4600 Meredith Dr., Des Moines, IA 50310 Phone (515) 276-4042 [email protected]
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THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
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Our CalendarComing Soon!
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Our RegistrationComing July 1, 2026!
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Upcoming Events, Retreats, and Service Opprotunities!Christ Our Life Service Opportunity, reach out for more information!
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Parent InformationWe believe parents are the primary influence in a teen's faith life. Our goal is not to replace the role of the family, but to partner with parents in helping teens grow in relationship with Christ and His Church.
Weekly Communication will be shared through email on Monday afternoons prior to Wednesday Evening Activities. -
Important Documents
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Questions?
Reach Out Anytime!
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Welcome - We are so glad you're here!Welcome to Confirmation Preparation at St. Mary of Nazareth! We are a community of teens seeking to grow in faith, friendship, and relationship with Jesus Christ together.
Whether you've been involved in church your whole life or are just beginning to explore your faith and Who God is, you are welcome here.
Our desire is to create a place where students feel known, supported, challenged, and encouraged as they navigate the joys and struggles of daily life. We believe God is calling each young person to something great, and we would love for you to be part of the journey with us.
You do not have to have everything figured out to belong. -
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Confirmation Candidates for - Fall 2026
Timeline OverviewThis information is for our Sophomore class who recently completed Preparation Class as Freshmen (2025-26).
Below is an overview of key dates for the Confirmation Class of 2026.
Please note that dates are subject to change. Additional details will be provided prior to each event.
August 2026- Parent/Student Interviews
- Scheduled by appointment (sign-up information will be available July 1)
- Student and at least one parent must attend
September 2026- Confirmation Service Hours
- Due: September 11, 2026
- Confirmation Retreat (Sophomore Retreat)
- Sunday, September 20, 2026
- Held in the Parish Hall following the 11:00am Mass
- Additional details will be shared at the parent/student interview
- Attendance is expected for all students
- Final Preparation Class (Sophomore Students Only)
- Wednesday, September 30, 2026
- 7:30-8:30pm in the Youth Room
October 2026- Confirmation Rehearsal
- Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Following the 11:00am Mass in the Church (approximately 12:00-2:00pm)
- Student and sponsor attendance is required
- Celebration of Confirmation with the Bishop
- Wednesday, October 14, 2026
- 6:00pm - Arrival and gathering at 5:45pm in the Parish Hall (students required)
- 7:00pm - Confirmation Mass in the Church (students and sponsors are required to attend)
This is a joyful milestone in your child's faith journey as they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
We look forward to celebrating with you! - Parent/Student Interviews
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Confirmation Candidates - Fall 2027
Timeline Overview for Incoming FreshmenThis information is for our incoming Freshmen class who will begin Confirmation Preparation in Fall 2026.
Below is an overview of key dates for the Confirmation Class of 2027.
Please note that dates are subject to change. Additional details will be provided prior to each event.
Getting Started (September 2026)- Parent/Student Informational Welcome Meeting
- Wednesday, September 23, 2026
- 7:30-8:30pm in the Parish Hall
- Student and at least one parent must attend
Formation Year (October 2026 - April 2027)- Confirmation Preparation Class
- Wednesdays evenings, 7:30-9:00pm in the Youth Room
- Begins October 2026 and continues through April 2027
- A detailed calendar will be provided at the Welcome Meeting
Transition to Confirmation Year (Summer 2027)- Parent/Student Interviews
- Scheduled by appointment (sign-up information will be available summer 2027)
- Student and at least one parent must attend
Confirmation Year (Fall 2027)- Confirmation Retreat, Rehearsal, and Celebration Mass
- More detailed information regarding the Confirmation Retreat, Rehearsal, and Celebration Mass will be shared at the September 2026 Welcome Meeting and updated as dates are finalized.
This is the beginning of an important journey of faith and discipleship. We look forward to walking with your family through the Confirmation process. - Parent/Student Informational Welcome Meeting
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The Sacrament of Confirmation
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments (one of the three sacraments of initiation) in which Catholics receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through this sacrament, the Holy Spirit strengthens us to live our faith more fully and to witness to Christ in every part of our lives. Confirmation completes and deepens the grace received at Baptism.
Confirmation Preparation at St. Mary of Nazareth
Beginning in Fall 2027, the Confirmation preparation process at St. Mary of Nazareth will transition to a new, age-down model as part of the diocesan direction toward Confirmation in 6th grade.
For families preparing for Confirmation prior to that change, the current process remains in place as outlined below.
We are committed to walking with each student and family through this transition in a clear and supportive way.
Transition Overview
Confirmation preparation is currently a school-year model process beginning in 9th grade and leading to Confirmation in the fall of 10th grade. Students entering 9th grade in Fall 2026 will follow this current pathway.
In response to diocesan direction, we will begin a gradual transition toward a 12-month family preparation model, ultimately leading to Confirmation in 6th grade beginning in 2030.
The transition will occur in stages:- Fall 2027 – Incoming 8th & 9th grade students begin preparation
- Fall 2028 – Incoming 7th & 8th grade students begin preparation
- Fall 2029 – Incoming 6th & 7th grade students begin preparation
- Fall 2030 – Incoming 5th & 6th grade students begin preparation
- Fall 2031 – Full implementation: 5th grade begins 12-month family preparation, with Confirmation in 6th grade
Current Preparation Model
Confirmation preparation is designed to help students grow in their relationship with Christ through community, conversation, and faith formation.
Students participate in:- High School Youth Group gatherings
- Small group faith conversations
- Service and Retreat experiences
Small groups provide a space for students to discuss faith in a relational setting, ask questions, and grow in community with their peers. Our goal is to move beyond a classroom model and toward a more personal and engaged experience of discipleship.
Current Preparation Expectations
Students in the current model are expected to:- Attend the Parent/Student Welcome Meeting
- Attend weekly Wednesday evening Preparation Classes (October–April, 7:30–9:00pm in the Youth Room)
- Complete 10 in-parish service hours
- Complete a Saint Project
- Attend the Summer Parent/Student Interview
- Attend the Sophomore Retreat
- Attend the Confirmation Rehearsal
- Attend the Celebration of Confirmation Mass with the Bishop
Additional details and tracking guidelines are provided throughout the preparation year.
Registration & Next Steps- Incoming 9th Grade (Fall 2026): Please register for Confirmation Preparation.
- Current Confirmation Candidates (Class of 2026): Please register for High School Youth Group.
- Students in Transitional Grades: Please register for your age-appropriate Youth Group. This ensures students remain connected and receive appropriate communication as they prepare for Confirmation in their designated year.
Registration information will be available on our parish website and opens July 1, 2026.
If you are registering after the start of preparation or have questions about placement, please contact us. We are happy to walk with families individually to determine the best pathway toward Confirmation preparation.
Contact Information
Erica Schieffer
Director of Youth Ministry
Email: [email protected]
Office Phone: 515-251-7568 -
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Adult Core Team
Are you an adult interested in helping our Confirmation Program thrive? We would love to connect with you! Meet our CORE TEAM!