Greetings, Your Servant in Christ, George Vasquez Youth Minister

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1 Greetings, Welcome to Youth Ministry here at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. On behalf of our Pastor Fr. Tim Ramaekers, it is my great honor to introduce to you what Corpus Christi Youth Ministry has to offer our young people. From the 6 th grade until the end of their senior year in high school, Youth Ministry at Corpus Christi offers spiritual and sacramental growth in a personal, relational, dynamic, and comprehensive experience. Our Middle School Ministry (grades 6th to 8th) offers young people 3 years of, engaging, fun, and real faith filled experiences through our Sunday Edge Nights. We will also offer an event at Knott's Berry Farm called Middle School Youth Day sponsored by the Diocese of Orange. We are also planning an amazing weekend retreat for our middle schoolers at a nearby camp. Our High School Youth Ministry offers four (4) years of relational ministry and faithbased experiences that are vital to the spiritual development of young people throughout their high school years. The two-year process to receive Confirmation is just one component of our Youth Ministry. Youth Ministry at Corpus Christi goes beyond what one may learn in a religion class and allows a young person to actually experience their faith and become true disciples of Christ. Through our Summit groups and our youth group meetings called Life Nights young people deepen their relationship with Christ. We also offer Bible Nights, one day Youth Events in Anaheim and Magic Mountain, LIFE TEEN retreats, weekend youth conferences such as Steubenville, summer activities, Youth Leadership opportunities service projects and more. Corpus Christi Youth Ministry is truly a unique experience. Our parish here at Corpus Christi is a purpose driven Catholic Church. Everything that Youth Ministry offers is intentional about the mission of Christ and His Church. Christ offers us the "best" and we want to offer the best to our young people as well. Please know that as your Youth Minister I will always strive to bring our young people closer to Christ here at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. I invite you to find out more about what we plan to offer our young people. If you would like to help our mission to love God, love others, grow, serve, and proclaim or if you have any questions please ccym949@gmail.com or call me at May God Bless you and Mary keep you. Your Servant in Christ, George Vasquez Youth Minister

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3 Registration Fee: $ Due at time of registration. Part I (please print) REGISTRATION FORM (for High School Youth Ministry) Baptism and 1 st Communion certificate is due at time of registration. Check Here if already on file at Corpus Christi Student Last Name First Name Middle Name Nick Name Gender M / F_ Student Student Cell # High School Primary Parent/Guardian Name : First Last Primary Contact (Home) Phone # Primary Parent/Guardian Cell Phone # Primary Parent/Guardian Grade Birth date Primary Address: Number Street Name Apt. # City: Zip: This will be my year in Youth Ministry/Confirmation (1 st 2 nd 3 rd or 4 th) Have you been Baptized? YES [ ] NO [ ] Have you made your 1st Confession? YES [ ] NO [ ] Have you made your 1st Communion? YES [ ] NO [ ] Have you made your Confirmation? YES [ ] NO [ ] Have you chosen your Sponsor (Godparent)? [ ]Yes, Please fill out the Sponsor Form before turning in registration. [ ]No, you must have a Sponsor before entering into the Confirmation or Sacrament Process; you may not be registered until you have a Sponsor and filled out the Sponsor Form If you answered "NO" to any of the above questions Corpus Christi Youth Ministry will prepare you for these Sacraments as well as for Confirmation Part II - As part of Youth Ministry/Confirmation we meet in our "Summit" Small Groups for about and one and half hours Please number (1,2,3) your first, second and third choice below for your meeting day. Take the time to ensure that family, school, homework, and extra-curricular activities (clubs, music, sports in any season) don t conflict. We will contact you with your group s meeting time. Tuesday Afternoons [ ] Wednesday Afternoons [ ] Thursday Afternoon [ ] 5:00pm 7:00 pm 5:00pm 7:00pm 5:00pm 7:00pm Thursday Evening [ ] Saturday Afternoons [ ] Other*: [ ] 7:00pm 9:00 pm 3:00pm 5:00pm. *This is a TENTATIVE option based on interest and on Leader availability. OFFICE USE ONLY PLEASE DO NOT WRITE IN THIS BOX OFFICE USE ONLY Payment $ Chk # Receipt # Date Init.

