Our desire at St. Gabriel is to offer youth the opportunity to understand that they belong to a story - God's story. We will journey this year, in community, to discover questions about our faith, belonging, and a personal relationship with our Lord. 

Confirmation is in no way intended to be the end of your teen's spiritual formation, but rather the beginning of a deeper life in Christ.

The Church recognizes that you, as parents, are the primary educators of your children in matters of faith and morals—and this year offers you a unique opportunity to join your teen as he or she journeys through the Catholic faith by your witness, prayers, support and encouragement.

We desire for your teen to know and understand that they are CHOSEN by God and because they are chosen, they are invited to choose a relationship with God and His Church by presenting themselves at the end of the confirmation process to be confirmed.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists five effects of this outpouring (see CCC 1303):

1. It affirms our identity as children of God (“divine filiation”).
2. It unites us more firmly to Christ.
3. It increases in us the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
4. It strengthens our bond with the Church.
5. It strengthens us to spread and defend the Faith by our words and actions, to be fearless witnesses to Christ and the power of the cross.

It is our hope that this year will not only offer your teen knowledge and understanding of the Catholic Faith, but offer them opportunities to personally encounter the Lord. This year has been carefully designed to address and answer your teen’s fundamental questions about life, and to challenge him or her to embrace a life of faith.

Families must be registered parishioners of St. Gabriel Catholic Church to participate.  

Current 9th grade students are eligible if they have been:

Current 9th through 12th grade students who need to receive all of the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, First Eucharist, Confirmation) need to contact James Armstrong here.

Submit copy of baptismal certificate here

We will begin our preparation with a PARENT-CANDIDATE meeting. Candidates who meet our eligibility requirements and have completed the online registration should attend with one or both parents.

Sunday, September 11
3:00-4:00 pm 
In the church
OR 
Monday, September 12
6:30-7:30 pm 
In the church

During the fall, we will meet most Sundays from 3:00-4:30pm in the school cafeteria.

During the spring, we will transition to in-home small groups twice a month on Sundays from 3:00-4:30pm.

View Confirmation Calendar

In the Spring, our sessions will transition to in-home small groups. We value the importance of authentic friendship and deeper conversations. Meeting in a welcoming space, like a coffee or shop or parishioner’s home, allows us to get comfortable and ask honest questions about our faith. This walk of discipleship is meant to be done in community. With the help of amazing core leaders and host-homes that are all safe-environment approved, our goal is that these small groups give teens the space to process our rich Catholic faith and journey together in discipleship.

The Confirmation Retreat will take place the weekend of March 3-5 at Caraway Conference Center in Sophia, NC. This weekend is a necessary component of the Confirmatoin program. This is an opportunity for teens to get away from their day-to-day distractions and be in a space that allows us to encounter God in brand new ways. This retreat will deepen friendships and help us to reignite a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

The cost for the retreat is $200.

View last year’s Confirmation retreat video here.

8th graders and their families are expected to be actively involved in the parish and sacramental life. Teens are invited and highly encouraged to participate in Edge activities to build community and journey together in discipleship. Click here for more information about Edge.

Who can be a sponsor?   A sponsor must be a faithful, practicing, confirmed, and mature Catholic, who is at least 16 years of age, and is in good standing with the Church.  According to Canon Law, parents cannot serve as a sponsor for their child. 

Need help choosing a sponsor?   Candidates may use this online worksheet to assist them in identifying an individual who would be a good choice as a spiritual mentor who is willing to share his/her faith and meets the above requirements.

Diocesan Sponsor Suitability Form for Confirmation:  Due February 1. 

Each candidate must complete a 250 to 300 word reflection paper on the life of a saint. Traditionally, the candidate takes the name of the saint for their confirmation name. This name is used by the bishop during the Rite of Confirmation.

Due February 1, 2023.

There are no fees associated with Confirmation preparation except for the retreat expense.

At the time of completion of the liability form for the retreat, a $200 fee will be required. Please contact Lauren Piercefield if you need financial consideration.

MASS:  The Mass dates are determined by the Diocese of Charlotte.

More details will be provided when we receive our assigned dates.

REHEARSAL/EVENING OF REFLECTION:  Candidates will be assigned to ONE REHEARSAL DATE based on which Confirmation Mass they will be attending.  Parents and sponsors are required to attend the rehearsal/evening of reflection with candidates.