Confirmation and
High School Religious Education
High School Religious Education and Confirmation
The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown requires a 3 year preparation for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. The preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation begins in the 9th grade and continues through the 11th grade. Please find below the information about the 3 years of formation culminating in the receipt of the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic faith.
9th and 10th Grade Confirmation Program
For questions or more information please contact:
Anne Bord
814-237-7832 ext. 421
11th Grade Confirmation Program
For questions or more information please contact:
Deacon David Lapinski
814-237-7832 ext. 259
Confirmation Forms
Also found in the Church Forms section of this website9th and 10th Grade Confirmation Program
click arrow to expandThe 9th & 10th grade CCD students will meet with their catechist, weekly (10:30-11:20am). at the OLV school.
Several programs from Ascension Press are used in 9th grade. They deal with searching for God in daily living: a teen bible study by Mark Hart: "This is not your Grandma's bible study.", saint studies & Catholic Social Teaching; God's creation, Dignity of Human Life, Environmental Stewardship, Poverty & Dignity of Work & Family Issues.
Ascension Press texts are also used in 10th grade CCD class; YOU. Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body by Jason & Chrystalina Evert & Brian Butler. This educational program helps teens discover God's plan for true, meaningful and pure love for their life. John Paul II's landmark teaching engages teens minds and hearts. The curriculum is both catechetical and evangelistic.
The 9th & 10th Grade Confirmation program includes the following required components: Required for ALL students on-track for the sacrament of Confirmation: SCAHS, St. Joseph Catholic Academy and Homeschool students.
Choose your Confirmation Sponsor to pray with you and walk with you on your journey towards Confirmation. (See form below):
*Requirements as per the Code of Canon Law:
A. Only one male sponsor or one female sponsor for a Confirmation candidate is to be used.
B. Must have completed the sixteenth (16) year.
C. Must be a Catholic who has received the sacraments of Baptism, Most Holy Eucharist & Confirmation.
D. If married, must be a Catholic who has received the sacrament of Holy Matrimony in the Church.
E. Must be a Catholic who leads a life in harmony with the Catholic Church (registered and active [going to Sunday Mass] in a Catholic Church).
II. Documents Required from the Sponsor of a Person to be Confirmed:
A. A copy of sponsor’s Baptism Certificate, First Communion Certificate, Confirmation Certificate and if married, a copy of the Marriage Certificate.
B. A letter from the pastor where the sponsor is registered and active, stating he or she is registered and active and qualifies to be a sponsor.
SHYCON (Senior High Youth Conference) This event will be held this year on October 23, 2002 from 11:00am-4:00pm at the Stokes Athletic Center in St. Francis University, Loretto, PA. The theme this year is: Do ALL things out of LOVE. Our parish students will be taken to this event by bus, meeting at OLVCS parking lot no later than 9:30am. Chaperones are needed. This event needs to be completed one time over the course of grades 9-11. A form of completion must be filled out: Form of Completion signed by a parent and returned to the DRE; Anne Bord. Registrations forms will be at the church office for pickup. They will also be handed out during all CCD classes. Registration forms are due back to Ms. Bord NO LATER than Monday, Oct. 3rd for those wishing to participate. This year's Keynote Speaker is Steve Angrisano: https://www.steveangrisano.com/
Christian Rock Concert: Winona Avenue For more information on this group, please access this link: https://winonaavenue.com/#tour. Winona Avenue will be performing at OLVCS School Auditorium Oct. 28th at 7:00pm. Form of Completion
Adoration with our Diocesan Bishop: Most Reverend Mark L. Bartchak: This requirement needs to be completed one time over the course of grades 9-11. It will occur several times throughout this year; 2022. One of the times will be at Our Lady of Victory this year on Nov. 19th from 10:00am-Noon. A form of completion must be filled out: Form of Completion signed by a parent and returned to the DRE; Anne Bord.
Annual Confirmation Prep Retreat each year: There will be a retreat held at OLV each year for all high school students; grades 9-11, preparing for Confirmation. This year Chastity Speaker; Jason Evert is coming to talk to the youth of our parish and their parents. The talk is open to students in grades 7-12 and their parents as well as other adult parishoners. It is mandatory for students in grades 9-11 preparing for Confirmation. This event will be held on February 5th, 2023 from 6:00pm-8:00pm in the church. Adoration will follow the talk. A form of completion must be filled out: Form of Completion signed by a parent and returned to the DRE; Anne Bord.
Grade Level In-Class Retreats:
*9th Grade: Baptism: April 2023
*10th Grade: Gifts of the Holy Spirit & Parables: April 2023
Commitment Sunday: 9th & 10th Graders (SCAHS, St. Joseph's Catholic Academy & Homeschool Students) will host the 11:30 mass on Sunday; March 26th, 2023. Mark your calendars please!