4 FATHER S INFORMATION Legal Guardian [ ] First Name Last Name Occupation Cell Number Work Number Home Phone (if different from students) *********************************************************************************************** MOTHER S INFORMATION Legal Guardian [ ] First Name Maiden Name Occupation Cell Number Work Number Home Phone (if different from students) *********************************************************************************************** STEP-PARENT (If Applicable) Legal Guardian [ ] Name Relationship to Child Home Phone Work Phone *********************************************************************************************** EMERGENCY CONTACT if parents/guardians are not available Relative/Friend s Name: Relationship to Child: Cell Phone# : Alternate Phone: *********************************************************************************************** Our Family is new to Corpus Christi Youth Ministry We are already registered parishioners at Corpus Christi Catholic Church We have read the Youth Ministry Handbook for High School aged teens We understand and will take advantage of all the ministry opportunities provided by Corpus Christi Youth Ministry Please pay online on our Corpus Christi Catholic Church Website avcatholics.org in the Online Giving tab under Youth Ministry OR make checks payable to Corpus Christi Church with Youth Ministry in the memo line. The online website allows you to set up recurring payments if you would like to pay in payments. Be sure to have completed: Corpus Christi Youth Ministry Registration Form Diocese of Orange Release Form (2 pages) Diocese of Orange Behavior Contract Payment of Registration Fee Also for Preparing for Sacrament of Confirmation Baptism and 1 st Communion Certificates Sponsor Form (2 pages) to be filled out by sponsor and sponsor s pastor Please turn in Registration Form along with all other document, certificates, etc. to the main office in order to complete your registration. Corpus Christi Youth Ministry Aliso Viejo Parkway Aliso Viejo, CA ccym949@gmail.com 2

5 DIOCESE OF ORANGE Minor Permission, Medication Notification & Release Form Program: Youth Ministry Location: Corpus Christi Catholic Church Dates: Sept.1st 2018 Sept 1st 2019 Time: All Youth Ministry events & times PARTICIPANT INFORMATION: please print all information clearly and legibly Youth Last Name: Youth First Name: Date of Birth: Male / Female(Circle) Grade: Shirt Size: Address: City: State: Zip: Parent/Guardian Name(s): Parent 1: Parent 2: Parent 1CeIl: ( ) Parent 2 Cell: ( ) EMERGENCY CONTACT: Secondary Person to contact in case of emergency (adult of another household): Name: Relation: Phone: ( ) MEDICATION NOTIFICATION: During the above named activity my son/daughter has my permission to take the following: Choose at least one: o My son/daughter will be taking a prescription medication. Name of medication: Dosage: Tmes per day: o My son/daughter will be taking a non-prescription medication. Name of medication: Dosage: Times per day: o My son/daughter will not be bringing any medications. o I authorize, if needed, Youth Ministry leaders to give my child non-prescription, over-thecounter, medications. Notes:/Allergies/Medical Problems/Special Dietary Requirements:

