Sacraments of Confirmation & First Eucharist

Transcription

1 Sacraments of Confirmation & First Eucharist St. Timothy Catholic Church Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 2045 S. Pennington, Mesa, Az

2 St. Timothy Catholic Church Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 2045 S. Pennington, Mesa Az ***Please keep this for future reference. *** CHECK OFF SHEET FOR PAPERWORK THAT IS DUE These item are due week of December 9, 2014 Sign and turn in parent pledge Choice of retreat April or April 24-25, 2015 Registration Form These items are due on or before January 12, 2015 Confirmation Sponsor Form Confirmation Sponsor Verification Form Saint name (lower portion) Completed on or before March 23, 2015 Saint Name Project

3 UNDERSTANDING CONFIRMATION AND FIRST EUCHARIST AS SACRAMENT OF INITIATION Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of the new life; Confirmation which is the strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciples with Christ s Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ. CCC 1275 A BRIEF HISTORY: For the first five centuries of the Church s history, the three Sacraments of Initiation were celebrated together as part of one initiation rite. This was true for adults and children. For the fifth to the thirteenth centuries, infant Baptism became the norm. At that time Church leaders separated Confirmation and Eucharist from Baptism. Usually, Confirmation was celebrated at seven years of age the age of discretion, while First Eucharist took place in pre-adolescence. Although separated from Baptism, the order of the Sacraments remained the same. It was not until the twentieth century, in 1910, that the age for Eucharist was lowered to the age of discretion. At that point, the norm became celebrating the reception of Eucharist around the age of seven or eight, and Confirmation sometime between eight and eighteen years of age. The Sacrament of Confirmation makes present the same grace that was showered upon the Apostles fifty days after the Resurrection of Christ. Through the celebration of Confirmation, the Father and the Son pour out the Spirit, who brings seven special gifts: wisdom, understanding, right judgment, courage, knowledge, reverence, and wonder and awe in the presence of the Lord. Each of these special gifts of the Spirit gives graces that help us to face the challenges of living in full accord with the Gospel today. The reception of this sacrament is an indispensable moment in the life of all Catholics, and its celebration is of importance for the Church. Since over sixty percent of our teens are not being confirmed and we have thousands of adults attempting to face the challenges of the modern world without the grace of Confirmation to help them, the policy of the Diocese of Phoenix is now changed to the restored order. In the renewal of the sacraments, mandated by the Second Vatican Council, the Church was invited to restore the celebrations of the sacraments of Christian Initiation to their original order Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. This restored order helps us recognize that sharing in the Eucharist completes our initiation into the Church. As the norm, Confirmation preparation is to be integrated into the preparation for Eucharist. The close connection between Baptism and Confirmation is also emphasized. The Sacrament of Confirmation prepared for and celebrated together with First Eucharist in Third Grade, initiates the baptized ever more deeply into the Christian mystery of Trinitarian life. WHAT IS CONFIRMATION? Confirmation is the second Sacrament of Initiation. Confirmation strengthens our Baptism and like Baptism it marks us forever as a disciple of Jesus Christ. In Baptism we are reborn of water and the Holy Spirit. In Confirmation, we are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Blessed Trinity. The name Trinity reminds us what God told us about Himself. There is one God in three Persons-God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The New Testament tells us that the Holy Spirit was always present with Jesus to join with Him in His work on earth. Before His death, Jesus promised that He and the Father would send the Spirit to be with us. The Sacrament of Confirmation seals us with the gift of the Holy Spirit. We receive the grace of the Holy Spirit to live our Baptism. During the celebration of Confirmation, we renew

4 the baptismal promises that our parents and godparents made in our name. We profess our faith in the Holy Trinity, in the Church, and in life everlasting. REQUIREMENTS FOR CONFIRMATION AND FIRST EUCHARIST To be recommended for the Sacrament of Confirmation the Candidate: _ Understands the essential teachings of the Catholic Church, especially those that relate to the Sacrament of Confirmation, namely: The Holy Spirit as the Third Person of the Trinity. The Sacrament of Baptism is where we first receive the Spirit. The role of the Holy Spirit in our lives and within the Church. The sealing with the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation. The gifts and fruits of the Spirit and how we are called to be witnesses and disciples. Liturgy of Confirmation-the symbols and Scripture readings about the Spirit. To be recommended for First Eucharist: _ Understand the essential teaching of the Catholic Church, especially those related to the Sacrament of First Eucharist, namely: Recognizing God s unconditional love for us. God s greatest gift to us is Jesus his Son. At Mass we give God thanks and praise. Basic understanding of the Eucharistic Liturgy as an Act of Worship in which the Church and all her members recall Jesus sacrifice on the cross for all. God speaks to us through the Liturgy of the Word. Real Presence- The Bread and the Wine are not merely blessed symbols, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. Christ himself is truly present. The Holy Spirit acts in our lives, and the Eucharist enriches us to use our gifts in service of others. _ Attends Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. _ Knows the basic prayers (The Lord s Prayer, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Apostle s Creed, Nicene Creed...). _ Attends atrium sessions and works appropriately. _ Selects a sponsor who is a confirmed, practicing Catholic in good standing. _ Attends the parent-child retreat. _ Selects a saint s name and completes the saint project. _ Completes and returns all paperwork by January 15, 2015.

