The greatest gift God gave to you was Himself. The greatest gift you can give God is yourself. Dear Confirmation Candidate, The time has arrived for you to begin your formal preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. This time of preparation will require a commitment of your time, energy, and openness to what God has in store for your future. With Confirmation, the gifts God has given you will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit and your life will be forever changed. This time of preparation is also a great opportunity for you to focus on your faith and your future as a full member of the Catholic Church. If you have any questions, concerns, or doubts, please contact Liz Bellman, Director of Youth Ministry, at 817-473-6709 or rcymliz@sbcglobal.net. Please read all of the information in the 2014-2015 Confirmation packet. It includes important dates, forms, letters, and commitments that are needed during this time. Blessings, Liz Bellman Coordinator of Youth Ministry Requirements to enroll for Confirmation Preparation Enrollment in Religious Faith Formation for the prior year either at St. Jude or another parish (proof from another parish is required) or attended a Catholic High School Current enrollment in Religious Faith Formation at St. Jude or in Catholic High School Will be at least 15 years old on April 1, 2015 Sophomore, Junior, or Senior in High School (2014-2015 school year) Have received Baptism Attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, and sign attendance book
ST. JUDE 2014-20 2015 CONFIRMATION PACKET TABLE OF CONTENTS Confirmation Name 3 Confirmation Name Form 4 Sponsor 5 Sponsor Form 6 Confirmation Retreat 7-8 Form A, Permission and Liability Waiver 9-11 Form B 12 Participant Covenant 13 Confirmation Rehearsal & Mass 14 Confirmation Dress Code 15 Schedule of Meetings & Classes 16 2
Confirmation Name In the past, it was part of the Rite of Confirmation to choose a new name. From the earliest of Christian times, when a person decided to choose to follow Christ, they also chose or were given a new name. For instance, Simon became Peter, Saul became Paul. You also have this choice - to choose a new name when you receive the sacrament of Confirmation. The thinking of this has changed over the years as we try to link together the initiation sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. To show this link even more, you are encouraged to keep the name given to you when Christ first claimed you at your Baptism. However, if you wish to take another name, that is still an option. It is asked that the name you choose be that of a recognized saint of the Catholic Church. If you do decide on a new name, I ask that you let us know the reason for your choice. Did you take the name of Stephen, the first martyr, because you want to show the courage that he did? Did you choose St. Thomas Aquinas or St. Catherine of Alexandria because they are the patron saints of students? Confirmation Name form due NOVEMBER 15, 2014 3
Confirmation Name Confirmation Candidate s Name: (Include first, middle & last name) Confirmation Name Chosen: Please tell us something about either the saint you are named for or the saint you have chosen (you can use another sheet of paper if necessary): CONFIRMATION NAME FORM DUE NOVEMBER 15, 2014 4
Confirmation Sponsor What is a Confirmation Sponsor? When you were baptized, you had your Godparents speak for you as the baptismal promises were made. As someone getting confirmed, you will be able to make those promises for yourself. But, we do not walk on this journey by ourselves. Like the travelers to Emmaus (Luke 24:13), we walk together with people. This is who your sponsor should be - someone to walk with you on your faith journey, not only in the next few months, but all through your life. Who Can You Choose As Your Sponsor? They must be practicing Catholics. They must have been confirmed and at least 16 years old. If they are married, they must be married in the Catholic Church. They cannot be your parents or your legal guardians. They are someone you feel comfortable talking with about your faith and God. Baptism and Confirmation We are now trying to link the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. One of the ways that we do this is if our Godparents are also our Confirmation sponsors. This is only a bonus if they can fulfill all the other requirements. Sponsor Form due NOVEMBER 15, 2014 5
Confirmation Sponsor Information Name of Person Receiving Confirmation: Name of Sponsor: Address of Sponsor: E-Mail Address: Phone Number of Sponsor: Relation of Sponsor to Confirmation Candidate: Why have you chosen this person to be your sponsor? SPONSOR FORM DUE NOVEMBER 15, 2014 6