6 Medications Policy: If your youth is on medications and this is an overnight event please give the medications to the youth Minister or Medical person so they can be locked/secured. All medications are required to be secured for the safety of others. Only provide the medications needed for the event. Enclose the medication in a clear ziplock bag with name and detailed instructions in the original container The youth must be able to take medications on their own. If this is not possible, please make other arrangements. Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Diocese of Orange, the Youth Minister, and other adult leaders are not responsible for administering medications. Please make sure the medication is in its properly prescribed container. Driver Responsibility Policy: All licensed youth driving to and from Corpus Christi Catholic Church are required to obey State of California Laws for underage drivers. Parents are responsible for the dropping off and picking up of their youth. l, the Parent (guardian) of (Youth Name), hereby give my permission for his/her participation in the above named activity. I agree to direct my child to cooperate and conform to directions and instructions of parish, school, or diocesan personnel responsible for this activity. As a condition of my child being allowed to do so, I hereby release and discharge the Diocese of Orange, its constituent organizations, including but not limited to The Roman Catholic Bishop of Orange, a Corporation Sole, and their officers, employees and volunteers from any and all claims for personal injuries or property damage that she/he may suffer as a result of his/ her participation in the activity described above, whether or not such injuries or damage are caused by the negligence, active or passive, of any of the entities, individuals named or described above. I agree that in the event my child is injured as a result of his/her participation in the above named activities, including transportation to and from these activities, whether or not caused by the negligence, active or passive, of the parish, school, or diocesan youth activities program, or any of its agents or employees, recourse for the payment of any resulting hospital, medical, dental treatment or related costs and expenses will first be had against any accident, hospital, medical or dental insurance, or any available benefit plan of mine or my spouse. I am not aware of any medical condition of my child which would render it inappropriate for him/ her to participate in any activity. l, hereby authorize the making of photographs, motion pictures, video, recordings, or other memorializing of said event and my child's participation therein, and the publication and duplication or other use thereof. l, hereby waive any rights to compensation or any right that I otherwise might have to limit or control such making or use. l, hereby give permission to the physician, nurse, dentist or licensed care staff selected by the supervisory personnel then present to render medical, dental or other appropriate treatment deemed necessary and appropriate by the physician, nurse, dentist or licensed care staff. I understand the medications policy above and the driver responsibility policy. This form expires as per dates above. Both parents/guardians are asked to sign whenever possible or applicable PARENTIGUARDIAN'S SIGNATURE DATE: / / PARENT/GUARDIAN'S SIGNATURE DATE: / /

7 I, (Youth Name), agree to follow all rules and directions at the stated above event. (Please initial upon reading each item.) I agree to have a fun and respectful attitude and participate fully in all activities and talks of the day. I agree to follow all rules and directions of the driver and the chaperones. I agree not to bring cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigarette lighters or matches. I agree to respect the other participants that will be attending this training. I agree to stay within the boundaries of the location stated above I agree not to bring (or turn off/put away) cell phones, video games, books, homework, magazines, or anything else that would be a distraction. If used inappropriately they will be confiscated and returned at the end of the event. I agree to be back on time from all breaks and free time. I agree to no romance of any form I agree not to use profane language / No cussing. I agree not to steal and to respect the property of others. * I agree to no inappropriate sexual behavior. * I agree not to bring knives, guns, weapons of any kind or the use of anything as a weapon. * I agree not to bring or use alcohol, or drugs of any kind. * I agree not to bring stink-bombs, firecrackers or any other type of explosives. I understand and agree to these rules and guidelines and I understand that if the Diocesan Leadership Team and my Youth Minister believes that my behavior warrants my being asked to leave the event, I will be sent home and my parents will be held responsible for my transportation and financially responsible for any damage that I have caused. The starred (*) items above warrant an immediate call to Parents and immediate dismissal from the event, as well as possible involvement of legal authority if warranted. Youth Signature Parent Signature Date

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9 CONFIRMATION SPONSOR FORM NAME OF CONFIRMATION CANDIDATE FIRST MIDDLE LAST Sponsor Information Name: FIRST MIDDLE LAST Address: City: State: Zip: Birth date: Cell Phone: Home Phone: I attend Mass: Weekly Every other week Once a month Occasionally Never If you do not attend Mass on a weekly basis, you are ineligible to the role of sponsor at this time. I am a practicing Catholic in both word and deed: Yes No I keep and obey all five Precepts of the Church: Yes No Precepts 1. Attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation. 2. Confess sins at least once a year. 3. Humbly receive our Creator in Holy Communion at least during the Easter season. 4. Observe the prescribed days of fasting and abstinence. 5. Help to provide for the needs of the Church I am a fully initiated Catholic (I have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation) Yes No I am single married divorced, not remarried divorced with annulment widowed Are you able/willing to: divorced and remarried without annulment please see your Pastor for further counsel If married, were you married in the Catholic Church? Yes No To your knowledge, you are free from any canonical penalty Yes No If you answered no to any of the above statements, you are ineligible to the role of sponsor at this time. Pray for your candidate daily AND pray with your candidate. Live an exemplary Catholic lifestyle. Be an authentic, sincere, living model of faith. Contact your candidate at least once a month to check on his/her progress Participate in a service project with your candidate. Go to adoration together & then go to lunch and share your own faith. Go to confession together and then go out for dinner after. Attend Mass with your candidate at least every other month. Help your candidate study their Faith or teach him/her your favorite Catholic devotion. Share your Catholic Faith story with your candidate. As a Sponsor you must attend the Confirmation rehearsal and be present at the Confirmation Ceremony I HEREBY ACCEPT these responsibilities and testify that this information stated is true and that I intend fulfill the expectations to serve as sponsor. Signature of Sponsor Date << OVER >>

