Please note: Sacramental Preparation is distinct from Faith Formation. Those enrolled in Sacramental Preparation must first be enrolled in Fatih Formation if they are not receiving religious education or Theology in a Catholic School setting.
Enroll in Faith Formation Here!
“Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiations, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.”
-Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1316
The bond with the church is strengthened which first began in baptism
The person is enriched with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and receives the spiritual gifts of the spirit.
Both of these effects perfect the grace that is first received in Baptism and helps us continue to live our baptismal call as disciples of Christ to the world.
"By 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."CCC 1285
The High School Youth Confirmation program is a two year formation process. Candidates are typically confirmed in the second semester of their 10th grade year (or equivalent age) as long as all preparation requirements have been met. Candidates must complete a 2-year preparation process. Our high school sacrament preparation classes include discussion, social justice and spiritual projects, a weekend retreat and fellowship. Confirmation candidates are given a vast array of opportunities to live, learn, and appreciate the Catholic faith. Enrollment and attendance in-person at our High School Youth Ministry, IMPACT, which meets on Sunday evenings from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the PAC, is required unless teens are enrolled in Catholic School for the 2022-2023 school year.
Candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation are expected to participate fully in each way listed below. Failure to meet these requirements will result in loss of Confirmation eligibility for the immediate Faith Formation year.
Adolescents ages 14-19 years old
Who are Baptized and have received Communion
Regularly attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation
Participate in regular Youth Ministry & Religious Education activities (IMPACT Youth Nights) with at least 80% attendance for the 2 academic years prior to the Confirmation date (typically 9th & 10th grade).
Participate in all Confirmation Prep sessions. Students who miss more than two Confirmation sessions will not be eligible for Confirmation.
Has completed the Confirmation I Year (9th Grade Religious Education/Youth Group)
*Confirmation Prep students who are not receiving Religious Education in a catholic school setting must have a record of enrollment and attendance at IMPACT (SVdP High School Youth Ministry) or equivalent.
Turn in all registration, and retreat paperwork by February 1 of the Confirmation year.
Participate in a Confirmation Retreat. See retreat information below.
Completion of a Confirmation interview with Fr. Tom Reitmeyer, Fr. Brian McMaster, James Longoria, a deacon, or another Confirmation preparation leader.
Show a desire for, understanding of, and readiness for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation are expected to participate fully in each session listed below. Failure to meet these requirements will result in loss of Confirmation eligibility for the immediate religious education year.
Five Prep Wednesdays 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Parish Activity Center (PAC)
Large group gathering of Confirmation candidates covering basic teachings related to the Sacrament of Confirmation. Like a Youth night with a greater emphasis on catechesis. Sponsors and Parents are also invited.
Three Holy Huddles 6:00 - 8:00 PM, St. Vincent de Paul Campus OR time and place determined by the small group leader
Small group (5-7 teens) with, at least, two adult faith formation volunteers to discuss additional topics related to Confirmation. Small group volunteers consist of parents, sponsors, and adult parishioners who volunteer in our Confirmation faith formation program.
Purpose Wednesday, January 25, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Parish Activity Center (PAC)
Holy Huddle, February 8, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Parish Activity Center (PAC)
Purpose Wednesday, February 15, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Parish Activity Center (PAC)
Holy Huddle, March 1, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Parish Activity Center (PAC)
Purpose Wednesday, March 22, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Parish Activity Center (PAC)
Holy Huddle, April 12, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Parish Activity Center (PAC)
Purpose Wednesday, April 19, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Parish Activity Center (PAC)
Purpose Wednesday, May 3, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Parish Activity Center (PAC)
All candidates are required to participate in an approved Confirmation Retreat. Retreat registration is separate from registration for Confirmation Preparation.
Witness Retreat, (Preferred) April 28-30. Register at svdpaustinyouth.com/confirmation (Registration opens 12/15)
DCYC, February 4-6, Register at svdpaustinyouth.com/dcyc (Registration opens 12/1)
Tec of Central Texas, January 14-16, 16 and up only, Register at tecofctx.wordpress.com
The cost for Confirmation Preparation is $50/candidate. This amount does not include retreat cost. Please contact [email protected] for any questions about fees.
A link to submit payment for Confirmation 2023 is now live. In order to make things easy, we’re using the SVDP e-giving page. To make a payment, follow the instructions below:
Scroll down to the “Faith Formation” heading and find the option labeled “Confirmation Class Supply Fee”
In the amount box, type “50”.
In the frequency box select “One Time”.
Click “Continue” at the bottom of the page.
Enter your payment information and click “Process” at the bottom of the page.
All Forms are due by February 1 of the Confirmation year unless otherwise noted. Please scan and email all completed forms to [email protected] or drop them off at the SVDP Parish Office during regular business hours.
If you’re planning on paying by cash or check you may do so by visiting the SVDP parish office. Payments may be dropped off at the front desk during normal business hours or dropped through the after-hours slot to the left of the front doors. All cash should be delivered in an envelope marked Confirmation 2023 with the candidate’s name and phone number clearly written on the front. Checks can be made out to St. Vincent de Paul with Confirmation and the candidate's name in the memo line.
Adults seeking the sacrament of Confirmation should participate in the parish Adult Confirmation Program. For more information on adult Confirmation please click here!