Confirmation and Crew Program Information
Confirmation Year 1:
Confirmation is a 2 year program at HNOJ. During Year 1, students will attend Formation Sundays, and participating in a family entrance interview (Signupgenius will be avaliable at a later date, Eve will send out an email with the link); plus their choice of retreats to help acheive their 2-retreat requirement by Spring of 2026. Retreat requirement includes 1 overnight retreat (can be during Year 1 or Year 2) and 1 one day retreat (during Year 2 of prep). The 1 day retreat focuses on Confirmation so it is important teens attend the 1 day retreat even if they choose to do multiple overnight retreats. Teens also have the oppoutunity to participate in Life Nights and Middle School Discipleship team, more info below.
Formation Sundays: Featuring Catholic youth speakers, transformational prayer, scripture, adoration, and small groups, Formation Sundays will inspire our teens to enter into a deeper relationship with Christ. They are allowed to miss two of these Sundays per year without an emergency excuse. These dates are Oct. 13 and 27, Nov. 10 and 24, Dec. 8, Jan. 12 and 26, Feb. 2 and 23, Mar. 9, April 13 and 27. Meetings are held from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Introduction to Confirmation Parent and Student Meeting (Required): September 29, from 4:00 - 5:15pm. This meeting is required for all First Year Confirmation students and their parents.
Introduction to Year 2 Parent and Student Meeting (Required): This meeting will be rescheduled due to Confirmation being scheduled on the same day.May 18, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. This meeting is required for all First Year Confirmation students and their parents.
Retreat Options:
Living Stations: Wednesdays from Nov.- Mar. (Several meetings but is not overnight and counts as overnight)
Fall Retreat: Nov. 15-17, 2024
Winter Faith Camp: Feb. 14- 17, 2025 (Presidents Day weekend)
Spring Retreat: March 21-23, 2025
Steubenville: July 25-27, 2025
Additional Ways to be involved listed below!
Life Night:
Teens are invited to join us for Life Night this year! These events are for teens to grow in community, and prayer! We will have plenty of oppurtunities for games, hanging out, prayer, etc.!
Life Night begin with 5:30 p.m. mass, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and programming for the evening to follow. The night will end at 8:30 p.m.
Life Nights are Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Jan. 5, March 2, April 6, and June 1.
Middle School Discipleship Team: High School teens dedicated to aiding middle schoolers in their faith journey. Expectations of those wishing to serve on Middle School Discipleship Team. Teens in MSDT are expected to receive in order to give of themselves in service.
Ways to Receive:
- Attend Formation Sundays
- Attend Life Night
- Attend a High School Retreat of your choice
Ways to Serve:
- Attend Friday Night Alive (FNA): Oct 25, Nov 22, Jan 24, Feb 28, April 25 (High Schoolers arrive at 4:30 p.m. to help with set up. Event runs until 8:30 p.m. High Schoolers will help clean up after and then be dismissed)
- Attend Middle School Retreats: Psalm 78- Dec 13-14, 2024, Luke 28- May 9-10, 2025, Extreme Faith Camp- Dates TBD (Spots are limited. High Schoolers will apply for a spot on Extreme Team or Prayer Team. It is expected that teens who apply for EFC, are involved in MSDT. This gives the middle schoolers an oppoutunity to know the high schoolers before camp)
- Attend MS Crew on Wednesday evenings: Sept 25, Oct 2, 9, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, Dec 4, 11, 18, Jan 8, 15, 22, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, March 12, 19, April 9, 23, 30 (6:15-7:30 p.m.) (Post Confirmation Students- You are invited to lead a small group of middle schoolers, 9th and 10th graders, you are invited to be a part of a small group, be present to the Middle Schoolers, but you would not be the primary leader.)
Click here to register for Year 1 Confirmation! Registration is now closed. Please contact Eve Anders with questions.
Confirmation Year 1 Pricing
May 21-Aug. 1 > Early Bird Pricing $150
Aug. 1 – Sept. 13 > Normal Pricing $200
Questions? Contact Eve Anders.
