ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA PARENT CONFIRMATION GUIDE BOOK for Grade 8

Transcription

1 ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA PARENT CONFIRMATION GUIDE BOOK for Grade 8 *WISDOM* *UNDERSTANDING *RIGHT JUDGMENT* *COURAGE* *WONDER AND AWE* *KNOWLEDGE* *REVERENCE*

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3 CONFIRMATION PRAYER GOD, OUR FATHER, WE ASK YOU TO BLESS ALL CANDIDATES WHO ARE NOW PREPARING TO RECEIVE THE SPIRIT OF YOUR LOVE IN THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION. MAY THE GIFTS WITHIN EACH ONE BE TOUCHED BY YOUR HOLY SPIRIT AND BECOME BLESSINGS FOR OUR PARISH FAMILY. BLESS, TOO, OUR PARENTS, OUR SPONSORS, OUR TEACHERS AND CATECHISTS, AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN THE REFLECTION OF YOUR SON'S LOVE FOR US. THIS WE ASK THROUGH CHRIST, OUR LORD. AMEN. 3 Parent Confirmation Guide Book

4 CONFIRMATION: GENERAL INFORMATION Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the sacraments of Christian initiation, whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed. Catechism of the Catholic Church #1285 Confirmation is a sacrament in which those who have been baptized receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit, Whom the Lord sent upon His apostles at Pentecost. It is a sacrament that celebrates God's special strengths and gifts in those who have been baptized.-acts 2:1-4 In 1972, the church published The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, (RCIA). The RCIA stresses the connections between the three sacraments of Christian initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. In Baptism, a person becomes a Christian and receives grace and life from the Holy Spirit. In Confirmation, the Baptismal vows are renewed and the sealing of the Spirit serves as a preparation for a mature Christian life. In Eucharist, the great sign of Christian unity, the faithful are nourished and strengthened. They are transformed into a more loving and united community of believers. Through these sacramental rites, the faithful are officially acknowledged as Christians. They are commissioned to carry out the mission of Christ and His Church. 4 Parent Confirmation Guide Book

5 Confirmation is a parish community celebration. It provides an opportunity for members of the parish family to renew their baptismal commitment. Confirmation time in the parish is a time when the community celebrates the Holy Spirit among them. OVERVIEW OF THE CONFIRMATION PROCESS Confirmation Policy - The Sacrament of Confirmation for children of catechetical age is conferred upon those who have been Baptized, received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, have been instructed in their faith and have demonstrated a capacity and willingness to participate in the life of the Church. The parish will offer one Confirmation preparation program to all parish children who are eligible, whether enrolled in the Religious Education Program, the RCIA, or a private or regional Catholic school. Candidates participate jointly in all the immediate parish preparatory activities and in the celebration of the sacrament. The Responsibilities of Parents Parents: are the primary educators of their children are responsible for initiating their children into the sacramental life 5 Parent Confirmation Guide Book

6 serve as models for their child by being committed Christians worship with their families regularly nurture their child in faith should encourage their child to reflect on and thoughtfully consider the decision to receive the sacrament of Confirmation are asked to attend meetings, programs, and prayer services that are planned to help their child prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation are not permitted to be Confirmation sponsors for their own child are asked to assist their child with the immediate preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation through prayer, study, and Christian service can emphasize the importance of the sacrament of Confirmation by taking an active part in the celebration of Confirmation should stress the initiation aspect of the sacrament by encouraging their children to continue learning more about their faith should help their child in understanding that the Confirmation service project is the beginning of a life committed to Christian service. The Role of Sponsor Sponsors: support the person to be confirmed in their commitment to a Christian life must know the candidate and be willing to serve as a strong and long-lasting Christian influence on the candidate 6 Parent Confirmation Guide Book

7 must belong to the Catholic Church and be fully initiated themselves, having received Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, and if married, married in the Catholic Church should be sufficiently mature in their own faith commitment may be either male or female for any candidate must obtain a statement of eligibility from the pastor of their parish may be a baptismal Godparent, thus emphasizing more clearly the relationship between Baptism and Confirmation may help the candidate prepare for Confirmation may assist the candidate in choosing and carrying out the candidate's service project commitment must be reasonably informed on current church teachings may not be the parents of the candidate can encourage the candidate by growing in a faith relationship may assist in determining the candidate's readiness for the sacrament may present the candidate to the minister of Confirmation The Role of the Candidate Preparing For Confirmation Candidates: must freely choose to be confirmed and make their desire known must be in the state of grace 7 Parent Confirmation Guide Book