10 CONFIRMATION SPONSOR FORM Confirmation Sponsor Attestation Statement of Meeting the Requirements of Canon Law for Being a Confirmation Sponsor from the Catholic Church's Code of Canon Law: # To perform the role of sponsor [at Confirmation] it is necessary that a person fulfill the conditions mentioned in canon #874 [which outlines the requirements to serve as a Godparent at a baptism]. #874 1) to be admitted to the role of sponsor, a person must: A) [if the person to be baptized is a minor] be designated by...the parents or the one who takes their place or, in their absence, by the pastor or minister [for persons over 18 years of age, the person to be confirmed may designate the person to be their sponsor] and have the qualifications and intention of performing this role; B) have completed their sixteenth year; C) be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist and leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken; [This means that the Catholic person is a fully initiated catholic (having celebrated Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist) and actively practices their Christian faith in their way of life and in their participation in their Catholic parish and the sacraments of the Church.] D) not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared; [This means that if the intended sponsor is married, this marriage must be a recognized valid marriage in the Catholic Church. Catholics who are either civilly married, married by common law or living together are not in a valid Church marriage, and thus, by law, have a canonical penalty imposed upon them. The penalty is that the person may not participate in the full sacramental life of the Church. Specifically, they may not receive communion, nor may they act as a godparent at Baptism or as a sponsor at Confirmation. Therefore, if you are married outside of the Catholic Church, you do not meet the requirements for being admitted to the role of Confirmation Sponsor.] E) not be the father or the mother of the one to be baptized / confirmed. I (Sponsors printed full name) have read and do understand the requirements for serving as a sponsor at Confirmation in the Catholic Church for (Confirmandis Name) I do solemnly swear that I am a fully initiated Catholic, practice my Catholic faith, participate in my parish, and the sacraments of the Church; and that, if married, my marriage is recognized by the Catholic Church as a valid sacramental marriage. Therefore, I am eligible to be admitted to the role of sponsor. (Sponsor's Signature) (Sponsor's Home Parish) I the Pastor of attest that the person above is able to be a Confirmation Sponsor. (Sponsors' Pastor's signature) Church Seal << OVER >>

11 Handbook for High School Youth Ministry and the Sacrament of Confirmation at Corpus Christi Catholic Church Parents Parents are truly the primary ministers of the Catholic faith to their children. They prepare the soil and plant the first seeds of faith. We commend parents and guardians and encourage them to take seriously their role of making their Catholic households a place where faith is passed on to the next generation. The Role of Parents Part Three of The Catechism of the Catholic Church (Life in Christ), can enlighten us regarding our responsibilities as parents. I invite you to read these sections, reflect upon them and ask God to help parents to be active catechists in their homes, the domestic church. "Parents must regard their children as children of God and respect them as human persons. Showing themselves obedient to the will of the Father in heaven, they educate their children to fulfill God s law. Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule. The home is well suited for education in the virtues. This requires an apprenticeship in self-denial, sound judgment, and self-mastery the preconditions of all true freedom. Parents should teach their children to subordinate the material and instinctual dimensions to interior and spiritual ones. Parents have a grave responsibility to give good example to their children. By knowing how to acknowledge their own failings to their children, parents will be better able to guide and correct them: He who loves his son will not spare the rod. He who disciplines his son will profit by him. (Sir 30:1 2) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Eph 6:4) The home is the natural environment for initiating a human being into solidarity and communal responsibilities. Parents should teach children to avoid the compromising and degrading influences which threaten human societies. Through the grace of the sacrament of marriage, parents receive the responsibility and privilege of evangelizing their children. Parents should initiate their children at an early age into the mysteries of the faith of which they are the first heralds for their children. They should associate them from their tenderest years with the life of the Church. A wholesome family life can foster interior dispositions that are a genuine preparation for a living faith and remain a support for it throughout one s life. Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child s earliest years. This already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God. The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents. Children in turn contribute to the growth in holiness of their parents. Each and everyone should be generous and tireless in forgiving one another for offenses, quarrels, injustices, and neglect. Mutual affection suggests this. The charity of Christ demands it. Parents respect and affection are expressed by the care and attention they devote to bringing up their young children and providing for their physical and spiritual needs. As the children grow up, the same respect and devotion lead parents to educate them in the right use of their reason and freedom." 1

