Confirmation

On All Saints’ Day, more than 60 Confirmation candidates took part in the first Confirmation retreat of the year. In keeping with the feast day, the retreat focused on the call to holiness each of us is given as beloved children of God. Filled with witness talks, skits, walk & talk reflection time, and small group activities, the day was a wonderful opportunity for the young people of our Collaborative to see themselves through God’s eyes and to grow in faith and fun with one another as they prepare for Confirmation.

As night fell, the group joined in night prayer in St. Paul Church, where they lifted their voices in praise and worship…

Last weekend at a packed Sunday 5pm Youth Mass, our Confirmation candidates signed the Book of Enrollment in the presence of the community, signifying their desire for the sacrament and commitment to the process of preparation. 

The candidates are committing to deepen their relationship with God through the process, explore what it means to receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and to remain open to what God is asking of them at this moment.

As a community, we are asked to keep these young people in our prayers, and to be living witnesses to the faith with our lives, in and out of the parishes.

Our Confirmation candidates will be invited forward by Fr. Jim to sign the Book of Enrollment in the presence of the community, signifying their desire for the sacrament and commitment to the process of preparation.  

The candidates are committing to deepen their relationship with God through the process, explore what it means to receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and remain open to what God is asking of them at this moment. They are also agreeing to be active members of the faith community and to contribute to their small groups with their attendance and positive participation. The community is committing to pray for these young people as they dedicate themselves to the process,  and to be living witnesses to the faith with their lives in and out of the parishes. They are also agreeing to be willing to engage honestly with these young people in questions and conversations about the Catholic faith.

This is an important step in your child’s preparation for the Sacrament – please make every effort to participate in this Mass.

All families with children registered in this program should have received an email from their child’s group leader by now. 

If you have not received an email please contact Linda Messore as soon as possible at linda.messore@sjspwellesley.org

In 2024, the Archdiocese of Boston announced that the ordinary age of Confirmation would be lowered from Grade 10 to Grade 8. This change was made to facilitate a renewal in family engagement in the life of the parish, especially Sunday Mass, and a renewal of youth ministry within parishes – one that goes beyond sacramental preparation.

Over the past few weeks 234 young people in Grades 8-12 received the Sacrament of Confirmation with Bishop Robert Reed in three separate liturgies – including two at St. John on the same evening! 

Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to be filled with the Holy Spirit and grow in their faith.

Registration for our 2025-2026 academic year is now underway. The registration process will take place in person via short meetings with parents/guardians and the Religious Education staff. Families will sign up for a 15-20 minute session to discuss their child(ren)’s program and any considerations to support their faith journey. Sacrament preparation families will be prioritized to early Spring sessions.

For more information about next year’s program and to sign up to register please visit…