8 must have adequate knowledge of the Catholic faith and have participated in required learning sessions must be practicing their faith should attend Mass and receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation regularly are responsible for completing all required home study and service projects must be aware of the initiation aspect of the sacrament of Confirmation and be committed to continuing the faithful practice and study of their religion must be willing to participate in the Confirmation program of prayer, retreat, communal celebration of the sacrament of Reconciliation, etc. 8 Parent Confirmation Guide Book

9 Christian Commitment To Service Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. (Mt 20:28) The Catholic Church is a servant community and all those accepting full membership in the church are also accepting the responsibility to serve. Candidates for the reception of Confirmation are asked to select service projects, which are geared to their own special talents and abilities. The service should be performed freely and willingly. To assign a specific number of hours gives the perception that once these hours are complete, our service is complete. Service, for Catholics is part of our commitment to be followers of Christ. It could help the parish, neighborhood, or local community. This service project is meant to represent the candidates' intentions of becoming full members of this servant community, the Catholic Church. Service should call to mind the Corporal Works of Mercy which are: Feeding the Hungry Giving drink to the thirsty Clothing the naked Giving companionship to the lonely Burying the dead 9 Parent Confirmation Guide Book

10 Suggestions for Service Projects Parish Religious Education Program Aide Applications are available in the Religion Office. Candidates are expected to commit for the entire year. Children's Liturgy: King s Kids Please check the Bulletin for dates and the Mass where the King s Kids will take place. Altar Server: It's never too late to begin! Joining our Church Choir: Hand Bells, etc. Charitable Fund Raisers: Walk-A-Thon s, CROP Walk, etc. Social Justice Projects: Organizing Food, Clothing or Toy Drives Environmental Projects: Neighborhood clean ups, recycle projects, etc Other Types of Service: Soup kitchens & food banks Assisting the Elderly Babysitting for a neighbor- NO PAY (not for your family) Senior Citizen Centers After School Programs Tutoring Young Children Volunteering at Parish Events Youth Group Activities Visiting Nursing Homes Volunteering in Animal Shelters Assisting in Local Libraries Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts Be sure to call first to see how you can be of assistance. Team up with a friend. Check the Parish bulletin to see how you can help our parish groups. Check our Parish website and check under the Religious Education/Confirmation tab for information Remember, the service you participate in today, may make a difference in someone s life tomorrow! 10 Parent Confirmation Guide Book

11 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR CANDIDATES Rite of Enrollment The Rite of Enrollment is a ceremony in which the candidates who choose to enter into the immediate preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation make their commitment official. Prior to the Rite of Enrollment candidates are asked to seriously and prayerfully think about what will be required of them during this time of preparation. If the Confirmation Candidate has not previously participated in the Rite of Enrollment, they will receive notice from the Office of Religious Education for the make-up Mass. Homily Reflections - Candidates are required to attend Mass a minimum of twice per month and to write Homily Reflections. Candidates are to maintain their Homily Reflections in their Confirmation Folder. The Pastor will review the Reflections during your child s Confirmation interview which takes place at the end of their second year of preparation. Service Reports Candidates are Candidates need to maintain their Service Reports in their Confirmation Folder that they received on the first night of class. This folder will be reviewed by the Director of Religious Education and by the Pastor at your child s Confirmation Interview. THE SECOND YEAR OF PREPARATION Confirmation Names Since Confirmation is an extension of Baptism, it is generally encouraged for candidates to use their Baptismal name as their Confirmation name. The only names disallowed would be names that have un-christian meanings. 11 Parent Confirmation Guide Book

12 If the candidate chooses to take a new name for Confirmation, however, it should be a name selected in honor of Jesus or Mary or from the list of recognized saints of the Catholic Church. Names of saints are chosen to serve as patrons and models for those being confirmed. Candidates should choose a patron whose Christian life or virtues could be imitated. written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 2 Corinthians 3:3 Saint Reports A poster shall be complied by each Confirmation Candidate on their choice of Saint for their Confirmation name. The size of the poster board shall measure 22 inches by 28 inches. The poster shall include: On the Back: 1. Confirmation Candidates Name, their Teachers name, and the class they attend On the Front: 2. The Saint Name 3. The Reason this Saint was chosen, how this Saint makes the Candidate feel closer to God 4. Pictures depicting how this Saint will shape and guide your life 5. A brief history of the Saint Confirmation Candidates may be as creative as they wish for this project. This project shall be due at your child s Confirmation Interview in the spring or summer prior to your child s Confirmation. 12 Parent Confirmation Guide Book