12 Corpus Christi Catholic Church, specifically through our Pastor, Youth Minister, Catechists, Core members, and ministry leaders, intend to support parents in forming their teenagers to be true disciples of Jesus Christ. Parents are asked to support the Confirmation process through the enhancement parent's own formation. Parents are also asked to actively support the Confirmation ministry through their prayers, gifts, and talents. We ask that Parents attend CLASS 101 and CLASS 201 as soon as possible. They are held on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 1pm-5pm (includes lunch) Classes are FREE. These two classes will prepare you for what it means to a member of our Church family here at Corpus Christi and how you can further grow spiritually so you can share your faith with you son/daughter to be disciples of Christ. To help support our ministry we ask that you attend the Parent Orientation and help with 3 of our Saturday Life Night Dinners. Additional information and dates will be given at orientation. I. Attendance: Outline and Guidelines of the Youth Ministry and the Confirmation Process: We ask everyone in Youth Ministry to commit to coming to their Summit small groups at least twice a month. This will be the most impactful part of their faith experience here at Corpus Christi Youth Ministry. The regular Confirmation sessions only meets two (2) times a month or less! So, if they are absent they miss a lot! There may be good reasons why one needs to be absent (such as illness, death in the family, etc.) but even excused absences result in the young person missing out on a significant part of the Confirmation formation process. Whether an absence is excused or unexcused if the young person is absent an excessive amount of times, then the he/she misses out on a major part of the Confirmation year and the Confirmation process. Those with an excessive amount of absences may not be properly prepared to receive the Sacrament and thus must meet with the Youth Minister to discuss. Confirmation sessions begin promptly at 3pm (please arrive no later than 2:55pm) and may begin with an activity that those who come late may not be able to participate in. Anyone who is tardy for meetings may miss out on a lot more than it seems. Being on time to the Confirmation sessions is an important part of the Confirmation process. Excessive tardiness may result in the young person missing out on important parts of their Confirmation sessions and their Confirmation formation process and must be discussed with the Youth Minister. II. Ministry: Each month, we ask that everyone in High School Youth Ministry attend two Summit Group meetings. Each young person should remember to sign-in at each meeting. This is an essential part of Youth Ministry and the Confirmation process where they come to understand that they can grow in relationship with Christ and each other. This ministry is focused on forming young people to become true disciples of Christ. This ministry is modeled after Christ and how he discipled his own Apostles. A small group (about 6 other teens) will be facilitated by a leader on a regularly scheduled day at least 2 times a month. Ongoing High school Youth Ministry meetings at Corpus Christi include: Life Nights on their scheduled Saturdays after 5pm Mass, and the Bible Nights on Life Nights by LIFE TEEN is our main youth group experience with awesome nights on teen s Catholic faith, hot issues for teens, and fun social gatherings. These meeting are free and open to all high-school aged youth, so friends are welcomed. Bible Nights Simply put: We get to know Jesus by reading the Bible!!! This night is for teens to read together the Bible readings we hear at Mass and more. Bring your own Bible or borrow one of ours. This is a great way to learn how and begin to read the Bible. 2