Confirmation Date: TBD
Year 2 Confirmation Prep
Consists of attending Formation Sundays, Retreats, choosing a sponsor, choosing a confirmation saint, writting a letter of intent, and attending an exit interview. Retreat requirement includes 1 overnight retreat and 1 one day retreat to be completed during Year 2.
Formation Sundays: Featuring Catholic youth speakers, transformational prayer, scripture, adoration, and small groups, Formation Sundays will inspire our teens to enter into a deeper relationship with Christ. They are allowed to miss two of these Sundays per year without an emergency excuse. These dates are Oct. 13 and 27, Nov. 10 and 24, Dec. 8, Jan. 12 and 26, Feb. 2 and 23, Mar. 9, April 13 and 27. Meetings are held from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Parent/Candidate Meeting (Required): September 29 from 6:45-8:00 p.m.. This meeting is required for all Second Year Confirmation students and their parents.
Sunday May 4, 2024- Students will attend 5:30 p.m. Mass where the Rite of Sending will take place. Following mass, we will go over all logistics for the Confirmation mass. Parents, students, and sponsors should all attend. This date is subject to change if the Archdiocese schedules our Confirmation before this day.
Retreat Options:
Fall Retreat: Nov. 15-17, 2024
Winter Faith Camp: Feb. 14- 17, 2025 (Presidents Day weekend)
Spring Retreat: March 21-23, 2025
Steubenville: July 2025 (Dates TBD)Living Stations: Wednesdays from Nov.- Mar. (Several meetings but is not overnight and counts as overnight)
One Day Retreat Options:
One Day NET Retreat- Sept. 22
One Day NET Retreat- March 16
Life Night:
Teens are invited to join us for Life Night this year! These events are for teens to grow in community, and prayer! We will have plenty of oppurtunities for games, hanging out, prayer, etc.!
Life Night begin with 5:30 p.m. mass, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and programming for the evening to follow. The night will end at 8:30 p.m.
Life Nights are Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Jan. 5, March 2, April 6, and June 1.
Middle School Discipleship Team: High School teens dedicated to aiding middle schoolers in their faith journey. Expectations of those wishing to serve on Middle School Discipleship Team. Teens in MSDT are expected to receive in order to give of themselves in service.
Ways to Receive:
- Attend Formation Sundays
- Attend Life Night
- Attend a High School Retreat of your choice
Ways to Serve:
- Attend Friday Night Alive (FNA): Oct 25, Nov 22, Jan 24, Feb 28, April 25 (High Schoolers arrive at 4:30 p.m. to help with set up. Event runs until 8:30 p.m. High Schoolers will help clean up after and then be dismissed)
- Attend Middle School Retreats: Psalm 78- Dec 13-14, 2024, Luke 28- May 9-10, 2025, Extreme Faith Camp- Dates TBD (Spots are limited. High Schoolers will apply for a spot on Extreme Team or Prayer Team. It is expected that teens who apply for EFC, are involved in MSDT. This gives the middle schoolers an oppoutunity to know the high schoolers before camp)
- Attend MS Crew on Wednesday evenings: Sept 25, Oct 2, 9, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, Dec 4, 11, 18, Jan 8, 15, 22, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, March 12, 19, April 9, 23, 30 (6:15-7:30 p.m.) (Post Confirmation Students- You are invited to lead a small group of middle schoolers, 9th and 10th graders, you are invited to be a part of a small group, be present to the Middle Schoolers, but you would not be the primary leader.)
Click Here to Register for Year 2 Confirmation! Registration is now closed. Please contact Eve Anders with questions.
Confirmation Year 2 Pricing
May 24-Aug. 1 > Early Bird Pricing $150
Aug. 1 – Sept. 10 > Normal Pricing $200
Questions? Contact Eve Anders
Now that you have received the sacrament of Confirmation, it’s time to put those Confirmation graces into action! 11th & 12th graders will enter into a small group based formation. The intention behind these small groups is to dive deep into discipleship and community. When you arrive on Sunday, you will go straight to your small group meeting locations! These dates are Oct. 13 and 27, Nov. 10 and 24, Dec. 8, Jan. 12 and 26, Feb. 2 and 23, Mar. 9, April 13 and 27. Meetings are held from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Additional Ways to be involved and listed below!
