"Ask what Jesus wants from you, and be brave"
Pope Francis
Pope Francis
Youth Sacramental Preparation 2025-2026
Youth sacramental preparation looks much different now that Confirmation mainly takes place in the younger grades. However, we do offer a way for middle school and high school students to receive their needed Sacraments, whether they need baptism, reconciliation, communion and/or confirmation.
Much of the information for Middle School and High School Sacramental Prep Programs are the same.
The actual Confirmation Mass will be on Sunday, April 26, 2026, with rehearsal the Friday before (Friday, April 24, 2026). There is a parent meeting on Monday, September 8 at 6:30 pm in the Youth Room. Registration closes on September 21, 2025.
There is a three-absence policy for this Sacramental Prep Program. You do not have to give an explanation for the absences. They can be for sports, illness, a school event, a family event, etc. The three absences include both the Monday night classes and the ministry nights (either Rise Middle School Ministry or Ignite High School Ministry).
The cost of the program is $50. This includes a Bible, a Catechism, the March 7 retreat day, and various supplies. You may pay by cash, check or credit card. If you wish to pay with credit card, please use the link provided:
Much of the information for Middle School and High School Sacramental Prep Programs are the same.
The actual Confirmation Mass will be on Sunday, April 26, 2026, with rehearsal the Friday before (Friday, April 24, 2026). There is a parent meeting on Monday, September 8 at 6:30 pm in the Youth Room. Registration closes on September 21, 2025.
There is a three-absence policy for this Sacramental Prep Program. You do not have to give an explanation for the absences. They can be for sports, illness, a school event, a family event, etc. The three absences include both the Monday night classes and the ministry nights (either Rise Middle School Ministry or Ignite High School Ministry).
The cost of the program is $50. This includes a Bible, a Catechism, the March 7 retreat day, and various supplies. You may pay by cash, check or credit card. If you wish to pay with credit card, please use the link provided:
FAQs about the Sacramental Prep Programs
When is my deadline to register?
September 21, 2025
My youth needs multiple Sacraments. Is this program for them?
It is! This program is for any Middle School or High School aged student who needs any combination of the following Sacraments: baptism, reconciliation, first communion, and confirmation.
I keep seeing the word "Catechumen," "Candidate," "Catholic," and "Confirmandi" on the schedule below. What does this mean?
Different students will be called different things, depending on which Sacraments they need and what point they are in the program. "Catechumen" are those who are entering into the Catholic Church. They have never been baptized in the Catholic faith or any other Christian church. They are seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church. "Candidates" are those who are already baptized Christians seeking full communion with the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
What if my teen was baptized in another Christian faith (not Catholic)?
We will work with you to figure out if they had a valid baptism. If their baptism was valid, they will need to make a Profession of Faith. If their baptism was not valid, they will need to be baptized.
Do parents need to attend any of the classes?
Parents must attend the mandatory parent meeting on September 8, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the Youth Room. Other than that, it's important for parents to check and read their emails frequently, as I will be sending reminders and information through email. Otherwise, there is no need for parents to attend classes. Parents and the youth will be asked to watch some videos together between sessions and the discuss what is done at each session.
Do Sponsors need to attend any of the classes?
Sponsors are here to support their teens in any way possible. Sponsors should attend the rites and scrutinies with their teens. They should be in contact regularly to discuss the teachings, to answer questions the youth have about the faith, and to participate in the faith journey of their student. That being said, we do not require attendance from the sponsors at any of the classes/sessions except for the rehearsal for the mass and the mass itself.
What is a sponsor and how do I pick one?
A sponsor is someone who is fully initiated, practicing Catholic and not a parent. Sponsors have a very similar role to a godparent. Their main job is to support, encourage and pray for the youth as they prepare for their sacraments, but also, afterwards, when support will be harder to find. They should be in regular contact with the youth to check in on how their preparations are going and what the youth are learning. They should offer prayer support. They should be a person the youth feel comfortable talking with about the faith, and they should be living authentic, Catholic lifestyles in support of the faith. This person can be a family member or a family friend who is a good role model of the faith.