13 Other High School Youth Ministry meetings also include any special event meetings or outings such as XLT, Beach days, Ball Games, Concerts, (special event meetings or outings are subject to additional registration and fees). Youth Ministry Core Team members may also reach out to youth via phone calls, , text, or other social media primarily for relational ministry purposes as well as to remind them of upcoming events and opportunities. Please be sure to accommodate for this outreach as it is a valuable part of relational ministry. III. IV. Service Projects: Everyone should complete at least two group Service Projects in each year. Group Service projects may consist of their Summit small group and a leader or a large group of serving towards one goal. These Group Service Projects will be presented throughout the process and our youth will be asked to participate in them. Service projects are meant to be formal volunteer parish/community service. Please consider joining the Youth Leadership here at Corpus Christi as a service project opportunity as well as to develop Catholic leadership skills. Participation: Participation is a key component in Youth Ministry since most of the meetings are discussion based and small group activities. Everyone should fully participate in their Summit, Confirmation, Life Night, Bible Night etc. in order to get the most out of their Youth Ministry experience. V. Interview: Each young person seeking Confirmation is asked to participate in a scheduled interview with the Youth Minister and or our Pastor. One interview will be scheduled after their first year in Youth Ministry and another just before their Confirmation. These interviews are critical in determining the readiness of one receiving the Holy Sacrament of Confirmation. VI. VI. VII. Letter to the Bishop: For those to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation our Bishop asks for a personal letter. (We will provide prompt guides and due dates at the appropriate time of year) Mass Requirements: Everyone should fulfill their Sunday obligation by going to Mass every Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation. We encourage you to go as a family. We have conveniently placed Confirmation sessions and Life Nights around the 5pm Saturday Mass. Retreat / Youth Events: We will have an annual weekend Retreat - Jan , 2019 We ask those receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation attend preferably in their second year of Youth Ministry. You are encouraged to attend one of two youth events as part of their first year Youth Ministry/Confirmation process but these are optional. If you are interested in going to one of these events, then you must sign up at the designated time in order to secure ticket, registration, and transportation. Inspiration at Magic Mountain on Saturday November 3, 2019 Youth Day at the Anaheim Convention Center on Thurs. March 21, 2019 Corpus Christi Youth Ministry Expectations and Outcomes 1. Everyone in Youth ministry is expected to attend and grow in their Summit small groups and meet at least 2 times a month or more depending on the group. 2. Those in Youth Ministry seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation are prepared and formed for the Sacrament via the scheduled Saturday Confirmation session. If a Confirmation session is missed one should consider attending Life Nights or Bible Nights to supplement their formation. The readiness to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation will not be determined by the amount of sessions attended but will be determined by their personal formation and preparedness which will be assessed in the interviews or in discussion with the Youth Minister and/or Pastor. 3

