St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Grapevine, TX

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Grapevine, TX

Pentecost, 33 A.D.

Dear Parents and Confirmation Candidates, More than two thousand years ago, the first Confirmation class met in a small crowded upper room in Jerusalem. And when the day of Pentecost had come there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4) And now your child s own journey toward Confirmation begins! The Sacrament of Confirmation is a wonderful gift that completes the work of grace God started in your child at their Baptism. Through the Sacrament of Confirmation, your son or daughter will be more perfectly united to the Church and Jesus Christ and given a special strengthening of the Holy Spirit, just like the Apostles and Mary at Pentecost, empowering them to better spread and defend the Gospel through their words and deeds. This strengthening of the Holy Spirit is necessary for us as Christians to live life to the full as Jesus wants for us. (John 10:10) This period of preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is important for you and your child. One of the biggest complaints I hear from youth ministers, Priests, and parents, is that after Confirmation teens seem to drift away from the Church. It doesn t have to be this way. The more reverence, respect, and preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation we model as parents, the more our children will learn the power and importance of this Sacrament and our Catholic Faith. If you are interested in understanding Confirmation better and explaining it to your child, checkout the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 1285-1321. Please carefully read and review this packet. The complete list of requirements and due dates can be found on the Candidate checklist form. Please review them completely and mark your calendars so everything can be turned in on time. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like to talk. Checkout www.sfatx.org/confirmation for updates! We will be praying for you and walking with you on this journey! +JMJ Edmund Mitchell Director of Evangelization and Catechesis St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Grapevine, Texas

IMPORTANT CONFIRMATION DATES PARENT & SPONSOR FORMATION Parents and Sponsors of our Confirmation Candidates (teens) are expected to participate in their own ongoing faith formation. You are free to choose any of the following options this year (please pick at least one). 2 Adult Mini-Series More information at sfatx.org/adultseries Fall or Spring Discover Christ Series More Info at sfatx.org/discoverchrist Welcome Retreat (CHRP 2.0) Women Feb. 8-10 // Men TBD. Contact emitchell@sfatx.org Parish Mission (Advent & Lent) Dec. 17 & 18 6:30pm-8:30pm // March 25 & 26 6:30pm- 8:30pm You are also invited to the Confirmation Parent & Sponsor Night of Prayer in the Church after dropping your teen off for the Confirmation Retreat on January 11 TEEN CONFIRMATION CLASSES & EVENTS Eligible teens will attend ONE of the following Confirmation Track Options (Fall, Spring, or Summer). *** Note: All Confirmation teens are encouraged to attend the SPIRIT Retreat January 11-13, 2019.*** FALL 2018 OPTION // WEDNESDAYS // 6pm Mass- 8:30pm // Room 115 & 113 Sept. 26 Session 1: Deepening of Baptismal Grace, the Rite explained Oct. 10 Session 2: The Holy Spirit in our lives Oct. 17 Session 3: Sin & Reconciliation Oct. 24 Session 4: Gifts of the Holy Spirit Nov. 7 Session 5: Prayer, Responding to the Holy Spirit Nov. 14 Session 6: Final Interview & Renewal of Baptismal Promises ***January 11-13, 2019 SPIRIT RETREAT Rehearsal & Worship: Date TBD SPRING 2019 OPTION // SUNDAYS // 6pm-8pm // FAMILY LIFE CENTER *** January 11-13, 2019 SPIRIT RETREAT Jan. 20 Session 1: Deepening of Baptismal Grace, the Rite explained Jan. 27 Session 2: The Holy Spirit in our lives Feb. 10 Session 3: Sin & Reconciliation Feb. 17 Session 4: Gifts of the Holy Spirit Feb. 24 Session 5: Prayer, Responding to the Holy Spirit March 3 Session 6: Final Interview & Renewal of Baptismal Promises Rehearsal & Worship: Date TBD SUMMER 2019 OPTION // MONDAY-SATURDAY // 9am-12pm // Youth Center ***January 11-13, 2019 SPIRIT RETREAT July 8 Session 1: Deepening of Baptismal Grace, the Rite explained July 9 Session 2: The Holy Spirit in our lives July 10 Session 3: Sin & Reconciliation July 11 Session 4: Gifts of the Holy Spirit July 12 Session 5: Prayer, Responding to the Holy Spirit July 13 Session 6: Final Interview & Renewal of Baptismal Promises Rehearsal & Worship: Date TBD

