Confirmation Forums to prepare youth for Confirmation and Pilgrimage. Strengthen Your Hearts in Holiness -Thessalonians 3:13

Transcription

1 Confirmation Forums to prepare youth for Confirmation and Pilgrimage Strengthen Your Hearts in Holiness -Thessalonians 3:13 Trinity by-the-cove Youth 1

2 For Young Persons God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 2 Strengthen Your

3 CONFIRMATION FORUMS For Prospective Confirmands & Pilgrims In the course of their Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and have been duly prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 412). Over the course of six Sundays in Fall 2011 and Winter/ Spring 2012, Fr. Edward will offer reflection and discussion on a variety of topics to prepare youth for a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism. Part of this preparation includes the opportunity to go on pilgrimage in the Footsteps of St. Paul in Greece. We continue the same theme from for the year, which is taken from Paul s letter to the church in Thessalonica: Strengthen Your Hearts in Holiness. As youth are prepared for Confirmation, we remember the prayer the Bishop will offer for each confirmand: Strengthen, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit. Our forum time will be balanced with opportunities for service, fellowship, and introduction to other aspects of church life at Trinity-by-the-Cove. These opportunities are intended to broaden youth s perspective on the human condition and the role as Christians in the world with the goal to strengthen their hearts in holiness and prepare them for Confirmation. I am excited about these forums and pray that God gives you great fruit through our reflections, discussions, and, of course, pilgrimage. Fr. Edward Gleason Associate Rector ext 214 egleason@trinitybythecove.com Hearts in Holiness 3

4 ABOUT CONFIRMATION Confirmation is a Sacrament of the church whereby people make an adult confession of faith and receive the laying on of hands by a bishop. The time of confirmation varies in the Episcopal Church, ranging from 6th grade to 11th grade and beyond. It has been the tradition of Trinity-by-the-Cove to confirm youth every three years and include a pilgrimage component. This follows the curriculum we use for Christian formation for youth, Journey to Adulthood. Based on church records, the rising 8th graders and up are eligible for confirmation at this time, though parents and youth are always welcome to speak to Fr. Edward about their spiritual journeys and needs. CONFIRMATION CLASS CURRICULUM Building on our the Spiritual Forum for High School Youth and their Parents, preparation for Confirmation will take place in a series of forums. These forums are intended to prepare youth for an adult profession of their faith in the context of the Episcopal Church. Accordingly, the content of the forums will be based on the Baptismal Covenant (Book of Common Prayer, p. 416) and include an opportunity for parents and youth to offer their questions about God, faith and the church. 4 Strengthen Your

5 SCHEDULE & TOPICS What does it mean to renounce evil? SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2011 (10:15-11:05) What does it mean to be baptized? SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2011 (10:15-11:05) What does it mean to serve Christ? SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2011 (10:15-11:05) What is the apostle s teaching, fellowship & prayers? SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 (10:15-11:05) How do we persevere through times trouble? SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2012 (10:15-11:05) What is an Episcopalian? SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012 (10:15-11:05) Pilgrimage: The Footsteps of St. Paul in Greece FRIDAY, MARCH 30-SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 2012 Confirmation Rehearsal SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 2012 (10:15-11:05) Confirmation SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2012 (8:30-10:30) Dates may change, but probably not. Confirmands are expected to attend all forums. Should any confirmand be unable to attend, it is the responsibility of the confirmand to contact Fr. Edward and schedule a make up class. Hearts in Holiness 5

6 WHY PILGRIMAGE? A theologian wrote about the difference between being a tourist in life and being a pilgrim. Tourists are those who dabble, making their rounds and traveling into new territory, but not allowing that territory in any way to change or move them. When we are tourists we attempt to keep the serious things we encounter along the way at arm s length. When we are pilgrims, on the other hand, we make our rounds with a purpose, and allow the terrain we cover to move us, indeed change us. As your youth travel to road toward confirmation, it is hoped that the forums and walking in the footsteps of St. Paul will change them into sons and daughters of God who more deeply love God and their neighbor. PILGRIMAGE The Pilgrimage is planned using the help and expertise of Worldwide Pilgrimage Ministries, which is the same travel agency that helped plan the last pilgrimage to Italy. Worldwide Pilgrimage Ministries is devoted to helping people explore the roots of their spirituality, whether it be in the Holy Land, through Celtic countries, the Mediterranean, Asia or Africa. They plan spiritual and educational journeys for groups of adults and Journey to Adulthood (the curriculum we use at Trinity-by-the-Cove) to: The Holy Land, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, South Africa, Greece, Italy, Germany, Spain, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Russia and within the United States: Alaska, California and Arizona. Worldwide sends youth and adults all over the world on mission trips, pilgrimages and journeys of discovery. Over 13,000 pilgrims have traveled the world since Worldwide began almost 15 years ago. 6 Strengthen Your