14 3. Those who are enrolled in extracurricular activities are responsible for not allowing them to conflict with Youth Ministry and their commitment to growing in faith as a disciple of Christ. This may include tardiness and or absences. 4. Everyone must sign in at meetings and events and is expected to be present until the end. If a minor is wishing or needing to leave early we must have permission from the parent (signed note, etc.); and/or the parent must come in to sign them out. The parent must include the time in which they signed their child out. 5. Everyone must adhere to the expectations outlined in the Diocese of Orange Behavior Contract. 6. Everyone should attend all Sunday Masses and Holy Days of Obligation. Again, you are encouraged to take advantage of the Saturday 5:00p.m. Mass which is after scheduled Confirmation sessions and before Life Nights. 7. We asked you to perform a minimum of 2 group Service Projects each year for our church or community. 8. We ask those seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation to choose a Sponsor right away. Choosing A Sponsor Sponsors are a vital part of the Confirmation process. Sponsors should be chosen early in the Confirmation process in order to guide the candidates (those seeking Confirmation) through their spiritual journey. Candidates should consider the following factors when choosing their Sponsor for Confirmation. Your parents and Youth Ministry Leaders are good sources for feedback on this important decision. As you discuss, consider the importance of the role of the sponsor. The Role of Sponsors A sponsor can make an enormous difference in the preparation of a candidate for the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is therefore, important that you choose a sponsor who is well suited to the role and who will be integral to the preparation process. The Church s tradition of involving a sponsor in the preparation of candidates for the Sacraments of Christian Initiation is one of our most ancient approaches to faith formation. In the early centuries, when the catechumen was the entry point for anyone seeking to become a Christian, the sponsor played an vital role. The sponsor was a living witness and mentor who represented the Christian community (its values, beliefs, behaviors, and so on) to the catechumen. The sponsor would, in turn, witness to the community on behalf of the catechumen s readiness for the initiatory sacraments. The role of a sponsor was not over with the celebration of the sacraments. It was seen as a lifetime commitment, a relationship that would last throughout the individual s journey of faith. In the early Church the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation were always celebrated at one time; therefore, there was never a different sponsor at Baptism and Confirmation. In subsequent centuries, however, with the separation of Confirmation from Baptism, it became more common to have different persons act as sponsor for those two sacraments. Both the Code of Canon Law (Canon 893.2) and the introduction to the Rite of Confirmation (5) suggest that in view of contemporary pastoral circumstances, it is desirable to have one s baptismal sponsor act as sponsor at Confirmation. While this remains the ideal, it seems much more important that the sponsor chosen be available and involved with the candidate in a significant way and be able to offer an authentic example of lived Christian faith. As a bare minimum, the Code of Canon Law specifies that the requirements for acting as a sponsor at Confirmation (Canon 893) are the same as those for godparents at Baptism (Canon 874). Briefly, that canon directs that the person must have completed their sixteenth year of age, be fully initiated in the Sacraments, live a life of faith, not be the parent, and not be bound by any other canonical restrictions. One of the challenges that might exist occurs when sponsors live at a distance and cannot interact in person with their candidate. However, in this day of instantaneous Internet and cell phone communication, only a little extra effort is required to maintain regular contact between sponsor and candidate. It is important that interaction occurs on a consistent basis and that sponsors are informed about meetings or information they may have missed because of their distance. If the Sponsor cannot be present at any required functions, the candidate must find a stand-in or proxy for your Sponsor. Our Confirmation preparation agrees strongly with the important observation made in the General Directory for Catechesis that growth in faith results from one s involvement in an entire network of relationships within the believing community. (See GDC 141, 158, 254, 257.) Given this perspective, it is clear why the role of sponsor in the formation process is so important. 4

15 Full Calendar will be made available at Parent Orientation and online in the Fall ~ September 2018 ~ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Labor Day Legend: SCRC Teen Conference Yellow Highlighted dates are Holy Days of Obligation (Attend Mass) LH = Lower Hall 7 8 RM (#) = Room (#) = Year 1 and Year 2 Confirmation Session = Life Night (High School Age Youth Night) Year 2 Parent Orientation Lower Hall 7-8:30p Year 1 Parent Orientation Lower Hall 7-8:30p SFHD 30 = Edge Night (Middle School Age Youth Night) = Bible Night (High School Aged Bible Study) = Summit Groups ( High School Aged Small Groups) meeting places and times are TO BE SCHEDULED Confirmation Orientation LH 10p-2p (First Session for both Yr1 and Yr2) Youth Ministry / Confirmation Calendar 2018_2019

16 Full Calendar will be made available at Parent Orientation and online in the Fall ~ October 2018 ~ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 Bible Night RM 1&2 7p-8:30p Edge Night LH 6p-8:30p Bible Night Confirmation RM 1&2 7p-8:30p LH 3p-5p Bible Night RM 1&2 7p-8:30p Life Night LH 6:15p-9p 21 Edge Night LH 6p-8:30p Bible Night Confirmation RM 1&2 7p-8:30p LH 3p-5p Bible Night RM 1&2 7p-8:30p Life Night LH 6:15p-9p Youth Ministry / Confirmation Calendar 2018_2019