What to Expect
Confirmation preparation at St. James will be for grades 6-8. Middle school is a great time of transition for our young people. They are met with new challenges, changes, and are beginning to mature and become ready to dive deeper into their faith. These 3 years of preparation will give middle school students the best chance at gaining and developing a lifelong relationship with Jesus. We will be flexible as we understand that everyone has different circumstances. If you have a youth in 7th grade or 8th grade that has not been part of Confirmation preparation, we will work with them to make sure they are in a place to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation with their peers. We will do everything that we can to serve you and your families, so please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your family’s circumstances.
EDGE meets every Sunday during the school year.
EDGE Session
Parish Center | 3:00-4:30 PM
Youth will gather together in person each Sunday in the Parish Center to learn about their faith through engaging talks to help prepare them for Confirmation. The youth are assigned to a small group they remain with for the entire year. In these groups, youth are challenged to dive deeper into their Catholic faith and encouraged to grow as young disciples. EDGE kicks off Sunday, September 10th at 3PM. Students are required to attend at least 80% (16 sessions) of the EDGE sessions. We witnessed the fruit of the youth attending regularly this past year, and we truly want what is best for the youth and their faith formation. We are understanding of excused absences, but we truly know the benefit of having youth attend as many EDGE events as possible throughout the year. Please reach out with any questions and/or concerns. We are here to accompany your youth and family.
If students are not able to attend 80% of EDGE sessions, hybrid and homeschool options are available.
Hybrid:
The hybrid option allows youth to come to EDGE in person and be placed within a small group, but it allows the flexibility in their attendance. We know how essential in person faith formation is to each youth and desire to help them receive this formation while being flexible with their schedule.
Youth are required to complete all Chosen make-up work and attend our monthly Encounters on Tuesday nights.
Homeschool:
The homeschool option allow parents to be the primary catechist with your son/daughter. Parents choose a Confirmation Program from the Archdiocese of Chicago approved Confirmation Program list. They complete this program at their own pace at home throughout the three years. Homeschool youth must complete an entire Confirmation Program by the Spring of their 8th grade year.
The cost for the year is $250.
Encounter Nights
All youth (and their families) are encouraged to attend the parish-wide Encounter Night. This night, once a month consists of Adoration, an opportunity to go to Confession and a talk to help aid in prayer for the night. Dinner will also be provided to continue to foster community at St. James.
Other Opportunities
-Monthly Service Projects (NEW): during EDGE and outside in the community
-Seasonal Adoration and Confession
-Extravaganzas: Organized social events
-Meet for Masses as an EDGE community
Contact Us
We understand life is an adventure and you might be reading this after EDGE has started. If this is the case, please reach out to Courtney Bernhardt (one of our Youth Ministers in charge of EDGE) and she will gladly work with you and your child so they can be adequately prepared to be Confirmed.
For additional questions regarding EDGE, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
St. James Confirmation Team
224.345.7213
[email protected]