The Broader Context

Confirmation is an exciting time in the lives of the faithful! Because this Sacrament is an important initiation in the life of a disciple, the Church requires individuals seeking the Sacrament to be suitably educated and properly disposed prior to reception. 

Confirmation completes Christian Initiation which began in baptism and First Holy Communion. The candidate has already received the gift of God's life in Baptism, has grown in that life and unity through Holy Communion, and has the opportunity to restore that life wounded by sin in the Confession. Now Confirmation strengthens the candidate to  share the faith with others, as they continue their journey as a disciple of Jesus. 

Requirements to Begin Preparation

• Have received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation, and First Communion
• Actively practicing the Catholic Faith
• At least in 9th Grade
• Actively participated in faith formation for at least one year prior to beginning sacramental preparation 
  • (either in the parish, Catholic school, or home schooled)

Program Description

Sacramental preparation typically begins in the fall of 9th grade, and candidates attend classes and a retreat throughout the course of the school year. For the first three sessions, one or both parents are expected to attend these sessions with their teen. For the final three sessions, sponsors will attend with the teen.

Preparation sessions will be held one Sunday of each month starting in October, hosted at St. Francis Xavier in Fellowship Hall from 6pm to 8pm (see the schedule below). The following fall, in their 10th grade year, the teens will receive the sacrament of Confirmation. 

The Diocese of Madison requires all teens to have ongoing formation outside of their standard Confirmation preparation classes. The standard ongoing formation in our parish for High School students are at home study or attend a Catholic High School.

Note for Seniors in High School
If you are currently a senior in high school seeking the sacrament of Confirmation, please reach out to Fr. Brad Grobbel for more information about joining the Adult Confirmation program.

Click for 2026 - 2027 Confirmation Registration


2026 - 2027 Confirmation Preparation Sessions
6:00pm - 8:00pm at St. Francis Xavier, Cross Plains
Sunday, October 4th- Class with a Parent
Sunday, November 1st- Class with a Parent
Sunday, December 6th - Class with a Parent
Sunday, January 10th - 13th - Parish Mission
Sunday, February 21st - Retreat @ St. Bernard
Sunday, March 7th- Class with a Sponsor
Sunday, April 4th- Class with a Sponsor
Fall 2027 - Confirmation Mass

2026 - 2027 Confirmation Documents and Materials (Scroll to bottom of page)

For more information, please contact Geno Finn.

Please contact Fr. Brad Grobbel for more information about being Confirmed as an adult.