Retreat Options:
Living Stations: Wednesdays from Nov.- Mar. (Several meetings but is not overnight and counts as overnight)
Fall Retreat: Nov. 15-17, 2024
Winter Faith Camp: Feb. 14- 17, 2025 (Presidents Day weekend)
Spring Retreat: March 21-23, 2025
Steubenville: July 2025 (Dates TBD)
Life Night:
Teens are invited to join us for Life Night this year! These events are for teens to grow in community, and prayer! We will have plenty of oppurtunities for games, hanging out, prayer, etc.!
Life Night begin with 5:30 p.m. mass, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and programming for the evening to follow. The night will end at 8:30 p.m.
Life Nights are Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Jan. 5, March 2, April 6, and June 1.
Middle School Discipleship Team: High School teens dedicated to aiding middle schoolers in their faith journey. Expectations of those wishing to serve on Middle School Discipleship Team. Teens in MSDT are expected to receive in order to give of themselves in service.
Ways to Receive:
- Attend Formation Sundays
- Attend Life Night
- Attend a High School Retreat of your choice
Ways to Serve:
- Attend Friday Night Alive (FNA): Oct 25, Nov 22, Jan 24, Feb 28, April 25 (High Schoolers arrive at 4:30 p.m. to help with set up. Event runs until 8:30 p.m. High Schoolers will help clean up after and then be dismissed)
- Attend Middle School Retreats: Psalm 78- Dec 13-14, 2024, Luke 28- May 9-10, 2025, Extreme Faith Camp- Dates TBD (Spots are limited. High Schoolers will apply for a spot on Extreme Team or Prayer Team. It is expected that teens who apply for EFC, are involved in MSDT. This gives the middle schoolers an oppoutunity to know the high schoolers before camp)
- Attend MS Crew on Wednesday evenings: Sept 25, Oct 2, 9, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, Dec 4, 11, 18, Jan 8, 15, 22, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, March 12, 19, April 9, 23, 30 (6:15-7:30 p.m.) (Post Confirmation Students- You are invited to lead a small group of middle schoolers, 9th and 10th graders, you are invited to be a part of a small group, be present to the Middle Schoolers, but you would not be the primary leader.)
Click here to register for Post Confirmation Registration is now closed. Please contact Eve Anders with questions.
After Confirmation Pricing
May 21-Aug. 1 > Early Bird Pricing $50
Aug. 1 – Sept. 13 > Normal Pricing $75
Questions? Contact Eve Anders
For Incoming 9th Graders/Year 1 Confirmation Candidates:
- Step 1. View this handout and decide whether your 9th grader will complete "Track A" or "Track B"
- Step 2. Click here to register for Year One Confirmation (Early Bird Registration fee is $125. Registration fees rise to $175 after August 31, 2020. Registrations for At-Home/Online Option is $125 and will not change after August 31, 2020)
*Please note all registrations for 2020-2021 are online only.
**In-Person Registrations will be cut off after Monday, September 14. Due to planning and preparation for small group sizes and social distancing guidelines, we need to cut off in-person registrations since we will not be able to add additional in-person small groups. Only At-Home/Online Registrations will be available after Monday, September 14. - Step 3. It is recommended that you plan which retreats your 9th grader will attend between now and the end of 10th grade. Click here to view all retreat options. Look for "*This qualifies as a retreat for Confirmation candidates" to see which ones qualify as Confirmation prep retreats.
- Step 4. Attend parent-student meeting (Sunday, September 27, 2020, at 4 p.m.)
- Click for a complete list of dates: Track A and Track B
For Incoming 10th Graders/Year 2 Confirmation Candidates:
- Step 1. View this handout and decide whether your 10th grader will complete "Track A" or "Track B"
- Step 2. Click here to register for Year Two Confirmation (Early Bird Registration fee is $125. Registration fees rise to $175 after August 31, 2020. Registrations for At-Home/Online Option is $125 and will not change after August 31, 2020)
*Please note all registrations for 2020-2021 are online only.