High School Young Church Calendar 2018-2019 NOTE: Confirmation Preparation is in addition to a teen s involvement in weekly Young Church and/or Discipleship Groups HS YOUNG CHURCH SUNDAYS 6pm-8pm in the Family Life Center SEPT 9 - FALL KICK-OFF // Color War 16 - HSYC 23 - HSYC 30 - HSYC OCT 7 - NO HSYC; Fall Break 14 - XLT - Sam Ford 21 - CONCERT - Connor Flannigan 28 - HSYC NOV 4 - HSYC 11 - Called to Protect for Youth 18 - XLT - Sam Ford 25 - NO HSYC; Thanksgiving Break DEC 2 - HSYC 9 - HSYC 16 - HSYC 17 & 18 - Parish Mission: Gomer! 23 & 30 - NO HSYC, Christmas Break JAN 6 - SPRING KICK-OFF // Glow 13 No HSYC; Spirit Retreat 20 - XLT - Sam Ford 27 - HSYC FEB 3 - YC Super Bowl Party 10 - HSYC 17 - HSYC 24 XLT - Sam Ford MAR 3 HSYC 10 - NO HSYC, Spring Break 17 HSYC 24 HSYC 31 HSYC APR 7 - HSYC 14 - HSYC 21 - NO HSYC; Easter 28 - XLT (All Parish) MAY 5 - HSYC; End of Year Celebration Discipleship Groups For teens that want to take the next step in their faith. Connect groups are made up of 8-10 teens of the same gender who meet weekly with two trained adult Core Members. Time and Location determined by each group. Teens interested in joining or starting a Discipleship Group should contact Tim Jara at tjara@sfatx.org * For more information about Called to Protect, please contact Donna Buccino at dbuccino@sfatx.org

Confirmation Parent & Sponsor Sessions Parents and Sponsors of our Confirmation Candidates (teens) are expected to participate in their own ongoing faith formation. You are free to choose any of the following options this year (please pick at least one). 2 Adult Mini-Series More information at sfatx.org/adultseries Fall or Spring Discover Christ Series More Info at sfatx.org/discoverchrist Welcome Retreat (CHRP 2.0) Women Feb. 8-10 // Men TBD. Contact emitchell@sfatx.org Parish Mission (Advent & Lent) Dec. 17 & 18 6:30pm-8:30pm // March 25 & 26 6:30pm-8:30pm For parents that speak Spanish: Sister Yolanda Piñeda leads a parent meeting each Wednesday evening in the Church. Parent & Sponsor Night of Prayer **Jan. 11 th at 7pm ** We also ask all parents and sponsors join us for a special night of prayer in the Church to pray for our Confirmation students. After dropping your child off for the Spirit Retreat, simply come into the Church and join us for a night of worship and prayer. We will begin as soon as the Confirmation students load the busses and drive away to spend the weekend at Camp Copass on the SPIRIT Retreat. Parents are the primary catechists of their children. We know how important the role of the parents is in the formation of the youth of our Church. Only one parent needs to be present at these sessions, but we also encourage both parents and sponsors to attend if it is possible.