Individual Community Service ALL three years; 9-11: 15 hours of individual community service & TBA group service projects that includes a description of what you did and a brief reflection regarding how you felt about serving others: Community Service Hours Form. This form must be signed by a parent. Hours do not have to be in addition to required hours for school.
Volunteer Suggestions:
a. Serve as a volunteer for St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop: https://www.stvincentstatecollege.org/lookbook
b. Participate in Living Stations during the months before Easter. They especially need strong young men! Contact the
coordinator, Mrs. Sue Clement, for more information:
sueseitzclement@hotmail.com
*Non-Speaking Actor
*State Crew
*Narrator
c. Serve as a volunteer for Vacation Bible School: Vacation Bible School runs for one week in July. Earn ALL your
service hours for the year by volunteering for that week. Those hours can be applied to the year you just finished or
the year coming up, depending upon what you need. SIgn up here:
https://re.ourladyofvictory.com/vacation-bible-school/vacation-bible-school-volunteers
d. Be an assistant to the DRE for events throughout the year:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4BADAF2FA7FFC52-olvparish
All Saints Party (3 hrs.): 10/29
St. Nicholas Party (3 hrs.): 12/03
First Reconciliation Set-Up and Serve: (Make-up in-class work outside of CCD Class these days)
Sunday, Apr. 23rd: 10:00am-1:00pm (3 hrs.)
Sunday, Apr. 30th: 10:00am-1:00pm. (3 hrs.)
First Communion Retreat Setup & Helper, 04/29: 9:00am-Noon (3 hrs.)
First Communion Setup, Ushers & Party Helpers: 9:00am-Noon, 05/20 (3 hrs.)
e. Serve mass. Older altar servers are great models to help train the younger students.
f. Be a lector or commentator at mass. Please contact the Parish office at 814-2:7-7832 if interested.
Lectors proclaim the Scriptures during the celebration of the Mass. They must be Catholics who have received the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist and regularly receive the Sacraments. Lectors prepare the readings with prayerful reflection and are skilled in speaking clearly and confidently. Lectors are prepared for this ministry by a parishioner appointed by the Pastor.
Commentators read the General Intercessions in the absence of a deacon. They may also make announcements before Mass or following the Prayer after Communion. Commentators are trained with the Lectors.
g. Sing with the church choir or play a musical instrument at mass! . Are you in choir or band at school?
You can earn your community service hours using your talents as a volunteer for our parish music ministry. Be a cantor, sing
with the choir, play your instrument at one of our masses with or without the choir. Contact our music director, Joe
Malafarina: joem@ourladyofvictory.com if you are willing to volunteer.
h. Serve as a volunteer for the Jared Box Project. Mrs. Cindy Kolarik needs volunteers for data entry work regarding
contacts across the country for the Jared Box Project: https://thejaredbox.org/. This is great for those who need flexible volunteer hours. Please contact her if you are interested: cindy@thejaredbox.org.
i. Martha’s Helpers is a committee of volunteers who help maintain the cleanliness of the interior of the Church. Both men
and women are welcome to join this ministry. Please contact the Parish office at 814-237-7832 if interested.
9th & 10th grade contact; Anne Bord: directorccd@ourladyofvictory.com
11th Grade Confirmation
click arrow to expandEleventh grade students CCD students will meet with Deacon David Lapinski, according to his schedule for two Sundays each month, (1:30pm-3:00m at the Activity Center or Church). ALL Eleventh grade students (SCAHS, St. Joseph's Catholic Academy & Homeschool students) are required to complete the following Confirmation program requirements below.
11th Grade (SCAHS, St. Joseph Catholic Academy & Homeschooled Students) Grade Confirmation program required components:
Parent/Youth Meeting for all students: This will be held in the Fall.
Four Confirmation sessions for all students will be held in the Fall & Winter. Dates will be sent out by Deacon Lapinski
11th Grade Retreat: Gifts of the Holy Spirit ZOOM Retreat through Bethany Retreat Services. Please see Deacon Dave to sign your child up if you have not already.
SHYCON (Senior High Youth Conference) This event will be held this year on October 23, 2002 from 11:00am-4:00pm at the Stokes Athletic Center in St. Francis University, Loretto, PA. The theme this year is: Do ALL things out of LOVE. Our parish students will be taken to this event by bus, meeting at OLVCS parking lot no later than 9:30am. Chaperones are needed. This event needs to be completed one time over the course of grades 9-11. A form of completion must be filled out: Form of Completion signed by a parent and returned to Deacon David Lapinski. Registrations forms will be at the church office for pickup. They will also be handed out during all CCD classes. Registration forms are due back to Ms. Bord NO LATER than Monday, Oct. 3rd for those wishing to participate. This year's Keynote Speaker is Steve Angrisano: https://www.steveangrisano.com/
Christian Rock Concert: Winona Avenue For more information on this group, please access this link: https://winonaavenue.com/#tour. Winona Avenue will be performing at OLVCS School Auditorium Oct. 28th at 7:00pm. A form of completion must be filled out: Form of Completion signed by a parent and returned to Deacon Dave Lapinski.