13 Confirmation Retreat - All candidates are expected to participate in the Parish Confirmation Retreat Day. The 8 th Grade Retreat is scheduled on the following date: Friday, March 3, :00 PM 9:00 PM Interview - Each Candidate will be scheduled an interview with a Parish Priest or Deacon. This will take place in the spring or summer prior to Confirmation. Each candidate will be contacted with an interview appointment time. Remember to bring your Homily Reflections and service reports to your interview. Sponsor Report Each Candidate for Confirmation must fill out a summary report about their sponsor. This summary letter shall be due at your child s Confirmation Retreat during the second year of preparation. Also due at that time will be your child s Sponsor Letter of Eligibility. Requirement for a Sponsor to be Eligible: The sponsor must have completed 16 years of age and be fully initiated in the Catholic Church If married, the sponsor must be in a valid Catholic marriage. In all cases, the sponsor s living situation should be in conformity with Catholic morality The sponsor cannot be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared The sponsor may be the Baptismal godparent or a new sponsor The sponsor may not be the candidate s mother nor father The sponsor must submit a certificate or letter from their current Parish stating eligibility (Canon Law , 893) Application for the Reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation This form shall be filled out and returned to the Office of Religious Education by Friday, December 2, Parent Confirmation Guide Book

14 Please adhere to all due dates so that the candidate may continue on their Faith Journey as smoothly as possible in their Confirmation process. Any unexpected delays should be reported, immediately to the Religion Office, , extension 21 or 29. You may also questions to All who are led by the Spirit are children of God. Romans 8: Parent Confirmation Guide Book

15 Candidate Review Guide All 7 th and 8 th grade students shall receive a Confirmation Study Guide. The information should be reviewed and mastered by each Candidate. Parents and sponsors should assist candidates in reviewing this material. The following topics are included in the Study Guide and serve as conversation starters between Candidates, Parents and Sponsors. The Commandments 1. I am the Lord, your God, you shall not have strange gods before me. 2. You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain. 3. Remember to keep holy the Lord s Day. 4. Honor your Father and Mother. 5. You shall not kill. 6. You shall not commit adultery. 7. You shall not steal. 8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 9. You shall not covet your neighbor s wife. 10. You shall not covet your neighbor s goods. The Rite of Confirmation The sacrament of Confirmation: is preceded by the Liturgy of the Word is presided over by the bishop or a designated auxiliary or Pastor. There are four parts to the rite: Renewal of Baptismal vows Laying on of hands Anointing with Sacred Chrism (Oil) Sign of peace 15 Parent Confirmation Guide Book

16 Gifts and Fruits Of The Holy Spirit The gifts of the Holy Spirit help Christians live their lives more fully committed to Christ. These gifts are: Wisdom Understanding Counsel Wisdom Understanding Counsel Fortitude Knowledge Piety Reverence for God. Baptism Confirmation Holy Eucharist Reconciliation Holy Orders Matrimony Anointing of the Sick From the Gifts of the Holy Spirit come the Fruits, which are: Sacraments Charity Joy Peace Patience Kindness Goodness Generosity Mildness Faithfulness Modesty Self Control Chastity Please continue to pray for all of our Confirmation Candidates as we continue to pray for each of you 16 Parent Confirmation Guide Book

17 IMPORTANT DUE DATES Application Due December 2, 2016 Sponsor Report Due March 3, 2017 Sponsor Eligibility Letter Due March 3, 2017 Saint Poster Due at Interview You may submit paperwork earlier than the due dates listed above Notes: 17 Parent Confirmation Guide Book

18 IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION Catholic Community of St. Anthony of Padua Office of Religious Education 156 Maxwell Avenue Hightstown, New Jersey Mrs. Ximena Bustamante, Assistant/Latino Community Liaison , ext 29 Ms. Dottie Guerrasio, Director of Religious Education , ext Fax Parish Website: Diocese of Trenton Diocesan Pastoral Center 701 Lawrenceville Road P.O. Box 5147 Trenton, New Jersey Fax Community Action Services Center 116 North Main Street #2 Hightstown, New Jersey rise-community-services.org (609) Catholic Charities - Access Center Telephone: or We serve those in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties of New Jersey, for listings and the Catholic Charities near you, 18 Parent Confirmation Guide Book