Attendance Policy: We take attendance at all Young Church and Confirmation Sessions. Confirmation Candidates are asked to attend the weekly Young Church Sessions (Sundays 6-8:00pm) and Confirmation Sessions (Dependent upon season chosen). If serious circumstances beyond your control will cause you to miss a session, be sure to email Tim Jara and inform him. If a Confirmation Candidate misses more than 4 Young Church sessions during their Confirmation year and/or more than 1 Confirmation session, then we would suggest that the candidate wait until he or she can maintain consistent attendance to be confirmed. There is no make-up work required for missing a Young Church session. If you will miss a Confirmation session, you must: Email Tim Jara and let him know in advance at tjara@sfatx.org Complete the Make-Up Assignment (Reading & Essay). Make-up assignment can be found at: www.sfayoungchurch.com/confirmation-1 Paper must be signed by parent and turned in at next Confirmation session.

Confirmation Paperwork Checklist Paperwork & Payment due Dec. 2 Copy of your Baptismal Certificate If you were baptized at St. Francis, tell us the month and year that your child was baptized here. Pick a Sponsor and turn in Sponsor form If from another parish, obtain a form from the parish stating that the sponsor is in good standings at the parish. Attendance Policy Agreement Turn in Spirit Retreat Form (B) & Retreat Payment of $150 The cost of the retreat is $150 (includes meals, housing, transportation, activities, and Confirmation materials). Please pay in cash or check. Checks can be made payable to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Confirmation Saint Name All Paperwork (Except for service events and a letter of intent) must be turned in to Tim Jara all at once by Dec. 2 in a folder with the Candidate s first and last name on it, as well as his or her Confirmation Season (Fall, Spring, or Summer) the earlier the better. Incomplete packets will not be accepted. Paperwork packets can be submitted at Young Church events. Please do not turn the forms in to anyone else, otherwise they get misplaced. Confirmation Events Checklist Attend Confirmation Orientation Session Sept. 12 th or Sept. 19 th Attend weekly Young Church/Confirmation sessions Attend the Confirmation Spirit Retreat January 11 th - 13 th Serve and record 15 Service Events due by final interview. Attend Confirmation Rehearsal Date TBD Arrive for Confirmation Mass 45 minutes early Date TBD If any of these deadlines will be a problem, please contact Tim Jara at tjara@sfatx.org

Attendance Policy Agreement: We take attendance at all Young Church and Confirmation Sessions. Confirmation Candidates are asked to attend the weekly Young Church Sessions (Sundays 6-8:00pm) and Confirmation Sessions (Dependent upon season chosen). If serious circumstances beyond your control will cause you to miss a session, be sure to email Tim Jara and inform him. If a Confirmation Candidate misses more than 4 Young Church sessions during their Confirmation year and/or more than 1 Confirmation session, then we would suggest that the candidate wait until he or she can maintain consistent attendance to be confirmed. There is no make-up work required for missing a Young Church session. If you will miss a Confirmation session, you must: Email Tim Jara and let him know in advance at tjara@sfatx.org Complete the Make-Up Assignment (Reading & Essay). Make-up assignment can be found at: www.sfayoungchurch.com/confirmation-1 Paper must be signed by parent and turned in at next Confirmation session. I understand the above expectations for adequate preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation and will do my best to meet them. Confirmation Candidate Signature: Confirmation Candidate Printed Name: Parent Signature:

Confirmation Interview During our last Confirmation class each candidate will be given a final interview to assess their readiness to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. These are some of the questions, but Catechists reserve the right to ask other questions from material covered throughout the year. What Young Church session impacted your spiritual life the most and why? Why do you want to be Catholic? What is the difference between a mortal and venial sin? What are the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit? What does the Sacrament of Confirmation mean to you? What do you hope it will do in your life? How have you prepared spiritually to receive it? What is discipleship? What service events have you done in preparation for Confirmation? What did you learn from them?

