October 4, Dear Parents,

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1 October 4, 2017 Dear Parents, Welcome to the second year of your child s sacramental preparation for Confirmation! We are so happy that we can be a part of his or her journey in faith. Because this is such a special time in our church life, the Diocese of Amarillo has some special requirements for each child and family. One, as you re probably well aware, is that attendance is incredibly important as we prepare for two of our most important components of Catholic life. If a child is not in class, he or she misses the formation necessary for meaningful understanding of these sacraments. Therefore, every child should be in class at least 80% of the time. Since we have an RE school year of 28 days, they need to be present for at least 22 of those days. Less than that, according to the diocese, means they cannot receive their sacraments this year. Two, students preparing for Confirmation are expected to complete at least three hours of a service activity in the fall and three hours in the spring. Each Confirmation catechist is aware of this requirement and may plan something for your child to participate in. However, they are not required to do so, and thus you and your child may need to find a service opportunity separately. I will enclose a list of places where students have previously performed service. In addition, each student must complete one written reflection or one project where he or she connects the service activities to the Sacrament of Confirmation. Whichever option they decide to take must be completed by our retreat day, March 24. Early is fine, but late assignments will not be accepted. See enclosed. Three, each child must attend a retreat day. I ve scheduled Saturday, March 24 from 9:30-4 p.m. as the Confirmation retreat day. This, again, is a requirement of the diocese and MUST be attended to complete sacramental preparation. We may be able to offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation on that day, but if not, I will let you know of another time. All Confirmandi MUST go to Reconciliation near the time of Confirmation. And just so you don t feel left out, parents, (ha!) the Diocese also needs one or both of you to attend a meeting pertaining to this sacrament. Sponsors are also welcome! (You can also send a helpful grandparent if needed!). I ve planned our first meeting over the Sacrament of Confirmation for Sunday, November 19, 2017 beginning at 10:10 in the Dwelling. If for some reason you can t make that meeting, I will offer a make-up meeting on Tuesday, November 28 at 7 p.m. in the B-1. I will do my best to keep these meetings helpful, timely, and hopefully spiritually renewing for you.

2 PLEASE NOTE: every child needs at least one parent to attend one of these meetings for Confirmation. These parent meetings are a diocesan mandate. Therefore, if you cannot make either of these meetings and you don t make other arrangements to come meet with me, your child will not be able to complete the sacrament at this time. There are two things that will help us in our preparation this year. One, if you can please sign up for flocknotes and join the group called Reconciliation and 1 st Communion Parents, then I can send you reminders as these different events approach. Two, when we have our parent meeting, if you could please bring a copy of your child s baptismal certificate, that will be of tremendous help! Although some of these requirements may feel burdensome, please remember that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your child. Often life s most significant experiences do necessitate more time and preparation to give the greatest meaning to those involved. Please know that Debi and I and the children s catechists are here to make this sacrament of Confirmation a very special time in the lives of you and your child. Please let us know if you have further questions or concerns. I will look forward to seeing you in November! God bless, Mrs. Kerry Acker Director of Religious Education Enclosure

3 Confirmation Year Special Dates for Parents & Sponsors (required by the diocese) Purpose: Place: Time: Date: Confirmation meeting 1 st option: The Dwelling 1 st option: 10:10 a.m. 1 st option: Sunday, November19, nd option: Room B-1 2 nd option: 7 p.m. 2 nd option: Tuesday, November 28, 2017 Important Dates for Confirmandi Purpose: Place: Time: Date: Service reflection/project/interview due The Gym 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 24, 2018 Retreat Gym/The Dwelling 9:30-4 p.m. Saturday, March 24, 2018 Reconciliation Chapel TBA By April 21 Rehearsal Church 3:30 p.m. March 24 Pictures Church 9 a.m. Confirmation day Sacrament of Confirmation Church TBA TBA (I ve requested either April 28, May 11, or May 12 *THESE EVENTS ARE MANDATORY, SO PLEASE INFORM ALL COACHES, SCOUT LEADERS, MUSIC TEACHERS, BALLET INSTRUCTORS, ETC, IN ADVANCE!

4 ADDITIONAL INFO: Service: Requirements: At least 2 different unpaid faith in action events At least 3 hours in the fall and 3 in the spring Examples of places where service has been completed: Eveline Rivers (contact: (806) ) Faith City Mission (contact: (806) ) Hope and Healing Place (contact: (806) ) Special Olympics (contact: (806) ) Snack Pak for Kids (contact: (806) ) Horse Play at Mesquite Ranch (contact: Frank Foster, ) High Plains Food Bank (contact: (806) ) Downtown Haven House (contact: (806) ) Downtown Women s Shelter (contact: (806) ) *If you have others not on this list, please just verify with me* Service Assignment: Must convey where the services were performed, what was the actual work, when were the services completed, what was learned from the experiences, and how the two services connect to how we should live as Catholics as connected to Confirmation. Option 1: Typed 2 page reflection addressing above topics. Due no later than March 24. Option 2: A poster-sized collage of pictures, short descriptions, words/phrases that connect to our topics. Due no later than March 24. o I will give out further details to the catechists and to you at the parent meetings. Sponsors: Every student must have a sponsor. Requirements: Must be at least 16 years old. Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church

5 Must have received all three sacraments of initiation Cannot be a parent If married, should be married in the Church, attend Sunday Mass regularly, and receive Holy Communion If not from St. Thomas, must mail in or drop off a letter from parish which he or she attends verifying that they are active, participating member of that parish. Must be willing to be active in the faith development of the soon-to-be confirmed Confirmation name: Each person gets the opportunity to pick a new saint name or to use his or her baptismal name. An excellent site to research the different saints who might be meaningful is