**In-Person Registrations will be cut off after Monday, September 14. Due to planning and preparation for small group sizes and social distancing guidelines, we need to cut off in-person registrations since we will not be able to add additional in-person small groups. Only At-Home/Online Registrations will be available after Monday, September 14. - Step 3. It is recommended that you plan which retreats your 9th grader will attend between now and the end of 10th grade. Click here to view all retreat options. Look for "*This qualifies as a retreat for Confirmation candidates" to see which ones qualify as Confirmation prep retreats.
- Step 4. Attend parent-student meeting (Sunday, September 27, 2020 at 7 p.m.)
- Click for a complete list of dates: Track A and Track B
Key Components of HNOJ Confirmation Preparation:
FAQs about the Confirmation at HNOJ
What is Confirmation? Confirmation is a Sacrament that strengthens us and obliges us to witness to, spread and defend the faith (CCC 1303). Confirmation is not graduation from a life of Christian learning, a mere cultural passage into maturity or an opportunity to choose whether or not to remain Catholic. Confirmation completes our full initiation as Catholic Christians (CCC 1306) and strengthens our ability to be missionary disciples through the reception of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
What do the specific Confirmation preparation sessions look like? There will be five Confirmation sessions that explore topics specifically related to preparing for the night of Confirmation, when the Holy Spirit will seal the candidate with the gift of the presence of God. These sessions are an important opportunity for the candidate to continue to develop their relationship with God in the presence of their parents and sponsor. These sessions take place throughout late winter and early spring as the Confirmation date approaches. The dates of these sessions are included to the right.
When does Confirmation preparation begin? When does it end? How long does it take? Most teens will begin completing the pre-requisites for Confirmation preparation immediately following their 8th-grade year. Many will choose to complete the process over a two-year period, be Confirmed in their 10th-grade year and continue to be involved in youth ministry in their 11th and 12th-grade years. Some students may choose to complete their preparation over their four years of high school.
Is this preparation process for Confirmation enough? Many teens will find that they desire to grow in their faith in more ways that what is asked in HNOJ's Confirmation preparation process. These requirements are a minimum. We are called to be life-long disciples of Christ who continue to grow in love of God and neighbor through prayer, worship, study and service.
Why is there such a strong emphasis on retreats? Retreats are one of the most critical components of Confirmation preparation through HNOJ. Life can be a little crazy. Rarely do we take the time we need to get away from it all. Retreat experiences with HNOJ CREW are exactly that, opportunities to take a break, relax, think, talk and pray about who we are, why we are here and what our faith in Jesus has to do with it all. Retreats with the HNOJ community provide the environment for young people to have a personal and transformational encounter with Jesus Christ.
What is the Confirmation preparation interview? It is a lot less scary than it sounds. Think of it more as a conversation than a test. The youth ministry team at HNOJ wants to hear about your experience of Confirmation preparation, your relationship with God, and how you plan to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ following Confirmation.
Key Components of HNOJ Confirmation Preparation:
FAQs about the Confirmation at HNOJ
What is Confirmation? Confirmation is a Sacrament that strengthens us and obliges us to witness to, spread and defend the faith (CCC 1303). Confirmation is not graduation from a life of Christian learning, a mere cultural passage into maturity or an opportunity to choose whether or not to remain Catholic. Confirmation completes our full initiation as Catholic Christians (CCC 1306) and strengthens our ability to be missionary disciples through the reception of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
When does Confirmation preparation begin? When does it end? How long does it take? Most teens will begin completing the pre-requisites for Confirmation preparation immediately following their 8th-grade year. Many will choose to complete the process over a two-year period, be Confirmed in their 10th-grade year and continue to be involved in youth ministry in their 11th and 12th-grade years.