ALL students must attend the Confirmation Retreat. This is an important part of the preparation process and provides over half of the preparation hours being offered. The Diocese of Fort Worth requires two forms to be filled out and on file before any participant is allowed to attend. Please fill out both forms completely and submit them to the Youth Ministry Office by November 15, 2014. There will be three retreats offered this year: January 17 & 18, 2015 February 14 & 15, 2015 March 7 & 8, 2015 All retreats will be held at Camp Copass in Denton. Transportation to and from the retreat will be provided. In addition to Forms A & B, each student will be required to read and sign the Participant Covenant. All parents should be aware of what they are being asked to sign and that violation of this covenant will result in the parents being called to come pick up their young person, no matter what time it is. All students will be riding a charter bus to and from the retreat. The bus company is approved by the Diocese of Fort Worth. All drivers have the proper documentation required including a background check. Form A (Permission & Liability Form), Form B (Emergency Medical Consent Form) & the Participant Covenant DUE BY NOVEMBER 15, 2014 7
ADDITIONAL CONFIRMATION RETREAT INFORMATION DEPARTURE DAY AND TIME: Saturday, January 17 or February 14 or March 7, depending on which retreat you have chosen. Be at St. Jude Center parking lot no later than 7:45am. RETURN DAY AND TIME: Sunday, January 18 or February 15 or March 8, at 1:00pm at St. Jude Catholic Church. What you need to bring: Change of clothes appropriate for the weather Sleeping bag or bedroll (there are beds with mattresses but no linens or blankets) Pillow Toiletries (toothpaste, washcloth, towels, etc.) Prescription Drugs, if needed (the Youth Minister must know what drugs are being brought and the appropriate information must be noted on Form A) A Good Attitude Optional items: Change for the Coke Machines (water & lemonade are offered throughout the day and drinks are available at meal time) Bible (Bibles are supplied; personal Bibles are welcome) Teddy Bear or other comfort item What NOT to bring: Electronics of any kind including I-pods and video games Cell Phones (the adults will have cell phones if needed) Drugs, tobacco, alcohol 8
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Participant Covenant I realize the purpose of the St. Jude Confirmation Retreat is to promote a deeper relationship with God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. This purpose is intended for each person who participates, as well as to build the community of faith among us. I, as a participant, agree to do all I can do to help myself and the group as a whole fulfill this purpose by acting responsibly and participating whole-heatedly in the activities that have been planned. This includes the careful use of the facilities and the property we are using. I understand that the use of tobacco and drugs, to include alcohol, will interfere in the process of this event. In signing this covenant, I agree that I will not use tobacco, drugs, or alcohol during this program. I agree to observe all rules and regulations which will be explained fully at the beginning of the retreat. I am aware that my parents/guardians will be notified immediately and I will be required to leave should I choose to violate the rules set forth at the start of the retreat or break this covenant. Signed: Signature of Student Printed Student Name: Signed: Signature of Parent Date: 13
CONFIRMATION REHEARSAL & MASS Rehearsal for the Confirmation Mass will be held on the Tuesday prior to the day of the Confirmation Mass at 7:00pm in the church. The rehearsal should not last any longer than an hour. All candidates and their sponsors are asked to sit in the two center sections. All other family members and friends are asked to sit in other areas. Anyone volunteering to be a lector or gift bearer needs to plan on staying five to ten minutes after the rehearsal for additional instructions. Confirmation Mass will be announced at a later date as soon as it is received from Bishop Olson. Details about the Mass will be provided to all of the candidates and their parents/guardians. 14
DRESS CODE FOR CONFIRMATION MASS There is no special color or garment required for Confirmation Mass. Nice Sunday clothes are the appropriate attire. Please avoid any type of clothing that is too revealing, such as strapless tops, or inappropriate, such as baggy jeans. This is a time to dress up and look your best! For Ladies: Dress or skirt & blouse Pant Suit Tops should cover the shoulders (sleeveless is okay) NO shorts, short skirts/dresses, no backless dresses NO tennis shoes or flip flops For Gentlemen: Long sleeve shirt and slacks Tie, if possible Suit and Tie is nice but not necessary NO shorts, t-shirts, or jeans NO tennis shoes or flip flops Hair should be appropriately fixed. Remember that the Bishop will be signing your forehead with chrism so please make sure your hair is not in your face or covering your forehead. 15
SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS & CLASSES Class I (parents attend w/students) October 12, 2014 Class II November 2, 2014 Class III January 11, 2015 Confirmation Retreat I Jan. 17 & 18, 2015 Class IV February 8, 2015 Confirmation Retreat II February 14 & 15, 2015 Class V March 1, 2015 Confirmation Retreat III March 7 & 8, 2015 Class VI April 12, 2015 Class VII (parents attend w/students) May 3, 2015 Confirmation Rehearsal Confirmation Mass To be announced To be announced All classes will be in the St. Jude Center on Sundays, 4:00pm to 6:00pm 16