St. Mary of Sorrows Faith Formation


Ms. Erin Rose Johnson
Director of Religious Education, 7th and 8th Grade
erinj@stmaryofsorrows.org
(703)-978-4141 x 108
Confirmation preparation is a two-year process beginning in 7th grade.
Parents should contact us for registration information and additional requirements as well as to receive regular updates through Flocknote.
This year, our 8th grade students will receive Confirmation on Tuesday, May 16th, 2023.
Click here to download more information about our Confirmation Retreats.
RCIT: Parents of youth in grades 8-12 who missed the first year of Confirmation preparation and who would like to be Confirmed at an older age are encouraged to contact us.
The following is a summary of the program:
Grade 7
The goal is to help the student to understand that God’s saving action in salvation history culminates in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ and in the eternal life He offers us. We Live Our Lives As Disciples of Jesus provides a curriculum that encourages the adolescent to deepen his/her relationship with Our Lord by “stressing the dignity of the individual created in the image and likeness of God.” The text helps the student to increase his knowledge and love for Jesus by reflecting on the Gospels and studying the Church’s teachings. Grade 7 is the first year of a two-year program that prepares the student for Confirmation in the eighth grade. All parents are encouraged to read the text as the topics are covered in class and to discuss the material with their adolescent. The student should know all previous grade prayers, especially the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Act of Contrition, and Apostles’ Creed. He/She will learn the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, the Mysteries of the Rosary, the Hail Holy Queen, Prayer of St. Franicis of Assisi, and Regina Coeli.
Grade 8
The goal is to help the student to understand the meaning of the Church, its mission in the world, and his/her responsibility to participate in that mission. We Live Our Lives as Members of the Church provides a curriculum that focuses on grace and the sacraments. The text helps the adolescent to develop a deeper knowledge of the virtues and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit as they prepare for Confirmation in the spring. All parents are encouraged to read the text as the topics are covered in class and to discuss the material with their adolescent. The students should know previous grade prayers and will learn how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, the prayers for Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction, and the Prayer to the Holy Spirit.
Dcn. Marques