Confirmation Parent Handbook Year 2
Table of Contents Contact Information... 2 Confirmation Overview..... 3 As Catholics... 4 PSR Calendar..... 5 Important Dates..... 6 Curriculum, Attendance, and Parochial Students.. 7 Requirements for Year 2.... 9 Sponsor Verification Form... 11 Works of Mercy Log... 13 Knowledge Check...... 15 Life Teen....... 17 Contact Us Ryan Cottrill- Director of Youth Ministry & Confirmation Email: ryanc@stcatherinercc.org Phone: 678.385.9433 Joan Hennes- Director of Religious Education Email: joanh@stcatherinercc.org Phone: 770.428.7139 Find Us sclifeteen.weebly.com stcatherinercc.org Instagram: sclifeteen / #sclifeteen stcatherineofsienapsr Facebook: St. Catherine of Siena Life Teen St. Catherine of Siena PSR 2
Confirmation Overview Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire St. Catherine of Siena The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace (CCC 1285). This sacrament truly represents what it means to take responsibility for and ownership of the faith. The Catechism continues, It is evident from its celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost (CCC 1302). This sealing of the Holy Spirit truly marks us as disciples of Christ. Because of the implications that accompany this abandonment of the spirit of the world for the spirit of God, it is our desire that the teens receive this sacrament with an understanding of how tremendous this step in their faith journey is. Therefore, we do ask that teens complete the requirements for the Confirmation program that are outlined in this handbook. The Archbishop of Atlanta does ask for two requirements to be met: 1) Two years of foundational preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. 2) A period of intense formation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Our two years of foundational preparation occur through Year 1 (9 th grade) and Year 2 (10 th grade) Confirmation classes. Faithfully attending weekly classes helps to fulfill the first requirement of the Archbishop. The intense formation for the sacrament of Confirmation is satisfied through the Day of Reflection (completed in Year 1) and the Confirmation Retreat (completed in Year 2). 3
What the Church Asks of Us as Catholics Parents: You are absolutely crucial in this formation process because faith begins in the home. One hour per week at Confirmation class is not enough to ensure that your teen has a chance at a strong spiritual life. Let s work together to give your teens a fighting chance at communion with Christ. Any parish faith formation program is meant to supplement what is being taught at home as well as what is being taught during Sunday Liturgy. What we ask of both parents and teens is the same as what the Catholic Church asks of every Catholic: Five Precepts of the Church There are 5 Precepts of the Church that are the very necessary minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth in love of God and neighbor: 1) Mass Every Week First and foremost, going to Saturday Vigil or Sunday Mass every week and attending all Holy Days of Obligation is essential. 2) Reconciliation Because of the healing power of Reconciliation, the more often that we receive this sacrament the better off we will be. However, we are to receive this sacrament at least once a year. 3) Eucharist We must receive the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ in the Holy Eucharist at least once a year during the Easter Season. 4) Fasting We are asked to observe days of fasting and days of abstaining from meat. 5) Support the Church Each of us are called to assist with the material needs of the Church according to our own ability. Mass Times Saturday Vigil: 4:30 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM (Spanish), 5:00 PM Life Teen Confession Times Saturday: 9:00-10:00 AM and 3:00-4:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00-6:45 PM Holy Days of Obligation January 1 st August 15 th November 1 st December 8 th December 25 th the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary the solemnity of All Saints the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception the solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ 4
CONFIRMATION CALENDAR 2016-2017 Sun Mon Tues Wed Thrs Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thr Fri s AUG SEPT Sat 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 JAN 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 OCT 29 30 31 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 FEB 1 2 3 4 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 30 31 26 27 28 NOV 1 2 3 4 5 MAR 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 DEC 1 2 3 APRIL 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 SUNDAY CLASSES WEDNESDAY CLASSES MAY May 7 May 3 Confirmation Day 5
Important Dates Saturday, October 22 nd Confirmation Retreat Begins at 8:30 AM and Concludes with the Rite of Enrollment at 2:55 PM Saturday, October 22 nd Saint Report Due Sponsor Verification Form Due Wednesday, January 25 th Interview Day (for Wed. students) 6:30 PM until 7:45 PM Sunday, January 29 th Interview Day (for Sunday students) 9:00 AM until 10:15 AM Sunday, February 12 th 10 Works of Mercy Service Hours Due Thursday, March 9 th Confirmation Rehearsal Mass 1 Rehearsal 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM Mass 2 Rehearsal 7:30 PM until 8:30 PM Saturday, March 11 th Confirmation Day Mass 1 with Bishop Zarama @ 10:00 AM Mass 2 with Bishop Zarama @ 2:00 PM 6