What if my teen has special learning needs?
Please contact Krissy Jensen if this is something you would like to discuss. We strive to make everyone comfortable and have the most positive experience here that they can have.
Is there an option to do this program online?
We do not have an online option for Sacramental prep. There might be an occasion that we move an individual class to Zoom (for instance, one time the heating system broke and the Youth Room was far too cold to have in-person class, so we met on Zoom), but this is extremely rare. Community is an extremely important part of the Sacramental prep process. We are not here just to learn facts about the faith, we are here to grow in virtue, to establish a community of friends who will support you through life's struggles, to have mentorship and guidance from caring and good adults. There is so much more to Sacramental prep than simply learning the material, and most of these things simply cannot be done online.
What if my teen isn't sure if they want to be Catholic?
Great! What better place to learn about the Catholic Church than from the Catholic Church itself?! Just because a teen goes through the classes and the program doesn't mean that they will have to go through with the Sacraments. This is a time of discernment. The thing is that many people get a lot of false information from the internet, classmates, teachers, and other sources who do not know what the Church actually teaches and how the Church actually works. It's important for a teen to be honest and admit that they are unsure, but then to learn with honesty and an open mind/heart.
What is expected of my teen outside of classes?
Outside of our sessions, students are expected to attend Mass regularly, participate in any required retreats or rites, complete occasional "homework" or reflections, pray, and start to live a life in accordance with the Catholic Church.
Is there homework?
Yes, kind of. Each session will give the teens challenges to do outside of class. They will be expected to watch certain helpful videos with their parents (and sponsors) and discuss. These videos are very short. They are going to be given certain passages from the Bible to read from time-to-time as well as research on their Saint. This sounds like a lot here, but when it is spread out over several months, it isn't too much.
My teen is incredibly busy. Between sports (and their very strict coaches), academics, jobs and commitments, it is going to be hard not to break the three-absence policy. Can we miss more than three nights?
The three absence policy is difficult, but it is not something that can be changed because of busy schedules. One of the most important lessons we strive to teach the students in the program is the God comes first. He comes first before sports, entertainment, even academics. That's not saying that those things aren't good or important. Of course they are. However, God is bigger than all of that, and our lives should be reflections of that in how we live and what we prioritize. Many coaches are actually quite reasonable when you explain to them why you need to miss (or leave early). It's worth at least talking to them about the scheduling conflict. This program is not asking for your youth to miss every practice and game (unless they only practice two Mondays a month, plus either a Sunday or Wednesday night).
I have both middle school and high school aged teens who need sacraments. Can they just attend the same program so that we don't have to come multiple nights a week?
While I understand that it is difficult to manage busy schedules, and I know that teen schedules are the busiest, teens must attend the program for their age level. The reason is simple: we design the programs for the specific age group. High school students have very different needs and experiences than middle school teens.
My student is in Middle School. Are they required to attend the Mountain Madness Conference in February?
Yes, middle school aged teens are expected to attend the Mountain Madness Conference. There is an additional cost for this weekend-long experience, which I will give to you later in the process (it's around $200). We can provide financial assistance to those who may need it.
My student is in High School. Are they required to attend the Ignite High School Ministry Fall Retreat?
Yes, high school aged teens are expected to attend the Ignite High School Ministry Fall Retreat. There is an additional cost for this weekend-long experience, which I will give to you later in the process (it's around $200). We can provide financial assistance to those who may need it.
How do I sign up?
Click the link below to sign up. This registration form is for all of the teens you are registering for Sacramental Prep, as well as for the Ignite High School Ministry and Rise Middle School Ministry. See the link below.
September 21, 2025
My youth needs multiple Sacraments. Is this program for them?
It is! This program is for any Middle School or High School aged student who needs any combination of the following Sacraments: baptism, reconciliation, first communion, and confirmation.
