Baptism:  All children who enter our Religious Education program must be baptized before they can be admitted.

Reconciliation:  This Sacrament is administered during Lent.  Reconciliation is usually in the months of February/March.  Diocesan policy states; "The readiness of this sacrament should be determined by the parent..."

First Eucharist:  This Sacrament usually takes place during the months of April/May.

Mandated Requirements for First Eucharist:
    1.     Weekly Mass attendance
    2.     Two (2) consecutive years of Religious Education
    3.     Parents' participation in workshops
    4.     No more than three absences for the year
    5.     Attendance at the 2nd grade retreat (Jesus Day)
    6.     Monthly attendance of the children on the altar

Confirmation:  Our Lady of Consolation will accept candidates in the 9th grade (or older) and will prepare them over a two year period to receive the sacrament in the 10th grade, provided that certain standards have been met.  The preparation and actual celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation are parish responsibilities.

For those of our parish youth who are attending Catholic High Schools, we expect that they will participate as a full member of the Confirmation program by attending youth gatherings, retreats, participating in Service Projects, etc.  This participation will develop a sense of community among all the youth of our parish.

Requirements for Acceptance:
    1.     Students must have had continuous and sequential participation
 in the Religious Education Program.
    2.     Students must be willing to participate fully in all phases of our
            Confirmation program over this time period.
    3.     Weekly participation in the celebration of the Eucharist with the
             parish community.
    4.     A candidate may be asked to postpone the Sacrament if the
            requirements of the program are not fulfilled.


Support for the Candidate
Parents support:
Parents have the obligation to:
    1.     See that their child has been given the proper skills and formation of
            conscience necessary to make sound decisions.
    2.     To model proper Christian living.
    3.     To participate weekly in the liturgy and reception of the Eucharist.
    4.     To allow the student the freedom of choice in receiving Confirmation.
    5.     To support the Confirmation Team in all phases of the program.
    6.     Participate in all workshops and meetings designed specifically for parents.

Sponsors:   Who can be a sponsor?
    o    Any active member of the Catholic Church who has received the
          Sacrament of Confirmation and is at least 16 years of age.
    o    A mature person willing to be a witness and spiritual companion to the
          candidate before and after the sacrament.
    o    One who is freely chosen by the candidate.

The sponsor does not need to be the same sex as the candidate.  Ideally, the person should be one of the godparents at Baptism. (It is not recommended that the sponsor is a parent)

Sponsor-Candidate (Teacher)

A Sponsor-Catechist is a mature, confirmed, active member of Our Lady of Consolation parish who is strong in faith and able to share that faith with others.  The Sponsor-Catechist is chosen, adequately prepared and commissioned by Our Lady of Consolation parish.

A Sponsor-Catechist is expected to:
    1.    Be responsible for the preparation of the candidates during the
           Confirmation process.
    2.    Testify to the progress and readiness of the candidates into the
            community.
    3.    To be a visible witness of support to the candidate.

Service Aspect of Confirmation:

Candidates, in consultation with their parents, will develop a service component suited to their individual interests and talents.

Candidates will be required to document service and provide a written statement reflecting the effects of such service on the candidate and recipient of services.

On going service to Church and community will enrich all the lives involved.

Our Lady of Consolations Confirmation Process:
High School Confirmation consists of some common factors in each grade level.  All classes will have:
                                       - religious instruction
                                       - a retreat
                                       - service experiences
                                       - liturgical celebrations
                                       - socials
                                       - special topic meetings

Listed under each grade level are experiences unique to that age group:

        GRADE 7 & 8                                                   GRADE 9
Invitational Meetings                                     Informal interview
                                                                 Rite of Acceptance
                                                                 Reception of the Bibles

        GRADE 10                                                       GRADE 11 & 12
Distribution of the Our Father                       Special Sr. Mission - dealing with topics of Interest
Distribution of the Creed                              Peer Ministry Service
Rite of the Candidate                                   

Retreat weekend                                         
Rite of Confirmation
Introduction into Youth Ministry