An Inside Look at Our Confirmation Preparation Program

Confirmation is the last big step that a young Catholic takes to be a full, adult member of the Catholic Church. Emma Brown coordinates Confirmation preparation at St. Jude Thaddeus and takes this spiritual milestone for her students seriously.

“This is the last formal education they get before they’re confirmed,” Emma says. “I tell them that if they have any questions or concerns, now is the time to bring it up. Later, you can always go to your priest or deacon, but that’s going to be up to you. I really try to make sure they’re on a good foot before they become adults in the Church.”

Emma has been a catechist for 10 years and knows the three parishes in the area well. She has been a catechist at St. Jude Thaddeus and Christ the King and has attended all the parishes at some point. While she has worked with different ages in the past, Emma particularly enjoys the Confirmation students and how they are able to think through what they are learning and ask difficult questions.

“I like that age group and their energy,” she says. “I’m glad I can be there for them and I think they feel comfortable coming to me with questions.”

Confirmation preparation is a two-year process. St. Jude Thaddeus uses two different curriculums and Emma rotates each year so that the students can benefit from both programs. Both curriculums involve videos and time for discussion.

During their second year of preparation, students are asked to complete eight service hours — four can be from service at church. Students could participate in the parish service project in the spring or fall, help with the Food Drive, or volunteer at the Fall Festival. During the summer, students who are entering their second year of Confirmation preparation could volunteer with Vacation Bible School. Outside of church, there are lots of possibilities, such as helping with a little league team, and students can find what interests them.

Confirmation preparation culminates with a retreat hosted by students from the Catholic Campus Center at Midwestern State University. Currently a one-day event, the retreat is a chance for the students to get to know each other better, meet students from other parishes preparing for Confirmation and encounter their faith in a new way.

“Many of them start the retreat apprehensively,” Emma says. “They think it’s going to be boring, but by the time it’s over, there’s this change in them. Their minds are opened up, they come out of their shell. By the end, they’ve had a good time and learned something really positive.”

The latest class was confirmed on Sunday, May 8. Eight students were sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and received as adult members of the Church.

To register your child for Confirmation preparation, contact Deacon Dave Poole through the parish office at 940-569-1222.

Emma Brown