5 PARENTAL EXPECTATIONS MYSTAGOGY: A LIFE-LONG PROCESS The Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Communion (Eucharist), are the rites by which we become members of the Body of Christ taking our place in full communion with the Church. Candidates, when preparing for the sacraments, spend time in prayer and study. Yet, it is in embracing the life-long journey into conversion that we truly become faithful disciples of Jesus. It is important to realize the Confirmation and 1 st Communion (Eucharist) are a beginning of our education and conversion. If we attempt to live our lives as Catholic followers of Jesus with the understanding of a 3 rd grader, or a 6 th grader, or a sophomore in high school, we are not truly living up to the call of Jesus to be His disciple. His call is life-long, and we need continuously to update ourselves and foster within our families, and within ourselves as individuals, a deeper understanding and appreciation of our faith. Mystagogy is what the Church refers to when we are challenged to continuously grow in deepening our grasp of the paschal mystery and in making it a part of our lives through meditation on the Gospel, sharing in the Eucharist, and doing the works of charity. (RCIA, 244) It is a life-long introduction into a fuller and more effective understanding of mysteries through the Gospel message we have learned and above all through our experience of the Sacraments we have received. As we grow and mature, we are called to derive a new perception of the faith, of the church, and of the world. (RCIA, 245) Throughout the period of preparation for the Sacraments of Confirmation and Communion (Eucharist), the pastor and catechetical leaders are to call the attention of the parents and candidates to the need for mystagogy the need for on-going education and experience of our Catholic faith following reception of the Sacraments. Indeed, it would be a sign that a family is not ready for the experience of initiation if the intention is to neglect mystagogy as their children grow and mature. Mystagogy is a new word for many, but an important concept for our families. To become a domestic Church, parents need not only to seek preparation of their children for sacramental experiences, but to be committed to: On-going education and formation for their family Participating fully, actively, and consciously in the Mass Participating in the life and ministry of their parish community Participating often in the Sacrament of Confession (Reconciliation). This gradual living through the mystery of God s love for us and discerning and committing ourselves to our role in the salvation story is something that comes to pass as we mature in Christ. This is the mystagogy of our lives. It is important to acknowledge and articulate that reception of the Sacraments of Initiation is not the end of our formation as Christians. It is but the beginning. It is crucial that parishes continually offer opportunities for ongoing education and formation for all ages and stages of life to help the initiated come to a fuller understanding and appreciation of the gifts they have received... gifts from on high.

6 Diocese of Phoenix Policy s Policy 1: Candidates In regard to sacramental preparation, a candidate must be at the age of discretion, seven years of age or above and must meet the following requirements: Be baptized and not previously confirmed Must be Catholic (children baptized in another denomination must make a Profession of Faith) Must be properly instructed Must be capable of renewing their Baptismal promises Must have previously been prepared for and received the Sacrament of Reconciliation (ordinarily occurs in Second Grade) Candidates will be prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Eucharist. Both sacraments will be celebrated in the same Sacred Liturgy. Policy 1.1: Parents Parents have a right and a responsibility to be intimately involved in preparing their children for sacraments and are to be models for their children in the life of Faith. Parents discern the readiness of their children to prepare for and celebrate the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist in consultation with their pastor or his delegate. Parents, who due to extraordinary circumstances cannot assume their role in preparation of their child for the sacraments, may designate another adult to fulfill this responsibility. (Discerned in dialogue with pastor or designate.) Policy 1.2: Pastors Pastors of souls, and other members of the Christian faithful, according to their respective ecclesiastical function, have the duty to take care that those who seek the sacraments are prepared to receive them by proper evangelization and catechetical instruction, attentive to the norms issued by competent authority. Code of Canon Law Policy 1.3: Catechists Catechists involved in the formal catechesis of the candidates must have fulfilled the requirements to be a Certified Catechist. Policy 1.4: Sponsors Every candidate should have a Confirmation sponsor. Candidates may have more than one sponsor, however only one should be designated as the liturgical sponsor who presents the candidate for Confirmation. It is desirable that baptismal godparents, as extensions of the spiritual family, continue this role at Confirmation. Sponsors should be actively involved in the child s life of faith before, during, and after Confirmation. QUALIFICATIONS OF SPONSORS Must be at least sixteen years old. May not be natural or adoptive parents of the confirmand. Must be fully initiated into the Catholic Faith (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist). Must be leading a life in harmony with the Faith. Must be free of any canonical impediment. RC5-6; Canon 874, ; CCC 1311; RCIA The sacrament of confirmation is to be conferred on the faithful at about the age of discretion, unless the Bishops Conference has decided on a different age, or there is danger of death, or in the judgment of the minister, a grave cause suggests otherwise. Canon 891

