Confirmation Preparation

The Catholic Diocese of Memphis has established 8th grade (about 14 years old) as the normal age at which a person should receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.  The diocese also establishes that Confirmation preparation is a TWO-YEAR PROCESS.  That means that youth in 7th & 8th grades (or in high school) can and should undertake this process.

Youth must be enrolled in a Catholic school or in a parish faith formation program for those two years.  In addition to regular attendance in school or faith formation, St. Mary’s also has a few other requirements:

1. Each Confirmation candidate & his/her family should have a one-on-one meeting with the Director or staff about the Works of Mercy project.  Teens will engage in this project throughout BOTH YEARS of the Confirmation preparation process.
2. During Year 2 of the process, each candidate must attend the annual Confirmation retreat, usually held on a Saturday afternoon & evening in October.  (Information on dates & cost is provided to parents at the parent meeting.)
3. During Year 2 of the process, each candidate must attend six monthly Confirmation.  (Schedule & other information is provided to parents at the parent meeting.)

There are different guidelines for adults who wish to receive this sacrament.  For that information, please see our page about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.