Confirmation Letter of Intent 1-page single spaced turned into Confirmation teacher by the date of your final interview. To be eligible for confirmation, a candidate must be baptized and attend confirmation preparation. One of the steps to prepare for confirmation is requesting the sacrament. In most churches, candidates write a letter to their priest to formally request the sacrament of confirmation. Use these tips below to write a letter requesting the sacrament of confirmation. (These are just suggestions, not a required format.) Tips on writing your letter to your priest, asking for the sacrament of confirmation: 1. Address your letter to Father Flynn. 2. Format the letter using a formal letter writing style. Include a greeting, body of the letter, and signature. Type your letter using a word processing software program. Do not hand write it, except for the signature at the conclusion of the letter. 3. Address the priest in the greeting. Begin your letter with "Dear," followed by the name of the priest. Use the title of "Father" when addressing the priest. If your priest's name is Michael Jones, the letter should begin, "Dear Father Jones. 4. Introduce yourself in the first paragraph. Tell the priest your name, gender, age, year in school and what school you attend. Include some information about your background, family, activities and interests. This paragraph shouldn't be a long biography, but a brief description of who you are. 5. Request the sacrament of Confirmation in the second paragraph. Tell the priest why you want to be confirmed in the Catholic Church. Explain what Confirmation means to you and why it is important that you receive the sacrament. The second paragraph should provide specific information about why you want to be confirmed.

6 Explain your spiritual preparation for Confirmation in the third paragraph. Note any formal preparations within the church setting, such as Confirmation or catechism classes. Address how you are preparing for Confirmation through prayer. Indicate how often you are attending Mass, and how the worship services are helping you to prepare for Confirmation. Explain how any service events deepened your spiritual life so far. Take time to honestly evaluate your spiritual life and note areas where you are strong in your faith, as well as areas needing improvement. Tell your priest why you feel you are ready to accept the sacrament of confirmation. Explain why you are ready for Confirmation. 7 Apply Confirmation to your future in the fourth paragraph. Explain how you plan to stay connected to God throughout your life. Evaluate the role the Holy Spirit will play in your spiritual growth. Tell how you will continue to serve others and God in your life. Tell your priest how you plan to live out your Confirmation promises in the future. 8 Thank your priest in the fifth paragraph. Thank your priest for his role in preparing you for confirmation. Tell him that you appreciate his spiritual leadership and teachings. If you have a personal relationship with your priest, note a specific attribute or quality that he shares for which you are thankful. 9 Conclude the letter. Use the words "Sincerely" or "Best Regards" before your signature line. Be sure to sign the letter with your complete name using a blue or black ink pen. Please complete and return by the date of your final interview, 2018

Choosing a Sponsor Confirmation Candidate s Name: A sponsor is a witness of the commitment to Christ that you are making. The sponsor can be a Godparent or any other Catholic adult, but not a parent, such as a mother or father. The sponsor presents you at your Confirmation and is with you throughout your Confirmation journey. Requirements of the Sponsor: Sponsor must be sufficiently mature for the role and be at least 16 years of age Sponsor must be a practicing member of the Catholic Church and initiated in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. Sponsor DOES NOT need to be the same gender as the candidate. Godparents may be sponsors at Confirmation Parents of candidates may not be sponsors, but may stand in proxy in the absence of the sponsor. If sponsor is not a parishioner of St. Francis, they must submit a letter from their parish pastor indicating they are a registered member in good standing. It is best to choose a Sponsor with whom you can communicate. Look for someone who can walk this journey with you and help answer questions and guide you in this process. Choose someone you respect and admire. Don t be afraid to ask someone in the Church whom you respect as a faithful and devout Catholic. Most people are extremely honored and flattered to be asked to be a Confirmation Sponsor. Your Sponsor s Name: Home Parish: St. Francis of Assisi OR Other: Why have you asked this person to be your Confirmation Sponsor? All Paperwork/Payment is Due Dec. 2, 2018 in one folder with Candidates name on it.

