St. Bernardine Youth Ministry

Year 1 Retreat Information:

We are excited to invite your child to our Year One Confirmation Retreat: “Friendsgiving – A Retreat of Gratitude and Giving Thanks.” This special overnight retreat is designed to help our teens grow in faith, friendship, and thankfulness as they continue their Confirmation journey.

The retreat will take place at the St. Bernardine of Siena Parish Center on November 22nd, beginning at 6:00 pm and concluding on November 23rd at 6:00 pm. Throughout our time together, candidates will explore what it truly means to live with grateful hearts — to recognize God’s blessings in their lives and to respond with generosity, service, and joy.

Retreat Highlights:

• Prayer, reflection, and small-group discussions centered on gratitude and God’s gifts
• A shared “Friendsgiving” meal and community celebration
• Opportunities for quiet prayer and reflection
• Team-building and faith-based activities that strengthen bonds within the group

This overnight experience provides an important moment for our Confirmation candidates to pause from their busy routines, connect with peers, and deepen their relationship with God. It also serves as one of the key steps in preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Please complete and return the two forms below by November 22nd:

• STUDENT AND YOUTH ACTIVITY PERMISSION FORM 
• MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION AND PERMISSION FORM (if needed)

Adult chaperones and parish staff will be present throughout the entire retreat to ensure a safe, faith-filled experience for all participants.

Packing List

Please have your child pack lightly but thoughtfully for the retreat. All items should be labeled with their name.

Essentials:

• Sleeping bag and pillow
• Inflatable air mattress/pool float mattress/camping cot (if they have one)
• Comfortable, modest clothing for two days (layers recommended)
• Pajamas and toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush, etc.)
• Refillable water bottle
• Bible, journal, and pen or pencil
• Rosary (if they have one)
• Closed-toe shoes for outdoor activities (Crocs not recommended)
• Light jacket or sweatshirt
• Reusable plate, cup, and utensils for the “Friendsgiving” meal (optional but encouraged)

Do Not Bring:

• Electronic devices, tablets, or gaming systems
• Outside food or drinks (unless for medical reasons)
• Anything valuable or irreplaceable

We encourage students to “unplug” and fully embrace the spirit of gratitude, presence, and community throughout the retreat. Cell phones may be brought, but will be ”locked up” upon check-in.

We look forward to a meaningful weekend filled with prayer, laughter, and thanksgiving. Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s spiritual formation and for supporting this important milestone in their faith journey.

With gratitude and blessings,

CJ Kruska

Coordinator of Youth Ministry and Confirmation 

St. Bernardine of Siena Catholic Church 

Woodland Hills, CA 91367 

Phone: 818-710-1662 

Email: cjkruska@stbernardine.org

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:13

Year 2 Confirmation and Retreat Information

• The Confirmation Mass will be held at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Westlake Village. 
• We are still waiting for the dates to be confirmed, but the requested dates are April 18th or May 16th, both at 10:00 a.m. 
• Once the date is confirmed in December/January, we will notify you as soon as possible.
• Y2 Retreat is March 27th to 29th at St. Edward Retreat Center (SERC) and will end after the 5 pm Palm Sunday Youth Mass.

YOUTH CONFIRMATION SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION SESSIONS

The Youth Confirmation preparation process normally takes two years to complete. Each “year” begins in August and runs through the following June. Upon completion of the process requirements and approval of the Youth Ministry Coordinator/Pastor, the candidate is confirmed here at St. Bernardine by the Bishop at the scheduled date in April/May of the second year. To be eligible to participate in the process, you must be baptized and be at least a freshman (9th grade) in high school, and willing to actively participate in Youth Ministry, and regularly and consistently participate in liturgy, prayer, and service within St. Bernardine Parish.

• COST: $200 confirmation fee due at signup
• and $200 Retreat fee due at the time of retreat (Each year)
• Payments can be made by check in the Parish Office or online through the GIVE portal  (top of screen)
• The Year One retreat takes place in early November, and the Year Two retreat occurs in April /May. Contact the Youth Ministry Coordinator CJ Kruska at (818) 710-1662 or email: youthministry@stbernardine.org.

YOUTH CONFIRMATION

ONLINE FORMS

ADULT CONFIRMATION

For those over 18 years old: one must be baptized and should have received First Communion and Reconciliation. Adult Confirmation classes are offered once per year.

Classes will begin in January for ten sessions. We have partnered with our neighboring parish, St Mel, to provide this formation.

Candidates will be confirmed with our youth Confirmation candidates in April/May. The exact dates of sessions and Confirmation will be posted here when they are determined.

For more information on Adult Confirmation, please contac the Parish Office at (818)