St. Mary of the Falls

It is the policy at St. Mary of the Falls Parish that the Bishop celebrates the Sacrament of Confirmation in January or early February of the candidate's sophomore year of high school.  Our Confirmation preparation has been de-schooled and parish centered. It includes aspects of Message, Community, Worship, and Service.

Students in grade/level 8 of the day school and PSR are invited to enter the process in April of that year since they have completed their formal religious education.  They attend, along with their parent(s), a Discernment Meeting in which the responsibilities and details of the program are explained.

Those who request admittance into the process, attend another meeting with their parent(s) to receive a red binder containing applications of the faith.  These assignments are to be completed with the assistance of the parents and sponsor.

During the summer after the first year, the candidate sends a form to the Religious Education Office requesting an interview with a Parish Staff member.

Once the student is interviewed, they begin their more immediate preparation for the Sacrament by attending the four required monthly-meetings. 

Confirmation is then celebrated once the above requirements have been fulfilled.

Requirements for Candidacy:

• That the candidate's parents be registered and active members of the Parish.
• That the candidate be baptized in the Catholic Tradition
• That the candidate has completed formal religious education classes.
• That the candidate be willing to embrace the process of preparation and be spiritually ready to receive the sacrament.

Requirement for being a Sponsor:

• Have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist
• At least 16 years old and not the parent of the one being confirmed
• Professes faith in the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Registered and contributing member of a parish
• Joins in the celebration of weekly Mass and Eucharist
• If married, was married by a priest or deacon

As a parish, we vision the Sacrament of Confirmation to be the completion of Baptism and a committed living out of the faith they have publicly confirmed.

We stress not only the knowledge of our faith but also a deep love of God and the Catholic Church. Confirmation should never be the "end" but always the "beginning" of a live consecrated to God for service.

Adults Who Are Interested in Being Confirmed

We invite adults who need the sacrament of Confirmation to watch for Sunday Bulletin announcements or to contact Sister Jane (440) 235-2808 for information.

Depending on the practice and knowledge of the inquirer's faith, adults will either be a part of our RCIA process or collaborate with our District Confirmation classes.

Requirements for Adults:

• Must be registered and actively contributing members of the parish
• Must have received the sacrament of Baptism
• Must have sufficient Catholic catechesis or are being catechized
• Must be married according to Catholic form.  (Annulments must be completed before the Sacrament(s) can be celebrated.)

Questions about Confirmation should be directed to :