Choosing a Confirmation Name Confirmation Candidate s Legal Name: There is a great tradition in Salvation History of God changing someone s name to represent a new role or direction or purpose for the individual s life. Abraham (Abram), Peter (Simon), and Paul (Saul), are all examples of people God set apart and destined for a great plan. Your Confirmation name should reflect your new role as a mature Christian in the Catholic Church. Select the name of a Saint who you admire or would like to imitate. After you decide on a name, use the space below to explain your choice. For example, if your name were Dominic Robert Mitchell, and you picked St. Michael as your Confirmation name, your Confirmation name would be Dominic Robert Michael Mitchell. Confirmation Name: Why you chose this Saint s name for your Confirmation name: All Paperwork/Payment is Due Dec. 2, 2018 in one folder with Candidates name on it.

Spirit Retreat January 11 th - 13 th Camp Copass Denton, TX What is the Spirit Retreat? Spirit Retreat is an overnight Christian Formation weekend retreat sponsored by youth ministry at St. Francis. It is a unique experience of the Holy Spirit and Christian community. The retreat team is made up of former confirmation students who desire to pass on what they received during their own confirmation experience. In addition to the youth team, there are adult core members and confirmation teachers who assist in the planning of the retreat and who attend the weekend. This retreat experience is an opportunity for the young person to come to know the love that Jesus has for them and the desire to be a part of their everyday lives. How long is the Retreat? All youth should meet at the church by 5:00 p.m. Friday evening, January 11 th, to caravan by bus to Camp Copass in Denton, TX. All youth and adults on retreat will return by 1:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, January 13 th, 2017. Form B and Code of Conduct should be returned by Sunday, December 2 rd, 2018 with all other paperwork. Other Important Details: The cost of the retreat is $150 (includes meals, housing, transportation, activities, and Confirmation materials). Please pay in cash or check. Checks can be made payable to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. What TO bring: Comfortable clothes Jacket Sleeping bag or bedding and pillow Towel & washcloth Toiletries (toothbrush, shampoo, soap, etc.) Pajamas Snacks to share with the group: cookies, crackers, etc What NOT to bring: IPODS, ITOUCH, IPADS, hair straighteners, PDAs and watches. These items might get lost or stolen.

FORM B - Consent to Participate, Code of Conduct, and Consent for Emergency Medical Treatment ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI - GRAPEVINE, TX Diocese of Fort Worth and/or the Parish of Consent to Participate and Consent for Emergency Medical Treatment I, grant permission for my child, PARENT/GUARDIAN YOUTH PARTICIPANT to participate in the below described parish event. This activity will take place under the guidance and direction of parish employees and/or volunteers from the above named parish. A brief description of the activity follows: Description of event: CONFIRMATION SPIRIT RETREAT 2018-2019 Date of event: JANUARY 11-13 Destination of event: CAMP COPASS - 8200 E McKinney St, Denton, TX 76208 Individual(s) in charge: Tim Jara Sam Ford Estimated time of departure and return: 5:00pm Friday, Jan 11-1:00pm Sunday, Jan 13 Mode of transportation to and from event: School Bus departing from St. Francis Transportation to/from event is the responsibility of the participant During this event, I give permission for either of the adults named above in charge of the event to consent to emergency medical or surgical treatment for YOUTH PARTICIPANT. Has there been any changes to personal information, insurance or medical information since you last filled out Form A for this child? No. Yes. The following changes to personal information, insurance and/or medical information since I last filled out Form A for my child named above are: In case of emergency: (Name) (Phone) Please read and sign the next page (or on the back) for the Completion of Form B. 4.3a