I keep seeing the word "Catechumen," "Candidate," "Catholic," and "Confirmandi" on the schedule below. What does this mean?
Different students will be called different things, depending on which Sacraments they need and what point they are in the program. "Catechumen" are those who are entering into the Catholic Church. They have never been baptized in the Catholic faith or any other Christian church. They are seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church. "Candidates" are those who are already baptized Christians seeking full communion with the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
What if my teen was baptized in another Christian faith (not Catholic)?
We will work with you to figure out if they had a valid baptism. If their baptism was valid, they will need to make a Profession of Faith. If their baptism was not valid, they will need to be baptized.
Do parents need to attend any of the classes?
Parents must attend the mandatory parent meeting on September 8, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the Youth Room. Other than that, it's important for parents to check and read their emails frequently, as I will be sending reminders and information through email. Otherwise, there is no need for parents to attend classes. Parents and the youth will be asked to watch some videos together between sessions and the discuss what is done at each session.
Do Sponsors need to attend any of the classes?
Sponsors are here to support their teens in any way possible. Sponsors should attend the rites and scrutinies with their teens. They should be in contact regularly to discuss the teachings, to answer questions the youth have about the faith, and to participate in the faith journey of their student. That being said, we do not require attendance from the sponsors at any of the classes/sessions except for the rehearsal for the mass and the mass itself.
What is a sponsor and how do I pick one?
A sponsor is someone who is fully initiated, practicing Catholic and not a parent. Sponsors have a very similar role to a godparent. Their main job is to support, encourage and pray for the youth as they prepare for their sacraments, but also, afterwards, when support will be harder to find. They should be in regular contact with the youth to check in on how their preparations are going and what the youth are learning. They should offer prayer support. They should be a person the youth feel comfortable talking with about the faith, and they should be living authentic, Catholic lifestyles in support of the faith. This person can be a family member or a family friend who is a good role model of the faith.
What if my teen has special learning needs?
Please contact Krissy Jensen if this is something you would like to discuss. We strive to make everyone comfortable and have the most positive experience here that they can have.
Is there an option to do this program online?
We do not have an online option for Sacramental prep. There might be an occasion that we move an individual class to Zoom (for instance, one time the heating system broke and the Youth Room was far too cold to have in-person class, so we met on Zoom), but this is extremely rare. Community is an extremely important part of the Sacramental prep process. We are not here just to learn facts about the faith, we are here to grow in virtue, to establish a community of friends who will support you through life's struggles, to have mentorship and guidance from caring and good adults. There is so much more to Sacramental prep than simply learning the material, and most of these things simply cannot be done online.
What if my teen isn't sure if they want to be Catholic?
Great! What better place to learn about the Catholic Church than from the Catholic Church itself?! Just because a teen goes through the classes and the program doesn't mean that they will have to go through with the Sacraments. This is a time of discernment. The thing is that many people get a lot of false information from the internet, classmates, teachers, and other sources who do not know what the Church actually teaches and how the Church actually works. It's important for a teen to be honest and admit that they are unsure, but then to learn with honesty and an open mind/heart.
What is expected of my teen outside of classes?
Outside of our sessions, students are expected to attend Mass regularly, participate in any required retreats or rites, complete occasional "homework" or reflections, pray, and start to live a life in accordance with the Catholic Church.
Is there homework?
Yes, kind of. Each session will give the teens challenges to do outside of class. They will be expected to watch certain helpful videos with their parents (and sponsors) and discuss. These videos are very short. They are going to be given certain passages from the Bible to read from time-to-time as well as research on their Saint. This sounds like a lot here, but when it is spread out over several months, it isn't too much.
My teen is incredibly busy. Between sports (and their very strict coaches), academics, jobs and commitments, it is going to be hard not to break the three-absence policy. Can we miss more than three nights?
