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core team
adults (21 & over) // forming teens
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confirmation
calling on the holy spirit and creating evangelizers that are pointed towards the heart of god
Archbishop Hartmayer has asked all Atlanta area parishes to begin transitioning the grade level for receiving the sacrament of Confirmation from 10th grade to 6th grade over the next five years.
Each parish will approach this transition differently and our staff has prayerfully considered how to approach the change for our parish.
At St. Monica's we will be Confirming all eligible 6th through 12th graders this coming 2026-2027 school year.
Below you can find the plan for this year, but it may be adjusted in the coming years as we discern what works best.
the preparation process
Preparing to receive Confirmation is a two year journey composed of five requirements that come from the Archdiocese.
There are many more details for each step in their dedicated places on our site, but this is a brief overview.
faith formation
Those preparing must be a part of their grade specific faith formation program for the full two years.
5th graders: Elementary Formation
6th - 8th graders: Middle School Ablaze
9th - 12th graders: High School Youth Group
free standing sacramental formation
In the second year of formation, we introduce Confirmation Nights, which form those preparing in the meaning and effects of Confirmation.
These Confirmation Nights occur at the same time as our Faith Formation.
retreat
Those preparing will need to attend one retreat at some point during their two years of preparation.
We will have two retreats for middle school: one on property and one at Life Teen's Camp Hidden Lake.
Both high school retreats will be at Life Teen's Camp Covecrest.
Service Hours
During the two years of preparation service hours are completed to have an active experience of being Christ's hands and feet in the Church.
All of those preparing will need to complete 9 hours of service.
family faith formation
A major emphasis from the Archdiocese has been ensuring that the full family is involved in this preparation.
Parents of children in their second year of preparation will be expected to attend formation on specified nights throughout the year.
year one & year two
Children from 5th to 12th grade now fall within the eligibility to begin preparing for Confirmation.
Below is an outline for which year your child is eligible for this fall.
ELIGIBILITY FOR year one
Children grades 6th to 11th who did not complete a majority of the 2025-2026 Faith Formation year would begin preparation in Year One.
All 5th grade children would begin in Year One.
Any parent could elect to have their child begin in Year One, even if their child is eligible for Year Two.
ELIGIBILITY FOR year two
Children grades 6th to 12th who did complete a majority of the 2025-2026 Faith Formation year are eligible to continue preparation in Year Two.
Year One involves a majority of participation in Faith Formation, so we will be accepting all of those who participated last year at our parish.
confirmation Nights
All Year Two children will be required to attend nights aimed at explaining Confirmation and its effects, as these satisfy the requirement for free standing sacramental formation.
Parents will also attend these nights.
The night will begin with children and parents together, and then the parents will split off to be formed with Father Jack while the children receive their own separate formation.
Below is an outline for what this looks like for Middle and High School.
high school
These nights will fall on Sundays throughout the year.
Four of the nights will be for teens only and two will be attended by the parents as well, as indicated on our calendar.
Given that we have one more year of Confirmation preparation in high school, we decided not to have parents attend all nights, as that has not been our norm.
retreats
By taking a dedicated time to focus on our relationship with the Lord, He can often begin working in new ways.
Our retreats aim, not only at having an engaging and fun experience, but also at having an encounter with the living God through prayer, discussion, and the Sacraments.
Children may attend one or both of the retreats for their grade.
Below is how the retreat looks for Middle and High School.
middle school
Our middle school children will have the option between two retreats.
Oct. 23-25
The first retreat will occur at Life Teen's Camp Hidden Lake in Dahlonega, GA, where Life Teen works with the efforts of missionaries and full time staff to serve middle schoolers. This will be a full weekend retreat option for those who would like their child to participate.
Feb. 27
The second retreat will occur at St. Monica, and will be a one day retreat. The goal of this retreat would be to bring a similar experience, as going off to Hidden Lake, to those who will be retreating at the parish.
We will have many more details on these retreats as they get closer.
high school
Our high school teens will have the option between two retreats.
Oct. 23-25
The first retreat will occur at Life Teen's Camp Covecrest in Tiger, GA, where Life Teen works with the efforts of missionaries and full time staff to serve high schoolers.
Jan. 29-31
The second retreat will occur at Life Teen's Camp Covecrest in Tiger, GA, as well. These retreats have two different topics, but are similar in their approach to preparing the teens to receive their Confirmation.
We will have many more details on these retreats as they get closer.
Confirmation Masses
We will be requesting our desired Confirmation dates this summer, and should have the final dates by August.
Once the dates are solidified the parish will be notified.
The plan, at this time, is to have our Confirmation Masses in late April or early May of 2027.
We will most likely have three Masses:
Friday at 6:30pm for OCIA Candidates
Saturday at 10:30am for High School Candidates
Saturday at 1:30pm for Middle School Candidates
Parents with Multiple Preparing
If you have multiple children preparing for Confirmation, given the larger age range that we are covering this year, you will indicate that for us on your registration form.
We will work with you to discuss options for attendance at Confirmation Nights.
You will be able to decide if your family would rather attend the High School or Middle School Confirmation Mass.
register
All children are required to be registered to attend Faith Formation classes.
All grade level registrations includes a place to indicate Confirmation.
If you have questions as to what Year your child is eligible for or what path is best for your family at this time, please reach out to:
High School - Kevin Conner: kconner@saintmonicas.com
Middle School - Johnny Ede: jede@saintmonicas.com
There is an early bird registration rate of $55 that will run through the end of the month of June.
rates per child
Standard Registration: $110
Child of Catechist: $40
This rate is available for those who assist in teaching our children at any Faith Formation grade level. If you are interested in becoming a catechist, you can fill out the catechist application on the grade level page that you desire to serve in.
Scholarship: $55 (Half) & $0 (Full)
This rate requires prior approval - reach out to Kevin Conner before registering
If you register without approval we will refund your registration and ask you to re-register
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