In our Lutheran context (typically around the 8th grade year) there is an opportunity for students to prepare for the Rite of Confirmation and also for receiving Holy Communion.
Concordia Prep School revamped their religion curriculum a couple years ago and at that time rolled some of this instruction into the middle school curriculum, particularly during the 7th grade year and the Faith Foundations class.
We have developed 4 special Confirmation Pathway sessions to help prepare and equip 8th graders (and senior high students who express interest) who desire to be confirmed in Christ through NewThing. This is a moment to confirm the faith that was birthed in their baptism and give a decisive faith response to the work of God in their life!
There are 4 dates that we will meet for these seminars (at Concordia Prep) from 9:00am - Noon.
The last seminar on the topic of Holy Communion is one where we require at least one parent to also participate.
Here are the dates:
Saturday, October 18 (Catechism review, part 1) *one parent present the first 15 minutes for the overview
Saturday, November 22 (Catechism review, part 2)
Saturday, January 24 (Faith Essay prep)
Saturday, February 7 (Preparation for Holy Communion - with at least one parent)
Faith essays will be written throughout the spring and will be due by April 19. We will set up a meeting with the confirmand after this faith essay is submitted with one or more of our lay ministers so they can get to know the confirmand and dive deeper into the essay with them.
The preparation for Holy Communion involves a packet of materials that will be introduced on February 7 and is worked on by student and parents/guardian during the season of Lent. It is due by April 1 and at that time a student can have their first communion on Thursday, April 2 (Maundy Thursday) or on the day of their Confirmation (May 24, 2026)
Confirmation Sunday will be on Pentecost Sunday (May 24, 2026). We will have the Rite of Confirmation as part of our normal 10:00am worship gathering with a reception following the service.
Please communicate with Pastor Peter (petercouser@newthing.live) if there are any scheduling conflicts.