The three absence policy is difficult, but it is not something that can be changed because of busy schedules. One of the most important lessons we strive to teach the students in the program is the God comes first. He comes first before sports, entertainment, even academics. That's not saying that those things aren't good or important. Of course they are. However, God is bigger than all of that, and our lives should be reflections of that in how we live and what we prioritize. Many coaches are actually quite reasonable when you explain to them why you need to miss (or leave early). It's worth at least talking to them about the scheduling conflict. This program is not asking for your youth to miss every practice and game (unless they only practice two Mondays a month, plus either a Sunday or Wednesday night).
I have both middle school and high school aged teens who need sacraments. Can they just attend the same program so that we don't have to come multiple nights a week?
While I understand that it is difficult to manage busy schedules, and I know that teen schedules are the busiest, teens must attend the program for their age level. The reason is simple: we design the programs for the specific age group. High school students have very different needs and experiences than middle school teens.
My student is in Middle School. Are they required to attend the Mountain Madness Conference in February?
Yes, middle school aged teens are expected to attend the Mountain Madness Conference. There is an additional cost for this weekend-long experience, which I will give to you later in the process (it's around $200). We can provide financial assistance to those who may need it.
My student is in High School. Are they required to attend the Ignite High School Ministry Fall Retreat?
Yes, high school aged teens are expected to attend the Ignite High School Ministry Fall Retreat. There is an additional cost for this weekend-long experience, which I will give to you later in the process (it's around $200). We can provide financial assistance to those who may need it.
How do I sign up?
Click the link below to sign up. This registration form is for all of the teens you are registering for Sacramental Prep, as well as for the Ignite High School Ministry and Rise Middle School Ministry. See the link below.
Middle School Sacramental Prep Program
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High School Sacramental Prep Program |
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Middle Schoolers (grades 6-8) will prepare to receive the Sacrament through the Rise Middle School Ministry. They will be required to attend weekly Rise nights on Wednesday nights, from 6:00-7:30 pm beginning September 24. Additionally, they will attend bi-monthly supplemental classes on various Mondays. You can find the Rise Calendar here:
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High Schoolers (grades 9-12) will prepare to receive the Sacrament through the Ignite High School Ministry. They will be required to attend weekly IgNights on Sunday nights, beginning with the 4:30 pm Youth Mass, with Ignite High School Ministry following from 5:45 pm until 7:45 pm. Additionally, they will attend bi-monthly supplemental classes on various Mondays. You can find the Ignite Calendar here:
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Schedule: Monday Classes, Scrutinies, Rites, Rehearsals and Mass
Extra Dates…
Because the Ignite High School Ministry and Rise Middle School Ministry programs aren’t specifically designed for the Sacrament of Confirmation, we will have to add a few additional Confirmation classes to cover basics and important topics. Each of these classes will answer a question about the faith. Middle School and High School will meet together for these classes only.
September 8, 2025
Mandatory Parent Meeting
6:30 pm
September 22, 2025
Class 1:
Housekeeping: Pre-Quiz
October 5, 2025
Rite of Acceptance
For Catechumen
4:00 pm - Arrival time for instructions
4:30 pm - Mass
Dress for a special event
October 6, 2025
Class 2:
October 12, 2025
Rite of Welcoming
For Candidates
4:00 pm - Arrival time for instructions
4:30 pm - Mass
Dress for a special event
October 20, 2025
Class 3:
November 3, 2025
Class 4:
November 10, 2025 (moved a week earlier because of the Parish Mission the following week)
Class 5:
POSSIBLY November 21-23, 2025. Dates still TDB.
