(Note: This page is for information on Confirmation Preparation for teens during high school. If you have graduated from 12th grade or are an adult looking for information about Confirmation Preparation that is done through our O.C.I.A. Program. Please go to our O.C.I.A. page.)
Confirmation Policy
Confirmation Preparation is just one of the 4 parts of our overall High School Youth Ministry Program. Starting in August 2023 there was a significant change to the interpretation of our Confirmation Policy, instituted by the Diocese. From that point on, all teens, whether they attend a public or Catholic high school, must also attend 2 years worth of our High School Youth Ministry Sunday Topic Nights (from September-June each year) in order to become eligible for the additional Confirmation Immediate Preparation program, which starts in late January/early February each year.
Confirmation Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible to enter the Nativity Confirmation Immediate Preparation Program a teen has to meet the following 3 requirements from the Nativity Confirmation Policy by mid-January of their sophomore, junior, or senior year.
- Baptism
- Minimum age 15 + a high school sophomore, junior or senior
- Mimimum of Two Years of Prior Catechesis / Religious Instruction at the High School level at Church of the Nativity Youth Ministry Sunday Topic Nights
-
- If a teen has attended another parish's program for 1 year and transfers to Church of the Nativity we can give them 1 year of credit towards the Two Years of Prior Catechesis Requirement if they provide a letter from their previous parish's program director and Pastor.
Once eligible, a teen will be notified and sent additional documents specifically on the Confirmation Immediate Preparation Program in January 2026. The annual and additional Confirmation Immediate Preparation Program classes and Retreat provide an opportunity for the teen to meet the remaining Confirmation requirements in order to be Confirmed.
Confirmation Philosophy
Confirmed teens are expected to continue their participation in our Youth Ministry Program during and after the Confirmation Immediate Preparation Process to continue their Catholic education until the end of senior year. Preparation for reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation should be seen as a component of the ongoing catechesis and faith development of the candidates and is so situated as 1 of the 4 parts of our overall our Youth Ministry Program. Teens are expected to continue learning about their faith after Confirmation in our Youth Ministry Program until they graduate from high school.
“There is more to parish youth ministry than preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation and it's celebration which is only one component or part of the total process of catechesis and faith development for adolescents”. (Diocesan Policy #310)
2025 Confirmation Mass Pictures
Click here for the pictures from the 2025 Confirmation Mass
2026 Confirmation Immediate Preparation Class Registration
Invitations to eligible teens and their parents will be sent out in mid-January 2026.
2026 Confirmation Immediate Preparation Class Dates - TBA
For more information on Confirmation contact Mike James, Director of Catechetical Ministry, at mjames@nativitycatholic.org