Class structure Instead of classrooms, the venue for Year 2 of Confirmation class is the small group format. Basically, all small groups (consisting of approximately 8-12 students, a Catechist, and a teen leader) will meet in Herbert Hall (Gym). The lessons will be primarily Apologetics and living the Catholic faith. Teachings will be given and videos will be shown in order to introduce the topic each day. Afterwards, the small groups (which are led by the Catechist with the Teen Leader s help) will break open and discuss the concept further. Attendance Attendance will be taken at each class. If your student does miss a class, that is okay! Simply contact me at ryanc@stcatherinercc.org so that I can pass along information that was discussed in class. As Confirmandi, your teens are expected to be showing ownership of their faith. This includes demonstrating the responsibility needed to make up any missed content. Parochial Students The Bishop s Office for the Archdiocese of Atlanta asks that teenagers attending Catholic High School still receive the sacrament of Confirmation at their home parish. Participation in parish life is a hugely important part of faith development. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) states in their document on the Church, The parish is where the Church lives. Parishes are communities of faith, of action, and of hope. They are where the Gospel is proclaimed and celebrated, where believers are formed and sent to renew the earth. (Taken from Communities of Salt and Light, p. 1) Because of your commitment to Catholic Education and your student s participation in Religion Class at their Catholic High School, your teenager is not required to participate in the weekly Confirmation classes. 7
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Year 2 Requirements for Confirmation 1) Retreat The 10 th grade Confirmation Retreat is mandatory. Its purpose is to help teens in discerning what it means to be sealed with the Holy Spirit. It begins at St. Catherine of Siena on Saturday, October 22 nd with Registration at 8:00 AM and will conclude at 2:55 PM with the Rite of Enrollment. Parents are invited to the cafeteria at 2:30 PM for Coffee and Deserts. This is a time for parents to gather in community as their teens prepare for Confirmation in March but Joan Hennes will be available if you have any questions. 2) Works of Mercy Service Hours We do require that students in Year 2 of the Confirmation program complete 10 hours of service. We encourage that half of the service hours be completed at St. Catherine of Siena and half of the service hours be completed outside of the Parish. This helps to show Christ s commissioning to make disciples of all nations both in our own communities and outside of the Parish. The Hours are due by Sunday, February 12 th. If you need ideas for how to earn Works of Mercy, please visit us online at: http://sclifeteen.weebly.com/works-of-mercy-service-opportunities.html 3) Saint Reports Students preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation are required to choose a Saint name. We ask that choosing a Saint is done with thoughtfulness and prayerfulness. In order to assist in this process, we require each student preparing for Confirmation to write a Saint Report on the Saint that they choose due by Saturday, October 22 nd. The report should be two pages double spaced, 12 pt font, times new roman, normal margins, etc. The first page should say who the Saint was and what they did while the second page should discuss why this particular Saint is the one you have chosen and what they mean to you. More ideas and guidelines can be found online at: http://sclifeteen.weebly.com/saints.html 4) Sponsor Verification Students preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation are required to choose a Sponsor to stand alongside them as they are anointed by the Bishop and sealed with the Holy Spirit. In order to be a Sponsor, you must be 16 years of age or older, you must have received all three sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation), and you cannot be the parent of the one receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. In order to ensure that these rules are followed, Sponsor verification forms are due by Saturday, October 22 nd. Forms can be found online at http://sclifeteen.weebly.com/sponsors.html 5) Interview Day Before receiving the sacrament of Confirmation, all students must be interviewed. Interview Day for Sunday students will take place at St. Catherine of Siena on Sunday, January 29 th from 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM. Interview Day for Wednesday students will take place at St. Catherine of Siena on Wednesday, January 25 th from 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM. 9