Adoration with our Diocesan Bishop: Most Reverend Mark L. Bartchak: This requirement needs to be completed one time over the course of grades 9-11. It will occur several times throughout this year; 2022. One of the times will be at Our Lady of Victory this year, and will take place Nov. 19th from 10:00am-Noon. A form of completion must be filled out: A form of completion must be filled out: Form of Completion signed by a parent and returned to Deacon Dave Lapinski.
Annual Confirmation Prep Retreat each year: There will be a retreat held at OLV each year for all high school students; grades 9-11, preparing for Confirmation. This year Chastity Speaker; Jason Evert is coming to talk to the youth of our parish and their parents. The talk is open to students in grades 7-12 and their parents as well as other adult parishoners. It is mandatory for students in grades 9-11 preparing for Confirmation. This event will be held on February 5th, 2023 from 6:00pm-8:00pm in the church. Adoration will follow the talk. A form of completion must be filled out: Form of Completion signed by a parent and returned to Deacon Dave Lapinski.
Individual Community Service ALL three years; 9-11: 15 hours of individual community service & TBA group service projects that includes a description of what you did and a brief reflection regarding how you felt about serving others: Community Service Hours Form. This form must be signed by a parent. Hours do not need to be in addition to school required hours of service. Please return this form to Deacon David Lapinski.
Volunteer Suggestions:
a. Serve as a volunteer for St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop: https://www.stvincentstatecollege.org/lookbook
b. Participate in Living Stations during the months before Easter. They especially need strong young men! Contact the
coordinator, Mrs. Sue Clement, for more information:
sueseitzclement@hotmail.com
*Non-Speaking Actor
*State Crew
*Narrator
c. Serve as a volunteer for Vacation Bible School: Vacation Bible School runs for one week in July. Earn ALL your
service hours for the year by volunteering for that week. Those hours can be applied to the year you just finished or
the year coming up, depending upon what you need. SIgn up here:
https://re.ourladyofvictory.com/vacation-bible-school/vacation-bible-school-volunteers
d. Be an assistant to the DRE for events throughout the year:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4BADAF2FA7FFC52-olvparish
All Saints Party (3 hrs.): 10/29
St. Nicholas Party (3 hrs.): 12/03
First Reconciliation Set-Up and Serve: (Make-up in-class work outside of CCD Class these days)
Sunday, Apr. 23rd: 10:00am-1:00pm (3 hrs.)
Sunday, Apr. 30th: 10:00am-1:00pm. (3 hrs.)
First Communion Retreat Setup & Helper, 04/29: 9:00am-Noon (3 hrs.)
First Communion Setup, Ushers & Party Helpers: 9:00am-Noon, 05/20 (3 hrs.)
e. Help serve donuts after the 9:30am mass - 11th Grade Only:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4BADAF2FA7FFC52-dount
f. Serve mass. Older altar servers are great models to help train the younger students.
g. Be a lector or commentator at mass. Please contact the Parish office at 814-237-7832 if interested:
Lectors proclaim the Scriptures during the celebration of the Mass. They must be Catholics who have received the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist and regularly receive the Sacraments. Lectors prepare the readings with prayerful reflection and are skilled in speaking clearly and confidently. Lectors are prepared for this ministry by a parishioner appointed by the Pastor.
Commentators read the General Intercessions in the absence of a deacon. They may also make announcements before Mass or following the Prayer after Communion. Commentators are trained with the Lectors.
h. Sing with the church choir or play a musical instrument at mass! . Are you in choir or band at school?
You can earn your community service hours using your talents as a volunteer for our parish music ministry. Be a cantor, sing
with the choir, play your instrument at one of our masses with or without the choir. Contact our music director, Joe
Malafarina: joem@ourladyofvictory.com if you are willing to volunteer.
i. Serve as a volunteer for the Jared Box Project. Mrs. Cindy Kolarik needs volunteers for data entry work regarding
contacts across the country for the Jared Box Project: https://thejaredbox.org/. This is great for those who need flexible volunteer hours. Please contact her if you are interested: cindy@thejaredbox.org
j. Martha’s Helpers is a committee of volunteers who help maintain the cleanliness of the interior of the Church. Both men
and women are welcome to join this ministry. Please contact the Parish office at 814-237-7832 if interested.
Rite of Sending Forth
11th grade contact; Deacon David Lapinski: deaconl@ourladyofvictory.com
Confirmation Rehearsal: Wednesday, May 10th @ 6:30pm @ Our Lady of Victory Church
Confirmation Date: Monday, May 15th @ 6:00pm @ Our Lady of Victory Church