PARENTS :
Attendance at a parent/student session before the Confirmation classes begin. ( see calendar for dates)
Be a role model in the practice of your faith.
In addition to the above requirements, Immaculate Conception Church has adopted policies to help you child have a rich and meaningful sacramental experience.  Please read the policies over carefully.

SPONSORS:
1) Attend a sponsor/student/parent orientation.
2) Attend the seven session given by Father Jim with candidate throughout the year.
3) Write a love letter and a letter of recommendation for the candidate.
4) Attend the Entrance Mass.
5) Attend the rehearsal and Confirmation ceremony.

CONFIRMATION POLICIES

Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation into the church.  The sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace.  At Confirmation  the gift of the Holy Spirit is received which completes the grace of Baptism.    For the reception of the gift of the Spirit, understanding and appreciation for the sacrament is necessary.  The parent's, the sponsor's and the church's help are essential.    To help the student grow in their understanding and appreciation, Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin  in New Richmond has adopted the following policies.

• The student's parent (s)/guardian(s) must be member(s) of Immaculate Conception Church/St Patrick’s Parish .  Under extenuating circumstances a student from another parish may be confirmed at Immaculate Conception parish by fulfilling the requirements of his/her own parish, and seeking the permission from the pastor of that parish as well as  from the pastor of Immaculate Conception.
• The Mass is the cornerstone on which a family's Sacramental life is created.  Therefore, regular church  attendance is expected.
• The student must be Baptized and proof of  Baptism must be given to the Director of the program.
• Students must attend grades 10 and 11 of High School Christian Formation prior to the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation.  Older students wishing to receive the sacrament will meet with the Coordinator to determine the students faith development level, then proceed through the sacramental  program.
• The student, parent(s)/guardian(s), and sponsor must fulfill the parish's requirements of the sacramental program as stated in the previous section.
• If there needs to be an exception to the policies, the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) must meet with the Director, Pastor, and members of the Christian Formation committee to determine the necessary actions.  If there is a feeling the student is not ready to receive the sacrament then the reception of the sacrament will be postponed until the child is prepared to receive the sacrament.

MARRIAGE

The Church believes that the sacred union of husband and wife is itself a sacrament and acknowledges God's unconditional love and presence in their relationship.  Through marriage preparation, the couple can come to a greater understanding of God's role within the marriage relationship, as well as allowing the Church community to see God's reflection of love through themselves.

PRE-MARRIAGE WORKSHOPS
 
Marriage Preparation Workshops are held twice a year here at Church of the  Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin , from 8:30  am to 6:00 pm.  There is a fee of $80 per couple for this workshop.  This fee includes all speakers and materials.  (Lunch will be on your own)  Make reservations for the day by contacting Kim at the Church office (246-4652 ext. 5).    If you have any questions please contact Father James Brinkman or Kim Palmer.