Is this preparation process for Confirmation enough? Many teens will find that they desire to grow in their faith in more ways that what is asked in HNOJ's Confirmation preparation process. These requirements are a minimum. We are called to be life-long disciples of Christ who continue to grow in love of God and neighbor through prayer, worship, study and service.
Why is there such a strong emphasis on retreats? Retreats are one of the most critical components of Confirmation preparation through HNOJ. Life can be a little crazy. Rarely do we take the time we need to get away from it all. Retreat experiences with HNOJ CREW are exactly that, opportunities to take a break, relax, think, talk and pray about who we are, why we are here and what our faith in Jesus has to do with it all. Retreats with the HNOJ community provide the environment for young people to have a personal and transformational encounter with Jesus Christ.
Year 1 Confirmation Candidates (Typically 9th grade):
Step 1. Click here to register for Year One Confirmation (Early Bird Registration fee is $150. Registration fees rise to $200 after Aug. 1, 2023.
Step 2. It is recommended that you plan which retreats your 9th grader will attend between now and the end of 10th grade. Retreat requirements are listed below.
Step 3. Attend parent-student meeting (Sunday, Sept. 29 2024 from 4-5:15 p.m.)
Year 2 Confirmation Candidates (Typically 10th grade):
Step 1. Click here to register for Year Two Confirmation (Early Bird Registration fee is $150. Registration fees rise to $200 after Aug. 1, 2023.
Step 2. It is recommended that you plan which retreats your 9th grader will attend between now and the end of 10th grade. Retreat options are listed below
Step 3. Attend parent-student meeting (Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023 from 6:45 - 8:00 p.m.)
Retreat Requirement: 1 Overnight retreat and 1 One day retreat
Overnight options:
Steubenville Rochester: July 14-16, 2023
Passion Play: Oct.-Mar. (Several meetings but is not overnight and counts as overnight)
Fall Retreat: Nov. 17-19, 2023
Winter Faith Camp: Feb. 16- 19, 2024 (Presidents Day weekend)
Spring Retreat: April 19-21, 2024
NPH Mission Trip: TBD
One Day options (Year 2 students only):
HNOJ NET Retreat: Sept. 24, 2023 Click here to register! (Registration is closed)
HNOJ NET Retreat: March 10, 2024 Click here to register!
These one-day retreat options will be held at HNOJ. The content of these one-day options are confirmation specific. The goal is to give students an opportunity to reflect on confirmation and grow in understanding of the sacrament as they prepare to receive the Holy Spirit in their lives in a new way.
Key Components of HNOJ Confirmation Preparation:
FAQs about the Confirmation at HNOJ
What is Confirmation? Confirmation is a Sacrament that strengthens us and obliges us to witness to, spread and defend the faith (CCC 1303). Confirmation is not graduation from a life of Christian learning, a mere cultural passage into maturity or an opportunity to choose whether or not to remain Catholic. Confirmation completes our full initiation as Catholic Christians (CCC 1306) and strengthens our ability to be missionary disciples through the reception of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
When does Confirmation preparation begin? When does it end? How long does it take? Most teens will begin completing the pre-requisites for Confirmation preparation immediately following their 8th-grade year. Many will choose to complete the process over a two-year period, be Confirmed in their 10th-grade year and continue to be involved in youth ministry in their 11th and 12th-grade years.
Is this preparation process for Confirmation enough? Many teens will find that they desire to grow in their faith in more ways that what is asked in HNOJ's Confirmation preparation process. These requirements are a minimum. We are called to be life-long disciples of Christ who continue to grow in love of God and neighbor through prayer, worship, study and service.
Why is there such a strong emphasis on retreats? Retreats are one of the most critical components of Confirmation preparation through HNOJ. Life can be a little crazy. Rarely do we take the time we need to get away from it all. Retreat experiences with HNOJ CREW are exactly that, opportunities to take a break, relax, think, talk and pray about who we are, why we are here and what our faith in Jesus has to do with it all. Retreats with the HNOJ community provide the environment for young people to have a personal and transformational encounter with Jesus Christ.
Confirmation 2025-2026 Info coming soon!
Confirmation date: May 18. 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul