At the Basilica of Saint Peter, students in grades 7–9 are lovingly referred to as Saplings. Having spent years learning the foundations of their Catholic faith, they are now entering a stage of deeper growth and personal discovery. During these important years, students begin to take greater ownership of their faith journey, learning to make their faith their own and recognizing their call to live as disciples of Christ. Through prayer, Scripture, discussion, and guidance from our dedicated catechists, our Saplings are encouraged to strengthen their relationship with God and grow into confident young Catholics.

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Saplings are preparing to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit through the sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation preparation is a two-year journey, consisting of Confirmation Year 1 and Confirmation Year 2, designed to help students deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and grow in their relationship with Christ. Through a more in-depth formation program, Saplings will continue exploring different forms of prayer, spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, and discover new ways to recognize and respond to God’s voice in their everyday lives. They will also begin learning about opportunities to serve within the parish, giving back to the community that has prayed for and supported them throughout their faith journey. As they prepare for Confirmation, our Saplings are encouraged to embrace their role as active members of the Church and witnesses of Christ’s love.

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The Confirmation curriculum is a blend of principles of faith found in places like the Catechism of the Catholic Church, providing students with a strong foundation in the teachings and traditions of the Catholic faith. Our dedicated catechist has developed a program that not only helps students understand the gifts of the Holy Spirit they are preparing to receive, but also teaches them how to recognize and use those gifts in their everyday lives.

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As part of their Confirmation journey, students will choose a canonized Saint to learn about and reflect upon. This Saint will serve as a source of inspiration and guidance, helping students grow in faith as they prepare for Confirmation and continue their lifelong journey with Christ.

If your student has not yet received the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, it is not too late! Saplings who are in need of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion will be able to receive supplemental learning so that they can receive the sacraments at the same time as their Confirmation. This additional formation provides students with the guidance and instruction they need to prepare to receive these important sacraments with a deeper understanding of their meaning and importance in their faith journey.

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The Confirmation curriculum and our Sacrament Preparation classes are designed to support, not replace, the essential role parents have in their child’s Catholic formation. Parents are the first and most important teachers of the faith, and their example at home provides the foundation upon which classroom learning can grow. Our parish catechists guide students through weekly lessons, prayer, and faith formation, while parents continue nurturing their child’s relationship with God through participation in Sunday Mass, family prayer, meaningful conversations about faith, and by living as examples of Christ’s love. Together, the parish and families work hand in hand to help students grow in their faith, deepen their relationship with God, and become active members of His Church.