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1618 Ben King Rd. NW Kennesaw, GA 30144 770-428-7139; 770-428-0131 (fax) I,, a registered member of St. Catherine of Siena parish for at least six months, have been asked to be a sponsor for for the sacrament of Baptism Confirmation. In accord with Canon 874 of the Code of Canon Law and in accepting this responsibility, I truthfully state the following: I am not the parent of the above-mentioned person I am at least 16 years of age I have received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Eucharist and Confirmation in the Catholic Church If married, I am validly married according to the norms of the Catholic Church I attend Mass regularly on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation I try to live my life according to the values of the Gospel and the teachings of the Catholic faith I understand and accept the responsibility that I undertake as a sponsor, and I promise to be a support and example in his/her effort to live a life according to the teachings of the Catholic faith. Signature of Sponsor Date I certify that to the best of my knowledge, this person is capable of assuming the duties and responsibilities of a sponsor. Signature of Pastor Date Please print Parish Seal Sponsor s Name: Sponsor Address: City, State, Zip: 11
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Confirmation Works of Mercy Hours Student Name: Year 1 or Year 2: Date of Service: Location of Service: Number of Hours: What did you do? Why did you choose this? Which Works of Mercy did your service fulfill? (circle all that apply) Corporal Works of Mercy: Feed the Hungry Give Drink to the Thirsty Shelter the Homeless Visit the Sick Visit the Prisoners Bury the Dead Give Alms to the Poor Spiritual Works of Mercy: Counseling the Doubtful Instructing the Ignorant Admonishing the Sinner Comforting the Sorrowful Forgiving Injuries Bearing Wrongs Patiently Praying for the Living and the Dead Did you enjoy serving others in the community? Why or why not? What did you gain from your service? Supervisor s Name: Supervisor s Title: Supervisor s Signature: Contact Phone Number or Email: 13
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Knowledge Check Pope Saint John Paul II emphasized the importance of memorization in faith in conjunction with the gradual learning and growth in the understanding of the teachings and texts that the faithful are memorizing. The Knowledge Check is not something that is designed to be stressful. It is a gauge to be used to see where the teens stand in knowing the basics of the faith. It is something that will be given during Interview Day on Sunday, January 29 th. The following is a review guide (The answers can all be found at http://sclifeteen.weebly.com/knowledge-check.html). What are the Precepts of the Church? 1. Attend Mass on Sunday s and Holy Days of Obligation 2. Go to Reconciliation at least once a year 3. Receive the Eucharist at least once a year during the Easter season 4. Observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church 5. Help provide for the material needs of the Church according to your ability. What are the Holy Days of Obligation? January 1 st the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God August 15 th the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary November 1 st the solemnity of All Saints December 8 th the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception December 25 th the solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ List the 10 Commandments. 1. You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve 2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain 3. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy 4. Honor your father and your 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. List the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit 1. Wisdom 2. Understanding 3. Counsel 4. Knowledge 5. Fortitude 6. Piety 7. Fear of the Lord 15
What is a Sacrament? A sacrament is an outward sign of inner grace. List the Seven Sacraments Sacraments of Initiation 1. Baptism 2. Eucharist 3. Confirmation Sacraments of Healing 4. Reconciliation 5. Anointing of the Sick Sacraments of Service 6. Matrimony 7. Holy Orders List the 4 Marks (Pillars) of the Church: 1. One 2. Holy 3. Catholic 4. Apostolic 16
St. Catherine of Siena What is Life Teen? In the Department of Youth Ministry, one of the most incredible opportunities that we offer is the Life Teen Program. Completely optional and 100% independent from the Confirmation Program, Life Teen is a place where High School teens can gather as a community in Christ and come to know Jesus on a personal level. Through Life Nights, Retreats, ALT, and Conferences there are a plethora of platforms where our CORE Team of adults perform relational ministry. Our goal is to help teens dive as deep as they want to in relationship with our Savior. Where & When do we meet? Life Teen meets Sunday nights after the 5 PM Mass starting August 28 th and continuing through May. A calendar of our Life Nights and other events can be found on our website: http://sclifeteen.weebly.com 5:00-6:00 PM Life Teen Mass in the Main Sanctuary 6:15-6:45 PM Dinner in School Cafe 6:45-8:15 PM Life Teen Meetings in Herbert Hall 17