Frequently Asked Questions:

What am I (candidate for Confirmation) required to attend for the year?   

• Confirmation candidates will attend all twelve (12) in-person classes, all parish events like the Block Party, Breakfast with St. Nick, and the Parish Lenten Mission as volunteers.   

• Candidates will also attend one (1) retreat out of three (3) offered in the Spring.   

• Candidates will attend one 1st Friday Family Adoration and one Lenten Fish Fry & Stations of the Cross.   

• All youth ministry events like the Car Wash, 9/11 Memorial Service, March for Life, Super Bowl Party, etc. are encouraged but not required.   

What am I (a parent) required to attend for the year?  

Mandatory Fall & Spring Kick-Off Parent Meetings   

• Sunday, September 15 or Tuesday, September 17 (Fall Session)  
  AND  
  Sunday, January 12 or Tuesday, January 14 (Spring Session).  

• Each offering is from 7:15 – 8:30 PM in the McGivney Hall (downstairs Religious Education building)  

• Both parents invited  

• The same meeting is offered on both Sunday and Tuesday.  
    

Is Mass required?  

That is the wrong question. Our participation at Sunday Mass and every Holy Day of Obligation (about six annually) is an essential precept (pillar) of all practicing Catholics. Attendance is not kept at Sunday Mass and Holy Day of Obligation because it is expected to be a priority.   

The precept of Mass is regularly discussed throughout the year of formation because it is the foundation of every disciple’s life. Our participation in Mass gives us life as we worship God with our brothers and sisters in Christ. The Holy Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Faith. This is a year to reinvigorate all families in their commitment to God and the Catholic Church.  

• Required Paperwork (noted on the calendar for due dates)  
  A video series will be made available to describe each of the following forms and how to obtain them. For now, here is a brief description. 
• A Baptismal form is not a candidate’s baptismal certificate. It is a specific form sent by the parish of baptism that is signed by the pastor, sealed by the parish administrator, and mailed to Saint Joseph. See below for our address. 
• A Sponsor Eligibility form is a specific form sent by the sponsor’s home parish signed by the pastor, sealed by the parish administrator, and mailed to Saint Joseph. Typically, each parish has its own version of this form. Saint Joseph can send a copy to the sponsor’s parish if needed. Email [email protected] to request it. This form states that the sponsor is a practicing Catholic, is age 16+, is not a parent/stepparent of the candidate, and is not withheld by Canon Law to be a sponsor (marriage, canonical, etc.) 
• A Saint Name is chosen by each candidate to be confirmed. For example, many years ago, Mr. Rosa chose St. Peter as his Confirmation saint. He was confirmed as “Peter” by the bishop. An online form is made available for candidates to submit their saint’s name.   
• Each candidate writes a letter to the bishop that can be written or typed. The prompt is sent by the bishop celebrating the Confirmation in the spring. 
• 8th Grade Candidates & Families – Growing with God – Monday, March 2nd class for all 8th grade candidates. Parent video series to be shared in Spring 2025.
• Worthy of the Call Training is the safe environment training for volunteers between ages 14 and 17. These candidates must complete this training to serve at any parish event, including the Block Party, Breakfast with St. Nick, Lenten Fish Fry, etc. We have a training day on Sunday, September 22nd, to watch the videos and complete most of the paperwork together.  

Address for mailings  

Saint Joseph Catholic Community Attn: Confirmation Coordinator  

915 Liberty Rd  | Eldersburg, MD 21784  

What is the Archdiocesan-required training for 8th-grade candidates and their families provided at Saint Joseph? How is it different from Worthy of the Call?  

Worthy of the Call is specific training for serving at parish events with children.   

The Archdiocese of Baltimore requires a portion of our faith formation to provide education about a safe environment for families in formation from Pre-K through 8th Grade that discusses topics like “see something, say something,” “trust and secrets,” and “safety on digital media.” This is disseminated through a one-day multi-session class.   

This year, a parent orientation video outlining the Growing with God content (our parish’s chosen curriculum) will go out in Spring 2025. The video will help educate you on the information we will provide your children in their Growing with God class on Monday, March 2nd from 4:45-6 PM.   

What if I cannot attend the Sunday Confirmation classes?  

Check out the Tuesday makeup classes offered after the Sunday classes almost every week. If those dates do not work out, email Mr. Rosa at [email protected]. 

What happens at the Sunday classes for Confirmation Formation? 

In the two hours on Sunday, candidates will open with a gathering activity, learn about our Faith, discuss in their small groups and share how it applies to their daily lives, and pray together. 

What is the cost of Confirmation Formation? 

This year, Confirmation is $150. This covers the cost of administrative costs, snacks, the downpayments for our retreat, gifts for Small Group Leaders and clergy for Confirmation, and event materials. 

Why do we pay separately for the retreats?  

Each retreat has its individual cost based on their annual increase, transportation cost (van rental or overnight stay), and/or registration cost. 

I want to help supply snacks/volunteer! How can I help?   

If you have gifts in hospitality and service, you are invited to help set up our games, supply snacks, and set up the chapel or main church for prayer. If you have a gift for teaching, you are invited to lead small group discussions and even to facilitate a talk on the week’s lesson. I am looking for 6 more female small group leaders and 2 more male small group leaders. 

What are a Small Group Leader’s duties? (SGL for short) 
 We yearn for our young disciples to have a robust small group to facilitate conversation and learn our Faith. For each group, we will have two SGLs in the same gender groups. 

Requirements for an SGL

• Faithfulness to Christ and His Church and desire to be a witness of Faith
• Participation in a formation group i.e. Adult Bible Study, Men’s/Women’s Group, Bearing the Beams of Love, etc.
• Attendance: Attend each SGL training & class (recommended to volunteer at 1+ parish event per year to chaperone the candidates [see calendar for parish events]) 

SGL Trainings  

3-5 pm in the Youth Room  

On Sundays, Sept 8, 15 (Fall Session) and Jan 26 (Spring Session). 

What is the curriculum?  

We are using a homemade formation plan that has been used at SJCC for three years. It goes through the Fundamentals of the Faith in the Fall and Confirmation in the Spring. 

I am in 11th/12th/College. Can I still join?   

We look forward to accompanying you on this part of your faith adventure. That being said, please email Mr. Daniel Rosa at [email protected] to schedule a meeting. You will join a more advanced formation. Please visit the Christian Initiation website page for more information at https://saintjoseph.cc/ci-program/ 

Do I need to be in Confirmation Preparation and Faith Formation? 8th, 9th, or 10th Grade?
 You do not! Faith Formation involves learning about the Bible, and confirmation preparation is specific to the sacrament of Confirmation.
 Confirmation preparation is an intensive formation that includes classes, events, and retreat requirements.  You are welcome to register for Confirmation Preparation and Faith Formation, but it is not required.

I still need to receive Baptism/receive 1st Reconciliation & 1st Eucharist. Where do I go? 

That’s amazing! Just like the above, please email Mr. Daniel Rosa at [email protected] so the older students can schedule a meeting. Please visit the Christian Initiation website page for more information at https://saintjoseph.cc/ci-program/