Teen Confirmation is the sacrament that strengthens the grace received at Baptism. Through it, youth are sealed with the Holy Spirit and equipped to live and witness the Catholic faith more fully.

To receive Teen Confirmation, the child must complete two years of Christian Formation, the Journey to Confirmation program, and a Confirmation Retreat.

Teen Confirmation Masses are typically in late October/early November for those entering their 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade.

Yes. Students must be enrolled in Christian Formation as part of the 2.5-year journey leading to Teen Confirmation.

This formation helps them grow in understanding, deepen their relationship with Christ, and be ready to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation with faith and intention.

Through this journey, your child will:

• Grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith

• Deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ

• Learn how to live as a disciple in daily life

• Explore the role of the Holy Spirit and the life of the Church

• Prepare their heart to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation

Preparation takes place over a two-year journey of faith formation, followed by a focused period of preparation before receiving the sacrament. So, we often say 2.5 years.

The Journey to Confirmation sessions are typically scheduled in the summer or fall, with Confirmation taking place in late October / early November. Youth also participate in a Confirmation Retreat before receiving the sacrament.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated in late October / early November after all preparation steps have been completed.

The sacrament is typically celebrated at two masses at St. Mary Magdalene, one in English and one in Spanish. The Bishop of the Diocese of Charleston presides over the Mass.

Teen Confirmation is not the end. It is a beginning.

Your child is invited into Youth Ministry and the more than 90 ministries at St. Mary Magdalene. Some even come back to Christian Formation as catechists of younger children.

More importantly, they are sent forth to live as disciples of Jesus Christ bringing His love into the world through their words, actions, and witness.

Parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith. You are asked to:

• Support your child throughout their journey

• Attend Mass with your child

• Attend “Sent Forth in the Holy Spirit,” typically held in February

• Encourage faith at home

Your presence and example matter. When you participate, pray, and engage alongside your child, you show them that faith is something we live. Your witness helps form their heart to receive the Holy Spirit and to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Readiness for Confirmation is not just about completing steps. It is about a willingness to receive the sacrament and grow in faith.

Signs of readiness include:

• A desire to receive the sacrament

• An openness to a relationship with Jesus Christ

• A basic understanding of the faith

• Participation in formation and parish life

Confirmation is too important to rush. If a student is not yet ready, there is no pressure to receive the sacrament.

What matters most is that your child is open, prepared, and ready when he or she is, in fact, ready.

This parent experience invites you to step away from the busyness of daily life and reflect more deeply on the gift of the Holy Spirit.

More than an “information meeting,” this is an invitation to be renewed, strengthened, and sent forth to lead your child by example in a life of faith.

These events are an important part of your child’s sacramental journey and should be prioritized whenever possible. While we understand families have many commitments and activities, preparation for the sacraments should take precedence over most extracurricular schedules whenever feasible.

If your family is unable to attend a required event, it is very important that you contact the Christian Formation Office as soon as possible. We will provide information about any necessary make-up materials, guidance, or alternate opportunities to help your child remain on track.

Strengthened by the Holy Spirit, your teen is sent forth to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ. This means:

• Living their faith in daily life

• Participating in the life of the Church

• Serving others with purpose and leadership

• Continuing to grow in relationship with Christ

Also, in November, newly confirmed teens are invited to a Fall Encounter Experience, held in partnership with Youth Ministry.

This experience helping teens:

• Build meaningful community

• Reflect on their goals and direction

• Grow in confidence as young Catholic leaders

• Take their next step into Youth Ministry

The Fall Encounter Experience is designed especially for newly confirmed teens as they begin living out their faith in a more intentional way. Held in November, teens are invited to:

• Build strong, faith-centered friendships

• Reflect on who they are and who God is calling them to be

• Set meaningful goals for their faith and daily life

• Step more confidently into Youth Ministry and parish life

While the age for Confirmation varies by country and diocese, our program follows the guidelines of our diocese.

Our Christian Formation program begins in Kindergarten and continues through each stage of a child’s development, with First Holy Communion typically celebrated in 2nd grade and Confirmation formation beginning in 7th grade and continuing into 9th grade.

This reflects our belief that faith formation is an ongoing journey of growing in relationship with Christ and the Church.