Ignite High School Ministry Retreat
For all High School Sacramental Prep. Students
December 1, 2025
Class 6:
December 15, 2025
Class 7:
January 12, 2026
Class 8:
January 26, 2026
Class 9:
February 7, 2026
First Reconciliations
For Candidates and Catholics
9:00-11:00 am
February 8, 2026
Rite of Sending
For Catechumen
8:30 am - Arrival time for instructions
9:00 am - Mass
Dress for a special event
February 9, 2026
Class 10:
February 13-15, 2026
Mountain Madness Conference
For all Middle School Sacramental Prep. Students
February 21, 2026 (this date may change. We will keep you updated)
Rite of Election
For Catechumen
At the Cathedral
TIME IS TBD - Meet at Spirit of Christ for breakfast burritos and to get on the bus
TIME IS TBD - Rite at the Cathedral
TIME IS TBD - Return to Spirit of Christ
February 23, 2026
Class 11:
March 1, 2026
Penitential Rite
For Candidates
4:00 pm - Arrival time for instructions
4:30 pm - Mass
Dress for a special event
March 7, 2026
Retreat Day
For Catechumen, Candidates and Catholics
8:45-2:00 pm
March 8, 2026
First Scrutiny
For Catechumen
4:00 pm - Arrival time for instructions
4:30 pm - Mass
Dress for a special event
March 9, 2026
Class 12:
March 15, 2026
Second Scrutiny
For Catechumen
4:00 pm - Arrival time for instructions
4:30 pm - Mass
Dress for a special event
March 22, 2026
Third Scrutiny
For Catechumen
4:00 pm - Arrival time for instructions
4:30 pm - Mass
Dress for a special event
March 29, 2026
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
March 31, 2026
Rehearsal for the Easter Vigil Mass
For Catechumen and Candidates
6:30-8:00 pm
April 2, 2026
Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper
For everyone, but important for those in preparation to receive Sacraments, as this mass celebrates the Institution of the Eucharist, the Chrism used in Confirmation is presented, and it's the beginning of the Triduum. Please come! This mass is special for you!
April 3, 2026
Good Friday
For everyone.
April 4, 2026
Easter Vigil
April 13, 2026
Class 13:
April 24, 2026
First Communion/Confirmation Mass Rehearsal
For Catholics
5:45-7:00 pm
*****Please arrange a time as close as possible to the First Communion/Confirmation Mass for your student to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is important that they receive Reconciliation as close to their first communion/confirmation as possible. Spirit of Christ has Reconciliation on Saturdays at 3:30 pm. You can also call to make an appointment.
April 26, 2026
First Communion/Confirmation Mass
For Catholics
12:30-3:00 pm
What paperwork will you need from us? There is a bit of paperwork needed throughout the process.
Because the Ignite High School Ministry and Rise Middle School Ministry programs aren’t specifically designed for the Sacrament of Confirmation, we will have to add a few additional Confirmation classes to cover basics and important topics. Each of these classes will answer a question about the faith. Middle School and High School will meet together for these classes only.
September 8, 2025
Mandatory Parent Meeting
6:30 pm
September 22, 2025
Class 1:
- Getting to Know You
Housekeeping: Pre-Quiz
October 5, 2025
Rite of Acceptance
For Catechumen
4:00 pm - Arrival time for instructions
4:30 pm - Mass
Dress for a special event
October 6, 2025
Class 2:
- Who is God?
- Faith and Reason (talk about science here)
October 12, 2025
Rite of Welcoming
For Candidates
4:00 pm - Arrival time for instructions
4:30 pm - Mass
Dress for a special event
October 20, 2025
Class 3:
- What is Prayer? How to Pray?
- Who are the Saints?
November 3, 2025
Class 4:
- What is the Bible? How to Use the Bible.
November 10, 2025 (moved a week earlier because of the Parish Mission the following week)
Class 5:
- The (Salvation) History of the Bible
POSSIBLY November 21-23, 2025. Dates still TDB.
Ignite High School Ministry Retreat
For all High School Sacramental Prep. Students
December 1, 2025
Class 6:
- What are the Sacraments?
- What is the Sacrament of Baptism?
December 15, 2025
Class 7:
- What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?
- What are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?
- What are the Fruits of the Holy Spirit?
January 12, 2026
Class 8:
- What is the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
- What are the Ten Commandments?
- What are the Beatitudes?
January 26, 2026
Class 9:
- What is the Eucharist?
