen will receive all THREE Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil.
The same supplemental preparation occurs for the Candidate (baptized person seeking Sacraments) who would like to receive their First Holy Communion. At the conclusion of the two years, the Candidate will receive First Holy Communion and Confirmation at the Confirmation Mass along with their peers.

What is required for youth while in Sacramental prep?

Weekly celebration of Sunday Mass. The Body of Christ suffers if you are not there. That is why our global Catholic Church obligates us to celebrate every week. Together, we bring God's Kingdom upon Earth!
Regular attendance to Sunday classes, preferably no more than three absences; if your family needs to be away for a weekend, let us know. "Homework" may be given to cover what was missed.
As required by our Diocese, Youth must participate in one Overnight Weekend retreat, each year of preparation. In 2022, Weekend Retreat is scheduled for November 18-20
Twenty hours of service in the parish

Does my Youth need a Sponsor for Confirmation?

Yes! Youths should choose their Sponsor no later than the Fall of the Youth's Second Year of Preparation
To help choose a Sponsor, please check our Sponsor Guidelines