Below you will find the schedule and requirements for eighth graders receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Edward's in Spring 2021. For specific questions, contact the DREs, Dan and Bethany Meola: religioused@stedwardbowie.com
Teenagers (older than eighth grade) who need to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation should contact youth minister Karen Italiano: youth@stedwardbowie.com
Note: the items below are in addition to the weekly Confirmation Level 3 classes, which will take place on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 over Zoom, starting Sept. 15. See this page for the class schedule.
Every student receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation will select a Sponsor. This person has the special responsibility of being a guide and good example to you as you prepare for this important step in your Christian life.
Requirements for being a Sponsor:
1. A practicing Catholic who has been baptized and confirmed and (if married) married in the Church
2. At least 16 years old
A Sponsor may not be one of the student's parents, but may be a relative (even a sibling if he or she meets the above requirements). You can choose one of your Godparents to be your Sponsor if you'd like. Choose someone who you look up to, who has a strong faith, and who will be a good and faithful example to you as you grow in your own faith. Note: it is not a requirement that a sponsor be local; please let us know if you choose someone who is not able to attend the student-sponsor retreat on Nov. 22.
What every student needs to do:
After you have prayerfully decided who you would like to be your sponsor, and making sure he or she meets the requirements above, you need to write your sponsor a letter, using Word and writing in a letter format (date, greeting, body, closing). This letter should invite the person to be your sponsor and explain why you chose him or her. What made you believe this person would be a good guide for your Christian life? What do you admire about them? etc. (If you've already asked them in person, the letter can thank them for saying yes.) Please include in the letter what you hope to gain from the time in the confirmation this year, and ask your sponsor to pray for you during this year. Also please include at the top of the letter the sponsor's full name and home address.
When you are done with your letter: You will need to email it to the Meolas: religioused@stedwardbowie.com. We will review it, and as long as it followed the instructions above, we will mail it to the sponsor along with a form that they will need to get back to St. Edwards.