February 7, 2026
First Reconciliations
For Candidates and Catholics
9:00-11:00 am
February 8, 2026
Rite of Sending
For Catechumen
8:30 am - Arrival time for instructions
9:00 am - Mass
Dress for a special event
February 9, 2026
Class 10:
- Who is Mary?
- Who is the Pope?
February 13-15, 2026
Mountain Madness Conference
For all Middle School Sacramental Prep. Students
February 21, 2026 (this date may change. We will keep you updated)
Rite of Election
For Catechumen
At the Cathedral
TIME IS TBD - Meet at Spirit of Christ for breakfast burritos and to get on the bus
TIME IS TBD - Rite at the Cathedral
TIME IS TBD - Return to Spirit of Christ
February 23, 2026
Class 11:
- What is the Theology of the Body?
March 1, 2026
Penitential Rite
For Candidates
4:00 pm - Arrival time for instructions
4:30 pm - Mass
Dress for a special event
March 7, 2026
Retreat Day
For Catechumen, Candidates and Catholics
8:45-2:00 pm
March 8, 2026
First Scrutiny
For Catechumen
4:00 pm - Arrival time for instructions
4:30 pm - Mass
Dress for a special event
March 9, 2026
Class 12:
- Spiritual Warfare
March 15, 2026
Second Scrutiny
For Catechumen
4:00 pm - Arrival time for instructions
4:30 pm - Mass
Dress for a special event
March 22, 2026
Third Scrutiny
For Catechumen
4:00 pm - Arrival time for instructions
4:30 pm - Mass
Dress for a special event
March 29, 2026
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
March 31, 2026
Rehearsal for the Easter Vigil Mass
For Catechumen and Candidates
6:30-8:00 pm
April 2, 2026
Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper
For everyone, but important for those in preparation to receive Sacraments, as this mass celebrates the Institution of the Eucharist, the Chrism used in Confirmation is presented, and it's the beginning of the Triduum. Please come! This mass is special for you!
April 3, 2026
Good Friday
For everyone.
April 4, 2026
Easter Vigil
April 13, 2026
Class 13:
- Soldiers for Christ
April 24, 2026
First Communion/Confirmation Mass Rehearsal
For Catholics
5:45-7:00 pm
*****Please arrange a time as close as possible to the First Communion/Confirmation Mass for your student to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is important that they receive Reconciliation as close to their first communion/confirmation as possible. Spirit of Christ has Reconciliation on Saturdays at 3:30 pm. You can also call to make an appointment.
April 26, 2026
First Communion/Confirmation Mass
For Catholics
12:30-3:00 pm
What paperwork will you need from us? There is a bit of paperwork needed throughout the process.
- Birth Certificate of person receiving the Sacrament(s)
- Baptism Certificate (if the person has been baptized)
- Sponsor Eligibility Form (download here: Click Here to download)
- Registration Form
About Us
Krissy Jensen. Krissy is the Director of Youth Ministry at Spirit of Christ and has been since 2007. Krissy has been a part of the Spirit of Christ Community her entire faith life. Krissy's favorite Saints are Saint Terese of Lisieux and Pope Saint John Paul II. Krissy graduated from CU Boulder with a degree in English and has her Certificate in Youth Ministry from the Franciscan University of Steubenville through the Augustine Institute. She loves to run, she loves her dog, and she loves Nutella and bacon! Come to Ignite on Sunday nights to get to know her better! Click here to read her Catholic blog: http://krissykandid.blogspot.com/
Contact Us
Krissy Jensen
Director of Youth Ministry
[email protected]
Spirit of Christ Catholic Community
7400 W. 80th Ave
Arvada, CO 80003
Phone: 303-422-9174
Fax: 303-422-8251
Director of Youth Ministry
[email protected]
Spirit of Christ Catholic Community
7400 W. 80th Ave
Arvada, CO 80003
Phone: 303-422-9174
Fax: 303-422-8251