7 SELECTION OF CONFIRMATION SPONSORS The Sponsor should be a faithful Catholic who walks with the candidate as witness and guide. Ideally they should be the candidate s godparent. This practice supports the connection between baptism and Confirmation. They should display maturity for this role and willingness to witness their faith to the candidate. It is recommended that someone nearby be chosen as the sponsor. Sponsors are to support their candidate during the preparation process through prayer, words of encouragement and attendance when required and are to present the candidate to the bishop for anointing. The sponsor must be: Chosen by the Confirmation candidate. At least 16 years of age. A confirmed Catholic, who has already received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion, leads a life in harmony with the Faith, and the role of a sponsor as mentioned above. In good standing with the Catholic Church. Someone other than the father or mother of the one being confirmed. To aid you in your choice of a sponsor, the Church provides us with precepts, which define a Catholic in good standing: 1. You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on Holy Days of Obligation and rest from servile labor. (CCC 2042) 2. You shall confess your sins at least once a year. (CCC 2042) 3. You shall receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion (Eucharist) at least once during the Easter season. (CCC 2042) 4. You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church. (CCC 2043) 5. You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church. (CCC 2043) Sponsors must complete the SPONSOR VERIFICATION FORM

8 St. Timothy Catholic Church Confirmation / First Eucharist Retreat Child s Name Parent or Sponsor who will be attending the retreat with the child Please choose one of the following weekend retreats April 10-11, 2015 April 24-25, 2015 CONFIRMATION/ FIRST EUCHARIST CELEBRATION WILL BE: May date tbd A retreat fee of $45.00 will be collected at the retreat. PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM by Dec. 9 th, 2014 We have limited space each weekend and need to plan appropriately.

9 Saint Name Project Parents, to help you make the choosing of a saint s name with your child a family project, we want you to do the following with your child and have him/her bring it to the atrium session to share. The project should be completed & brought to their Atrium session on or before the week of March 23, In choosing a saint, please do some research with your child, discussing the different characteristics of the saint. Remember that the saints are guides and companions for us to pray to and in studying their lives help us to see how everyday people like us, through grace, overcame their imperfections, leading them into a life of holiness. o Find out as much as you can about the Saint you chose. o Place articles in a bag or box of some type, write the saint s name on it or make a diorama. o Fill the bag with articles that represent different aspects of the saint. For example: St. Francis of Assisi White doves Picture of him or a prayer card Animals Armor of a knight Sign of creation Sandals San Damiano cross o If you decide to make a Diorama out of a box you would need to glue articles into the box as shown below. Saint Name Chosen

10 The White Garment If your child is receiving First Eucharist, please bring in the white garment your child received to the Confirmation/1st Eucharist retreat. April 10 or 24th, We will provide a new white garment for those who were not here last year. At the retreat each child will be embroidering a red cross on the front of the garment, which will be worn over their clothes during the celebration of their Confirmation/1 st Eucharist Mass. Since the early Church, a white garment has been used as an outward sign of the inward life-giving transformation brought about through the grace of the sacraments. The white garment represents being washed clean by the waters of Baptism, in the forgiveness received in Reconciliation, and by coming to fulfillment in the Eucharist. For this reason, each child will wear their white garment over their regular clothes to the First Eucharist mass. Like the white garment at Baptism, this garment can be a valued keepsake.

11 (copied on printed stationary) Parent Pledge We the parents / guardians of Pledge to our child, as we did at his/her Baptism, to continue to help them walk as a Child of the Light by attending Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation, and by being a positive model of our faith. Signature Date

12 Questions of Readiness for Parents My relationship with God: As seen through my child s eyes: Do we attend mass regularly and actively participate in it? Is my heart set on God, so that I really love Him, above all things and are faithful to his Commandments? Are there any false gods that I worship by giving them greater attention and deeper trust than I give to God? (Money, material possessions, work, superstitions, new age spiritualism, sports, hobbies collecting) Have I used God s name in vain: lightly or carelessly? Have I shown respect for the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels and the Saints? Am I able to respond knowledgeably to the questions my child may have regarding the readings or any part of the mass? Do I pray with my children? Do I give praise to God for the gifts we receive as a family? My relationship with my neighbor: Have I a genuine love for my neighbor? Do I speak badly of others behind their back? Do I gossip in front of my child? Do I forgive others when I am wronged? Do I ask forgiveness from my child if I am wrong? Have I controlled any vices, especially in front of my child? Have I indulged in reading, conversation, shows, and entertainments, that offend against Christian and Human decency? Do I share my fortunes with the less fortunate? Do I share in the apostolic and charitable works of the Church and in the life of my parish?

