1. Who is eligible to receive Confirmation?

• Any baptized Catholic between Grade 8 and 12 in our Family of Parishes is eligible to receive Confirmation.

2. How do I register for Confirmation?
Registration for Winter and Spring Confirmation opens on October 2, 2024. Deadlines are as follows:

• Winter Confirmation: Closes Friday, December 13, 2024
• Spring Confirmation: Closes Friday, May 16, 2025
  
  Please note, once registration is closed, we are unable to accept any late applications. If you miss the deadline, you are welcome to join us next year. Stay updated by following us on social media or subscribing to our bulletin for future session dates.

3. How do I know if I am registered?
Upon submission of your registration, a confirmation email will be sent to all email addresses provided. Please check your spam folder if you do not receive it.

4. What parishes are included in the GetConfirmed.ca program?
The program serves Ste. Anne, Good Shepherd, and St. Simon & St. Jude parishes.

5. What if I attend a French School or wish to make the Sacrament in French?
Registrations for students attending French schools are handled through our French Family of Parishes site and St-Jérôme parish.

6. What if I attend another school (not listed)?
Please choose the "other" option when registering and list the school you are attending.

7. Which parish will I make my Confirmation at?
We assign Confirmation Masses based on your school:

• St. John the Baptist: St. Simon & St. Jude Parish
• St. Pius X and St. Peter: Ste. Anne Parish
• Public School students, St. William, and St. Andre: Good Shepherd Parish

8. What is the role of Parents for Confirmation?

• Teach, as primary educators of their children, in the ways of the faith with assistance of the child’s godparents, relatives and the whole faith community.
• Participate in the immediate preparation for the sacrament offered by each parish.

9. What is the role of the Catholic School for Confirmation?

• Teach the ACBO’s approved curriculum and programs of the Religious Education and Family Life courses.
• Witness to the faith with emphasis on the importance of Sunday Eucharist and its connection with the other sacraments.
• Help the students grow, spiritually, physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.

10. What is the role of the Catholic Parish for Confirmation?

• Facilitate the immediate preparation of candidates for the sacraments including sacramental preparation programs. (aka GetConfirmed.ca)

11. What time should I arrive for Confirmation?
Confirmation candidates & Sponsors need to arrive at the church at 1:30 pm.
 
12. What does my sponsor do on the day of Confirmation?
Sponsors will receive instructions on the day of Confirmation. Candidates and sponsors are expected to arrive at the church by 1:30 pm. 

13. How do I submit my Baptism Certificate and pay?
If you were baptized at St. Anne's, St. Simon & St. Jude, Good Shepherd, St. Gregory the Great, or St. William, you do not need to submit a baptism certificate. Otherwise, please submit it online. Payments can be made via:

• Cash or Cheque: Made out to Good Shepherd Parish ($50)
• E-transfers: Sent to [email protected]. Make sure to include "Confirmation" and the student's name in the memo section.
• Auto-deposit is enabled so you should not be asked for a security question. If you are, please use the password gsmoney.

14. Can I use my parent’s email in the student's email section?
No, the student’s email should be provided. A separate section collects the parent’s email address. Preferably, use a non-school board email address. If the student does NOT have a non school board email please leave blank.

15. Do I need to choose a saint’s name for Confirmation?
No, the Diocese of London observes the practice of candidates using their baptismal names (the name given at birth or during baptism) for the Confirmation rite. This is a shift from the older tradition of choosing a saint’s name, which is no longer required.

16. What are the requirements for sponsors?
Sponsors must meet the following criteria:

• Be active, practicing, and fully initiated Catholics (baptized and confirmed).
• Be at least 16 years old.
• Ideally, they would be one of the candidate’s godparents.
• Sponsors do not need to be the same gender as the candidate.
• The candidate’s parent or step-parent cannot serve as a sponsor.

17. What should I wear for Confirmation?
Candidates are asked not to wear stoles, as this was part of an older tradition no longer observed. Gowns are also not part of the Confirmation celebration. Please dress in appropriate and respectful attire for the occasion.

18. What if I’m already confirmed through another Catholic rite at my baptism?
Catholics who belong to other rites (such as Eastern Catholic Churches) and were confirmed (chrismated) at their baptism do not need to receive the sacrament of Confirmation again.

19. Can I switch my Confirmation date or location?
Confirmation dates and locations are assigned based on your school to ensure an organized process and to manage seating capacity. Due to limited space, switching dates or locations is generally not allowed. However, if there is an urgent need to switch, you may submit a request only after registration has closed for the session. Requests will be approved only if space permits.

20. St. William winter Confirmation registration is closed, can I register for the spring?
YES you can. Families are welcome to register under another school.