What is Confirmation?
- The sacrament of confirmation strengthens the baptized and obliges them more firmly to be witnesses of Christ by word and deed and to spread and defend the faith. It imprints a character, enriches by the gift of the Holy Spirit the baptized continuing on the path of Christian initiation, and binds them more perfectly with the church. Cannon Law 879
- The reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of Baptismal graces. For, "by the sacrament of Confirmation, (the baptized) are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obligated to spread and defend the faith by word or deed." [CCC 1285]
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Restored Order
Bishop Konderla has announced Restored Order of the Sacraments. You may read the addendum to his 2024 pastoral letter here.
Restored Order means:
- 2nd Grade to receive 1st Reconciliation
- 3rd Grade to receive Confirmation/1st Communion in the same mass with the bishop presiding.
St. Henry will be making steps to “roll down” the age of Confirmation in the coming school Years. We are moving to a 1 year sacrament preparation program.
In the 2025/2026 school year
- 4th & 5th Grade will attend Confirmation preparation classes on Sundays from 8:30-9:45am. They will be using Word of Life curriculum by Augustine Institute.
No student will be forced or required to receive Confirmation. We will continue to offer “Out of sequence” sacrament classes that will be grouped by age range- older elementary (4th/5th grade), Middle School (6th, 7th, 8th grade) and High School (9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade). Those above High School will attend OCIA classes on Thursdays from 7-9 pm.
Looking Ahead:
- 2025-2026 School Year: 4th/5th grade—> Confirmed Spring 2026
- 2026-2027 School Year: 3rd/4th grade—>Confirmed Spring 2027- 3rd grade also receives 1st Communion (1st year for Restored Order)
- 2027-2028 School Year: Restored Order in place- 3rd grade Receives 1st Communion and Confirmation in the same mass with the bishop.
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A Quick Note about Attendance
Attendance- Attendance for Confirmation is important. If students have to miss, parents are asked to inform Embrey or Jo in the parish office (918-272-3710). If a student misses 3 times this will prompt a phone call or letter reminding the importance of attendance. If a student continues to miss class it will result in a meeting to discuss the continuation in our program.
Mass Attendance/Reconciliation- Both Mass attendance and going to Confession regularly is important to our spiritual life. Please see that both you and your children are attending Mass regularly and frequenting the Sacrament of Reconciliation.