Confirmation Ministry
Confirmation is an important ministry at St. Mark.  Through this ministry we partner with parents to "train a child in the way they should go."  Not only do students review and learn the basics of what it means to be a Christian, students also study the doctrines of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod as well as applying it to their daily lives.  We also take them through some basic discipleship classes such as Spiritual H.A.B.I.T.S., S.H.A.P.E., and writing a testimony.

At St. Mark, Confirmation instruction is offered to 7th grade students and up.  The Catechism is taught in our day school, as well as Saturday seminars.  Students also participate in two retreats and a mini-course.  Students who meet the requirements may choose to be confirmed at the end of 7th grade.  Or if they wish to split up the program, they can meet the requirements in two years.  It is up to each family to decide how they are going to complete it.  An early Communion seminar is also offered for 5th & 6th grade students who wish to participate in Communion.

Requirements of Students Who Attend St. Mark Lutheran School:

  • Students must be in worship and Sunday morning Bible class on a regular basis (2+ times per month)
  • Attend two retreats on H.A.B.I.T.S. and S.H.A.P.E. (S.H.A.P.E. must be done the year they're being confirmed)
  • Attend mini-course on Writing a Testimony (a parent must attend)
  • Students and parents attend final interview (the year they're being confirmed)

Requirements of Students Who Do Not Attend St. Mark Lutheran School:

  • Students must be in worship and Sunday morning Bible class on a regular basis (2+ times per month)
  • Attend Saturday Seminars (or intensive course) on the Six Chief Parts of Luther's Small Catechism.
  • Attend two retreats on H.A.B.I.T.S. and S.H.A.P.E. (S.H.A.P.E. must be done the year they're being confirmed)
  • Attend mini-course on Writing a Testimony (a parent must attend) 
  • Students and parents attend final interview (the year they're being confirmed)

Requirements of Students Who Attend Another Christian School:
These requirements will depend upon what instruction has already been received.  Parents and students will need to contact the Youth Minister to decide the plan of action.

Note: The way our program is set up, if a 7th grader completes all the requirements in 7th grade, they have the opportunity to be confirmed at the end of 7th grade. 

Explanation of Requirements:
1.  Attend Saturday Seminars (or intensive course) on Six Chief Parts of Luther's Small Catechism
We will teach on the Six Chief Parts of the Small Catechism.  This is accomplished in two ways.  In June, an Intensive Confirmation Course is taught.  Students can attend a seminar each day of the week (Mon-Fri) and get it all done then, OR they can attend Saturday seminars during the school year.  Seminars do not have to be taken in order if the student is completing this program in two years.  Parents can pick and choose which ones their child attends each year.

Students will need to bring writing utensils, a binder to keep all their notes in, and Luther's Small Catechism (Catechisms are available for $10 each).  Parents should call the Church Office in advance to let us know their student will be attending a specific Saturday Seminar or the Intensive Course.

2.  Attend Two Retreats on H.A.B.I.T.S. and S.H.A.P.E.:
The H.A.B.I.T.S. Retreat teaches six spiritual habits which help keep our faith going and growing.  The habits are: Hang time with God, Accountability, Bible memorization, Involvement in the church, Tithing, and Studying Scripture.  Students learn the habits as well as practice them.  The challenge is to pick one or two to work on following the retreat.  Because of materials, student books, and resources needed for each student, a $20 donation is requested.  A light breakfast and lunch is provided.  Students should bring their Bibles and a highlighter.  Students need to RVSP with the SRTM office.  This retreat (led by the SRTM staff) will be held at St. Mark, in The Pit Stop, on Saturday, October 8th, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  A parent must attend the last 1/2 hour. 

The S.H.A.P.E. Retreat (for students being confirmed at the end of the program year) helps students discover their God-given shape.  They look at their Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences and put them together like a puzzle.  Students brainstorm ways to use their shape for God in ministry and are challenged to pick one or two ways and do them.  To help cover the cost of materials, student books, and resources needed for each student, a $20 donation is requested.  A light breakfast and lunch is provided.  Students need to RVSP with the SRTM office.  This retreat (led by the SRTM staff) will be held at St. Mark, in The Pit Stop, on January 28, 2012, from 9:00-4:30 p.m.  A parent must attend the last 1/2 hour.

Please Note:  There are no make-up sessions for these retreats. 
These are the only times they are offered. 

3.  Attend Mini-Course on Writing a Testimony:
This mini-course (for students being confirmed at the end of the program year) is designed to give a brief overview of what a testimony is and how to write one.  Youth Minister, Tom Chester will guide parents and students through the testimony manual. The work will be done at home with parent supervision.  Tom will look over the draft at the final interview and may make suggestions for change.  The student will ultimately give their testimony at the Confirmation worship service.  The mini-course will be held at St. Mark, in the Pit Stop, in March 2012.  This is for all students being confirmed in April.  A parent must attend with their student.

4.  Final Interviews:
Students desiring to be confirmed must go through a final interview.  Both parents must also attend.  Students and parents will meet with Pastor for 30 minutes in which Pastor will evaluate the student's knowledge and life application.  Then students and parents will meet with Tom Chester to go over their final draft of their testimony and also talk about the discipleship retreats, and their future involvement in SRTM (Solid Rock Teen Ministry).  The interviews will take place at the end of April 2012.

5.  Students Must Be in Worship and Bible Class on a Regular Basis:
The Confirmation ministry process helps students connect their head knowledge to their heart.  It teaches them that they need to be active in their spiritual growth.  When confirmands stand up on Confirmation day, they will promise to continue to be faithful and active in ministry at St. Mark.  Because of what confirmation is, it is only natural that students be in worship and Bible class on a regular basis.  Regular basis means two or more times per month.  Sunday morning is an important part of our Christian faith and St. Mark has some quality Bible classes for students and parents.  Parents should also model this as well.  Let us stress again, that participation in worship and Bible class is necessary in order to be confirmed. 

Rite of Confirmation Information 
Those students who have met the requirements outlined above will be eligible to become confirmed members of St. Mark.  Students and parents will need to attend the Confirmation Rehearsal on the Tuesday of the week of Confirmation.  Students should bring their final draft of their testimony.

On Confirmation Day, pictures will be taken at 2:00 p.m.  Confirmands may order picture packages from the photographer.  Worship takes place at 3:00 p.m.  There is a $20 fee for confirmation which includes robe cleaning, flowers, certificates, and other misc fees.  The Confirmation Worship will take place on May 6, 2012 at 3:00 p.m.

Early Communion
St. Mark offers early communion to 5th grade students on up.  Those students wishing to participate in early communion need to attend TWO sessions in January.  One is the Saturday seminar and the other is a Wednesday night class (both held in January).  A parent must attend the Wednesday night class.  Early communion is OPTIONAL.  Sometime after both classes, the students will celebrate their First Communion on a Sunday morning.