Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the sacraments of Christian initiation, whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace.

Candidates for Confirmation are required to be in grade seven (7) or higher.

April 10, 2023

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The Sacrament of Confirmation in our parish will be celebrated with Bishop Thomas Dowd on Wednesday June 7th at 7:00 pm. St. Patrick’s Parish invites young people in Grades 7and older to attend five consecutive evening preparation sessions for the Sacrament of Confirmation beginning Thursday May 4^th,2023.  Our Confirmation team is anticipating a faith-filled time with our Confirmation candidates. 

Parents/Guardians play a key role in this time of preparation and are asked to attend Sessions 1 through 4 with their child.  Should a parent/guardian be unable to attend any specific session, we ask that another caring adult accompany your child.  Once the Confirmation sponsor for your child has been chosen, he or she is welcome to be present at the preparation sessions.   The preparation sessions are scheduled Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 pm beginning with a gathering time in the main body of the church. 

The exception to this is Session Five which is a special evening FOR CANDIDATES ONLY.  This session will take place on Thursday June 1^st,2023 and is scheduled from 6:00 – 8:30 pm.
                       
Each Confirmation candidate is expected to attend all five sessions.  We are aware that there may be some conflicts with these dates and hope that you can free up your schedule to accommodate these times.  If you have any concerns or questions about this, please contact the Confirmation Team Coordinators.

Registration forms can be filled in and dropped off at the parish office, or they can be given to Father Pat Woods at the weekend Masses.  Online registration is also available through the parish website www.stpatrickchurchsudbury.com.

Each candidate for Confirmation MUST provide a baptismal certificate well in advance of Confirmation day.  If your child was baptized at St. Patrick’s, their baptismal record will already be on file at the parish.  If your child was baptized at another church (Catholic or otherwise), please make a copy of his or her certificate and include it with the registration form.  Please submit registration forms by Friday April 28^th, 2023.

We look forward to the opportunity to journey with you and your child in this time of preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation.

Sincerely,
Fr. Pat Woods
 

Confirmation Preparation Sessions:
For candidates and their parents/guardians/sponsors

•  4:30 pm Mass on Saturday, May 13^th, 2023

• 10:00 am Mass on Sunday, May 14^th, 2023

• If your sponsor is unable to attend, you may arrange for a proxy; please inform your small group leader if this is the case.
• Candidates and sponsors will be seated together at the front of the church for this Mass.  Please inform your small group leader of the approximate number of people who will be joining you on this special occasion.
• There will be a reception in the hall following the Mass. Please know that we are grateful for your willingness to bring some baked goods or a small fruit tray. Please bring them to the hall that evening prior to the Mass.
• Following the Mass, Bishop Thomas Dowd will be available in the church for photos.