To all candidates for Confirmation, parents and sponsors,
Welcome to this exciting program of preparation!
Confirmation for 2018 is scheduled for Tuesday, May 22, 2018 6:30 P.M. Mass.
St. Jude the Apostle has set the 9th grade as the year for the Sacrament of Confirmation to be celebrated. In order to be confirmed, you must show proof of two years of religious education, (Candidates receiving the sacrament must be in 9th, 10th , 11th or 12^th grade.
Candidates must also participate in formational preparation, which is only offered through our Faith Formation Program.  This consists of sessions beginning in September and ends with a ceremony in May. Candidates are also required to attend a retreat in the 9^th grade year of preparation and participate in parish youth activities.
Confirmation Sacramental Preparation: Year 1

• Attend Faith Formation Classes Sunday at 9:20-10:30 a.m. (no more than four absences per year).
• Attend Wednesday Youth Group sessions
• Attend weekly mass with participation in the sacraments.
• Choose Confirmation name and be prepared to explain the history of your saint and why you chose that saint.
• Participate in one of the following Church Ministries: Usher, Lector, Choir, Altar Server —
• Choose a Confirmation Sponsor by the Parent/Candidate/Sponsor session (October of 9^th grade year). The candidate is responsible for ensuring that their sponsor completes the Sponsor Information Sheet, if not a member of St Jude the Apostle Parish. The Sponsor must have the sheet signed by their pastor, certifying their qualification as a practicing Catholic.

Confirmation Sacramental Preparation: Year 2

• Attend Faith Formation Classes Sunday at 9:20-10:30 a.m. (no more than four absences per year).
• Attend weekly mass with participation in the Sacraments.
• Complete two hours of Eucharistic Adoration.
• Attend all 3 Diocese of Little Rock Youth Events 1. Senior High 2. Youth Rally 3. Extravaganza
• Attend RETREAT
• Participate in one of the following Church Ministries: Usher, Lector, Choir, Altar Server —
• Complete 30 hours of community service (see requirements below).
• In order to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in the fullness of grace, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is encouraged within 30 days prior to reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. The class will go to Reconciliation 2 weeks before the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Service Hour Requirements
Total of 30 hours prior to Confirmation
Deadline is in March before Spring Break.

• Indirect –Must achieve 15 community service projects that involve community outreach to the poor or afflicted. There are many service opportunities offered : Care Channel, St Joseph’s Helpers, Ronald McDonald House, Fishnet Ministries, Christmas Caravan,  Etc
• In Parish –Participation in 10 parish service projects at St Jude the Apostle functions, including CYM functions, Dinners,  St Nicholas Party, Soup on Ash Wednesday (make it, bring it, serve it, clean up after).) 1^st Holy Communion Retreat, reception, High School Senior Mass & Dinner, participating in the Living Stations of the Cross, participating in the Living Rosary, etc.
  Corporal Works- Feed the Hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, bury the dead.