Strengthening your faith and commitment 

The Sacrament of Confirmation is the continuation of the sacramental path that began at Baptism. It is a personal confirmation of the commitment and responsibilities made by parents and godparents.  It deepens the relationship between Christ and a baptised Christian, enriching them with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Helpful information:

• Confirmation is open to school aged children (years 3 and above) and who been baptised
• Children will be referred to as Candidate throughout the program
• Baptismal Certificates are required at registration, Candidate must have been baptised prior to enrolling in the program
• At registration, you will be required to confirm the Candidate's Confirmation name (Saint's name) as well as the details of the candiate's baptism (certificate, date, location and address of parish)
• Sponsors are to be at least 16 years of age and a fully initiated Catholic (received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist)
• We welcome and encourage children from all schools, the program is not exclusive to those children attending Catholic Schools
• Children who have been baptised as Orthodox are welcome to join the program and will receive a blessing from the Bishop
• Candidates who have been baptised in other Christian denominations must make a Profession of Faith to Catholicism prior to partaking in this program.
• The registration fee is $80, this helps the parish cover the cost of books, materials and other costs incurred in offering the program. If you are experiencing financial hardship or require assistance, please contact the Sacramental Team for a confidential correspondence at sacraments@pymblecatholicparish.org.au 
• If your child has additional needs, please contact the office so we can work with your family to find the best way to support you and your child during preparation for the sacraments.
• The cost for the Sacrament of Confirmation program is $80 per child.  This charge is not for receiving the sacrament: the Parish needs to make a charge for each sacramental programme to cover the costs of providing books and resources.
• The information provided is collected and handled in accordance with the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay’s Privacy Policy available on the Diocese and Parish website www.pymblecatholicparish.org.au

During preparation, as well as at the Confirmation Mass, photographs of participants and attendees may be taken, and may then be used on either Pymble Catholic Parish's website or the Parish's social media.  The use of photos will be done so in a strictly ethical and respectful way.  Any questions regarding this, please contact the office.

The Confirmation program consists of the following obligations which a parent/guardian and the candidate must attend for successful completion of the program.  

• Parent and Candidate Welcome Session (compulsory)
• Group Facilitators Information Session (compulsory for home group leaders)
• Two Formation Sessions (either home-based or Parish-facilitated groups)
• Presentation Mass
• Confirmation practice
• Confirmation celebration

1.  Parent and Candidate Welcome Session (Compulsory)

Once registrations have closed, an information session will be held at Sacred Heart Church, Pymble. Both Candidates and their parent(s) or carer(s) are required to attend.  A program overview will be provided as well as an opportunity for home groups to be formed and any questions to be answered.

2. Preparation Program                

Two additional confirmation formation sessions will take place in March and April, you have the choice of participating in parish facilitated or Leader facilitated home based group sessions.

(i) Parish facilitated – Parish Group

The sessions will take place at Sacred Heart Pymble and will run for approximately 60 minutes. Resources will be provided.  Children are to be supported by a parent or care giver throughout the session.  As space is limited, we kindly request no siblings or young children accompany you to the session.

Session #1 options (choose one):

Saturday, 29 March at 3:00PM 

Sunday, 30 March at 10:30AM (following the 9:30AM Mass).

Session #2 options (choose one):

Saturday, 5 April at 3:00PM

Sunday 6 April at 10:30AM (following the 9:30AM Mass).

(ii) Home-based Groups 

Each group has a nominated leader/facilitator who will run the sessions and help lead group discussions. Course materials will be provided.  The nominated leader must first participate in an information session at the parish as well as complete necessary child protection information.  These sessions run at an agreed time and place by members of the group. 

3.  Information Session for Home-based Group Leaders (Compulsory)

Group facilitators are requested to attend an information session on Sunday, 23 March at 3:00PM at Sacred Heart Pymble, prior to the commencement of the program.  The aim of this session is to support you in the facilitation of the programme and to assist with any questions or queries.

4.  Presentation Mass

This Mass presents the candidates to the greater parish-community and celebrates this milestone over the weekend of Saturday 5 / Sunday 6 April. Candidates and their parents are invited to attend any Mass at either Church this weekend.

5.  Confirmation Practice

Practice for the celebration is on Sunday, 4 May, 3:00PM, Sacred Heart Church, Pymble.

6.  Confirmation Celebration

Bishop Anthony Randazzo will be celebrating Confirmation of our Candidates on Thursday, 8 May, 5.30PM at Sacred Heart Church, Pymble.  This is a date based on Bishop's availability and cannot be changed. The duration of the Confirmation celebration is expected to be around 75 to 90 minutes.

If you have any questions regarding the registration process, please contact Rebecca at sacraments@pymblecatholicparish.org.au.