St. Bernardine Youth Ministry

CD2026 - Year 2 Confirmation Information

We have now received word that our Confirmation Mass will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Westlake Village. - 5801 Kanan Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 -

CD2026 - Year 2 Retreat Information

We are excited to invite your child to our CD2026 -Y2 Confirmation Retreat: “The Confirmation Mission.”  This retreat is designed to help our teens grow in faith, friendship, and purpose as they complete their Confirmation journey.

The CD2026 -Y2 Confirmation Retreat  is March 27th to 29th atSt. Edward Retreat Center (SERC) and will end at 6 pm (after the 5 pm Palm Sunday Youth Mass). Throughout our time together, candidates will explore how the Holy Spirit, the Church, the Sacrament of Confirmation, prepares us for our Mission to spread the Good News and God's lovewhat 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 Cost - $250 - Due by March 8th

• Cash
• Check (make payable to St. Bernardine of Siena)
• Online --> stbymc.square.site

Retreat Highlights:

• Prayer, reflection, and small-group discussions centered on gratitude and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
• 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 March 8th:

• 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
• Comfortable, modest clothing for three days (layers recommended)
• Pajamas and toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush, towel, 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 and sweatshirt

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.

CD2027 - 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

2026 Youth Day - ​Real Love Carries the Cross

Thursday, February 19, 2026 (optional, but worth it!)

The special discount pricing of $45 per person is in effect until January 9, 2026;

so, the deadline to RSVP to attend with StBYM is January 8th. (Regular pricing is $50 per person after January 9th.)

Luckily, we will be sharing a bus with Crespi Carmelite HS to save costs.

It will be an ALL DAY trip. We will meet at Crespi Carmelite High School - 5031 Encino Ave, Encino, CA 91316 - near the White Gate by 5:45 AM. The bus needs to leave at that time – yes, it is early, but it is a comfy charter bus, so you can sleep on the way down! The chaperones will check you in.

Please make sure you bring a non-microwavable lunch! There are vendors, but with 8,000 teens there, the lines will be long, and there is no guarantee you will have time to purchase anything! Also good to bring a bottle of water or two with you (there are also refill stations at the Convention Center).

Youth Day ends at 3:30 PM, after which we will meet up with the team from Crespi that has been part of the running of the day, take a group pic, and then board the bus (likely boarding the bus around 4:00 PM). Due to traffic, please expect to be back at Crespi between 6-6:30 PM.

​

Dress is casual, but appropriate. Remember, you are representing yourself, your family, and StBYM!

You can have your phones with you, but please make sure you are appropriate with them – you shouldn’t be using them while in a workshop/etc.

It should be a fun, high-energy day – we hope you have a blast!!!!

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/Year confirmation fee due at signup
• $250 2 night Retreat fee due at the time of retreat (year 2)
• $100 1 Night RETREAT FEE DUE AT THE TIME OF RETREAT (YEAR 1)
• Payments can be made by check in the Parish Office or online through the STBYM GIVE portal 
• 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)