13 Discerning my Child s Readiness My child s relationship with his/her neighbor: Can my child distinguish actions which are right and wrong from accidents? Does my child understand the interrelationship among love of God, neighbor and self? Does my child know how sin hurts his/her relationship with God? Does my child assume personal responsibility for his/her actions and show true sorrow for failure to love? (Can he/she express it in his or her own words?) Does my child understand that she/he must change unloving behavior and also the desire to act in an unloving way? Does my child understand that the Sacrament of Eucharist is a special action of Jesus real presence among us? My child s relationship with God: Does my child pray? How does my child pray? When does my child pray? Does she/he speak about a God who loves them? Does my child speak freely of his or her love for God? Does he or she recognize the gifts God has given?

14 Basic Prayers to know APOSTLES CREED: I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy, Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. OUR FATHER: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. HAIL MARY: Hail Mary, full of grace! The Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. GLORY BE: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

15 St. Timothy Catholic Church SACRAMENT PREPARATION 201 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 2014/201 /2015 SACRAMENTAL INFORMATION FORM This form is necessary for the proper recording of Sacraments. Please complete and return this form to the Center for Catechesis. I am requesting the sacrament of: Reconciliation First Holy Eucharist Confirmation Child s Legal Name: First Middle Last Birth Name (if different from above): Address: Street City State Zip Birthdate: / / Grade Age City & State of Birth: Birth Father s Name: First Middle Last Phone: Address: Birth Mother s Name: First Middle Last (Maiden Name) Phone: Address: I live with: Both Parents Mother Father Other, List Sponsor's FULL name: (If known at this time) First Last (Must be a Confirmed, Practicing Catholic) Child s Confirmation Saint Name: (If known at this time) PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING AND ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE (you can get this at the parish where you were baptized) These must be turned in before we can register your child BAPTISM: Date of Baptism: Church of Baptism: Denomination: Address: City, State & Zip: Signature Date

16 St. Timothy Catholic Church SACRAMENT PREPARATION 201 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd CONFIRMATION SPONSOR FORM This form is necessary for the proper recording of Sacraments. Please complete and return this form to the Center for Catechesis. 2014/201 /2015 Confirmation Candidate s Name Grade Sponsor s Full Name Sponsor s Address City State Zip Code Sponsor s Phone ( ) Relationship to Confirmation Candidate Please explain why you selected this person as your sponsor.

17 St. Timothy Catholic Church SACR ACRAMENT AMENT PREPARATION 2014/2015 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd SAINT NAME FORM This form is necessary for the proper recording of Sacraments. Please complete and return this form to the Center for Catechesis. Confirmation Candidate s Full Name _ Grade Saint Name Chosen Patron Saint of How did you find your saint? Please write a paragraph or two explaining the life of your chosen saint. Feel free to use another sheet of paper if you require more space. Please explain why you selected this saint.

18 St. Timothy Catholic Church SACRAMENT PREPARATION 201 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 2014/201 /2015 SPONSOR VERIFICATION FORM This form is necessary for the proper recording of Sacraments. Please complete and return this form to the Center for Catechesis. Candidate s Name: Candidate s Grade: Sponsor s Name: Relationship to Candidate: Name of Sponsor s Parish: City, State: Please complete the following information AND request a copy of your baptismal record from your parish of baptism WITH NOTATIONS and submit a copy of the notated baptismal record along with this form. If you are not a member of St Timothy parish you must get a Letter of Good Standing from your own parish signed by the pastor and turned into us asap. Sponsor s Date of Baptism Parish of Baptism City & State Sponsor s Date of First Eucharist Parish of First Eucharist City & State Sponsor s Date of Confirmation Parish of Confirmation City & State This form is to be completed by Sponsor Sponsor s Date of Marriage Parish of Marriage City & State Still Married Yes No Annulment Yes No Date of Annulment Remarried Yes No I am at least 16 years of age and a FULLY ACTIVE Roman Catholic; I have received all my Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist); I lead a life in harmony with the Catholic Faith and am in good standing with the Catholic Church. I do, hereby, accept the responsibility of being the abovementioned Candidate s Confirmation Sponsor. This means that I will do my best to see to it that the confirmed person acts as a true witness to Christ and faithfully fulfills the obligations connected with the Sacraments of Initiation. _ Signature of Confirmation Sponsor Date