7 ELLIGIBILITY Pilgrimage is offered as part of the confirmation preparation and experience confirmation and pilgrimage go together. Accordingly, pilgrimage is open first to confirmands. Depending on the number of confirmands who can take part in the pilgrimage, those youth who wish to go on pilgrimage who have already been confirmed will be invited to participate. COST The cost of the trip quoted by the travel company is 2,699 per person plus taxes etc of $568. Accordingly, the per person cost of the trip is $3,267, plus extra spending money and money for a few meals. SUBSIDIES In past pilgrimages, Trinity-by-the-Cove was in a position to subsidize a portion of the trip, thus subsidizing all pilgrims who took part. With the fund-raising efforts over the past two years, principally through the Golf Tournament, Trinity-by-the-Cove will be able to subsidize a portion of the trip again. PASTORAL CARE & FINANCIAL AID Trinity-by-the-Cove is committed to making the pilgrimage experience available to youth who are faithful and active participants in the church. Should you have any questions about the cost of the pilgrimage and your ability to pay, please make an appointment to speak with Fr. Edward. Hearts in Holiness 7

8 8 PILGRIMAGE ITINERARY (TENTATIVE) Greece In the Footsteps of Paul Trinity-by-the-Cove Confirmation & Pilgrimage March 30-April 8, 2012 Day 1, Friday, March 30, Depart from Naples to Miami for our trans- Atlantic flight which will connect in Rome, Italy for the final flight to Greece. Meals on board the Aircraft. Day 2, Saturday - We will arrive in Thessaloniki, Greece (Acts 17:1-13), meet our escort and board our motor-coach. There will be some time to settle into our hotel and enjoy free time to explore this afternoon. This city has seen the rise and fall of many civilizations: Macedonian, Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, that of the Jews and of the modern Greeks. Paul wrote two letters to the people here. We will enjoy a "welcome to Greece" dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki. D Day 3, Sunday - Today we visit Kavala where Paul landed after sailing from Troas (Troy) in Turkey. Then on to Phillippi, the city to which Paul wrote his Epistle and visited twice on his missionary journeys. We will see where Lydia, Paul's first European convert, was baptized (Acts 16:12-16) as he opened the continent of Europe to the Christian faith. We will view the Roman Baths, the Agora where Paul and other missionaries were dragged before the magistrates, the 5 th c. Basilica and the possible prison from which Paul was set free (Acts 16:19-24; 35-40). Return to Thessaloniki for overnight. B Day 4, Monday - After breakfast we explore Thessaoniki and the significant sites of Georgios St. Dimitrious Church, probable site of Paul's preaching. We will visit Ayia Sofia which contains two magnificent mosaics: one of the Ascension and the other of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus in her arms. We will depart for Litochoro. Dinner and overnight Litochoro. BD Day 5, Tuesday - Today will enjoy a seven hour hike starting at the village of Panonia and ending back in Litochoro. We will stop at the Monastery of Agios Dionysius, which, during the 400 years of its life, provided religious and economic support to this part of Olympus. Dinner and overnight Litochoro. BD s. It Day 6, Wednesday - Today we continue on to Kalambaka near the Hanging Monasteries of Meteora which were built on strangely shaped pinnacles that rise out of the Peneus Valley. We tour the Hanging Monasteries, Strengthen Your

9 where, in the 9th century, ascetic hermits were living in the rock crevices and where they eventually formed religious communities. We will overnight in Kalambaka. BD Day 7, Thursday. - We depart at 8:00 AM from Kalambaka and travel southward toward Athens. On our way we visit Delphi where we will explore the Temple of Apollo, the Greek god and in later times the Roman god of sunlight, music, prophesy and poetry, the Athenian Treasury, and the Theatre. We will explore the Delphi Museum which contains a wonderful collection of art and architectural sculpture, principally from the Sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronoia. We depart Delphi and travel to Athens for dinner and overnight. BD Day 8, Friday- This morning we will depart for Corinth travelling along a scenic coastal highway and arriving first at the Corinthian Canal, a stunning deep cut pathway for all ships to travel between the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea. We continue on to Ancient Corinth, where Paul wrote his Epistles. We see where Paul preached, the Museum and other sites. We will visit Mycenae before returning to Athens for overnight. BLD Day 9, Saturday - Today we will take a panoramic tour of Athens seeing the Plaka district, the Acropolis, Olympic Stadium and the Presidential Palace. This evening we will enjoy a "farewell to Greece" dinner. Overnight Athens. BD Day 10, Sunday, April 8, An early morning departure for the Athens Airport where we board our Alitalia flight connecting in Rome, Italy and on to Miami and back to Naples arriving in around 5:30 p.m. B B - Breakfast L - Lunch D Dinner Hearts in Holiness 9

10 TRINITY-BY-THE-COVE EPISCOPAL CHURCH CALENDAR YOUNG FAMILIES August 26, 2011 Catechist Retreat August 28, 2011 Acolyte Training, Review & Pizza August 28, 2011 Marriage Enrichment for Young Trinitarians September 9, 2011 Night of Joy at Disney September 11, 2011 Parish Rally Day Picnic September 18, 2011 Fall Christian Formation for All Ages Begins September 18, 2011 Youth Confirmation Forum September 25, 2011 Young Family Social October 1, 2011 Blessing of the Animals October 5, 2011 Newcomer Gathering October 9, 2011 Catechesis Parents' Meeting October 16, 2011 Youth Confirmation Forum October 23, 2011 Young Family Social November 2, 2011 Wednesday Night Out November 6, 2011 Young Family Social November 9, 2011 Wednesday Night Out November 13, 2011 Youth Confirmation Forum November 19, 2011 SAGES/Young Family Service Project November 20, 2011 Catechesis Parents' Meeting November 21-25, 2011 Public/Community School Fall Break November 23, 2011 Thanksgiving Eve Liturgy November 24, 2011 Thanksgiving Day November 30, 2011 Evening Prayer at the Beach December 3, 2011 Baker's Dozen Prepares Dough for Cookies December 10, 2011 Baker's Dozen Bakes Cookies December 10, 2011 Fourth Golf Tournament Benefitting Youth Pilgrimage December 18, 2011 Costumes for Pageant Distributed December 18, 2011 Rehearsal for Speaking Pageant Parts December 22, 2011 Public School Holiday Break December 24, 2011 Christmas Pageant December 25, 2011 No Formation for Children & Youth 10 Strengthen Your

11 TRINITY-BY-THE-COVE EPISCOPAL CHURCH CALENDAR YOUNG FAMILIES January 1, 2011 No Formation for Children & Youth January 8, 2012 Formation for Children & Youth Youth Confirmation Forum January 15, 2012 Naples Half Marathon January 22, 2012 Young Family Social January 25, 2012 Wednesday Night Out January 30, 2012 Annual Meeting & Dinner February 1, 2012 Wednesday Night Out February 5, 2012 Youth Confirmation Forum February 6, 2012 Newcomer Gathering February 12, 2012 Catechesis Parents' Meeting February 15, 2012 Wednesday Night Out February 18, 2012 Young Family Social at Gleason s February 19, 2012 Mardi Gras Sunday February 21, 2012 Pancake Supper Liturgy of the Burning of the Palms February 26, 2012 ERD Sunday March 3, 2012 Reconciliation Retreat March 4, 2012 Youth Confirmation Forum March 11, 2012 Mystery Trip March 21, 2012 Wednesday Night Out March 30-April 8, 2012 Youth Pilgrimage 2012 April 1-8, 2012 Holy Week April 1, 2012 No Formation for Children & Youth April 2, 2012 Public School Spring Break April 5, 2012 Prayer Watch April 8, 2012 Easter Egg Hunt April 8, 2012 No Formation for Children & Youth April 22, 2012 Liturgy of Light April 22, 2012 Young Family Social April 22, 2012 Youth Confirmation Rehearsal April 29, 2012 Youth Confirmation May 6, 2012 Last Sunday of Christian Formation for Children & Youth May 13, 2012 Youth Sunday May 20, 2012 Young Family Social June 1, 2012 Last Day of School - Community June 6, 2012 Last Day of School - Public June 9, rd Annual Fishing Tourney Hearts in Holiness 11

12 Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church 553 Galleon Drive Naples, Florida RECTOR: The Rev. Michael Basden, ext 202 ASSOCIATE RECTORS: The Rev. Alice Sadler, ext. 206; The Rev. Edward Gleason, ext. 214 DIRECTOR OF MUSIC: John Fenstermaker, ext 207; ASSISTANT ORGANIST: Mary Watkins OFFICE & FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR: Bill Haidle, ext 204;PARISH ADMINISTRATOR: Polly Butler, ext 202 DIRECTOR OF CATECHESIS: Linda Gemmer, ext. 215; STAFF ASSISTANT: Katie Anderson, ext 201 MEMBER/MINISTRY COORDINATOR: Judy Fratus ext 213; DIRECTOR OF GIVING: Don Scott, ext. 211 SEXTON: Russell Holaway, ext 210; HOUSEKEEPER: Kim Maxwell 12