FORM B - Consent to Participate, Code of Conduct, and Consent for Emergency Medical Treatment Diocese of Fort Worth Code of Conduct, expectations of all participants and dress code The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to identify personal behavior that is consistent with the purpose and objectives of the Diocese of Fort Worth. The items within the Code are based upon performance and are designed to protect the welfare of all participants. CODE OF CONDUCT OF ALL YOUTH PARTICIPANTS Youth will respect themselves, other people, other people s property, and church property. Youth will participate and contribute in a positive way in all activities and obey the instructions of the youth ministry, adult volunteers, and staff. During the event youth will show respect by not causing disruptions. Harassment, intimidation or bullying will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Youth will use language that reflects a Christian attitude. Youth will not use curse words or other foul language. Youth will maintain a Christian witness to the dignity of each person: no tickling, wrestling, piggyback rides or inappropriate touching (which means: do not touch anyone anywhere that a bathing suit would cover). In addition, physical displays of affection such as kissing, full body hugs, sitting on laps, and lying or sleeping next to each other are inappropriate. Being isolated or alone with another student is not allowed. Youth will wear modest clothing. No clothing that is sexually suggestive or spiritually degrading. T-shirts or other clothing with evil, vulgar, illegal, or inappropriate content will not be acceptable. In addition there should be: no midriffs, no low-cut tops, no spaghetti straps, no see through clothing, and no sagging pants to where underwear shows. Please do not wear short shorts. Shorts must follow the same guidelines as the school system. Youth will stay with the group at all times during the event and will not leave early unless approval from a parent or guardian ahead of time or in person. Youth will not possess any weapon of any kind (knife, gun, etc.) at any youth ministry activity at the church or event. Youth will not use, possess or be under the influence of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or any other illegal drugs at any youth ministry activity. Youth will not engage in sexual intimacy or sexual harassment, and will not possess pornography at any youth ministry activity. Any illegal activity will prompt reporting to proper authorities depending upon the situation. In the event the Code of Conduct is violated by a youth, proper diocesan protocols will be handled by the diocesan employee, pastor, youth minister or adult volunteer in charge. Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct will result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the event. I have read and understand the above CODE OF CONDUCT, EXPECTATIONS OF ALL PARTICIPANTS and will comply. YOUTH PARTICIPANT Name Parent/Guardian/Conservator Signature Date By checking this box and typing your name above, you have agreed that this is your electronic signature. If you do not wish to sign this document electronically, Please print the document, sign, and mail to your parish. This form Consent to Participate, Code of Conduct, and Consent for Emergency Medical Treatment must be attached to the Parent/Guardian/Conservator Permission, Liability Waiver, and Medical Information (FORM A) for each event attended. Forms A and B must travel to and from each trip away from the church. Forms OA and OB are required for all Out of State events. 4.3a

Confirmation Service Opportunities Confirmation year is an opportunity for Candidates to serve in their community and spend some time exploring how their gifts and talents can be used within their parish community and family. There are tons of ways you can get involved and serve at our parish. This year, we are not requiring or tracking the completion of service hours, but service events. Candidates for Confirmation will complete 15 events, having the leader of the event or ministry sign the service sheet below. (For family events, parents can sign off.) These events can be completed and tracked between April 1, 2018 March 29 th, 2019. There are three areas that Confirmation Candidates can look for opportunities to serve in the Church parish and in their family. This list outlines all recommended and acceptable events. Service events outside of the family and our Parish are not counted as service events for Confirmation. When volunteering for an event or ministry, please refer to the Parish website, bulletin, or email to contact the ministry or event coordinator for details on volunteering.

List of Service Opportunities at St. Francis of Assisi and within the Family ** Maximum of 5 events allowed of the same event. ** Church Ministries & Missions Liturgical Ministries: Altar Server, Usher, Greeter, Lector, Sacristan, etc Vacation Bible School Assistant Catechist for K-6 Music Ministry Hospitality Any other St. Francis of Assisi Ministries Feeding the Homeless through Catholic Charities or other non-profit organizations Prison Ministry SFA Outreach Projects Contact Mary Molini at (817) 488-5444 Lifeteen Haiti Mission Trip Social Events SFA Community Fest SFA BBQ Cook-off Tear down and set up for Seek, Young Church, any Church events, etc Volunteering for Church Events Mardi Gras Chili cook off Easter Egg Hunt Daddy-Daughter Dance Helping with Knights of Columbus Family and Personal Faith Lead a family rosary Lead your family in Liturgy of the Hours (such as Night Prayer) Lead your family in Lectio Divina (reading and meditating on Scripture) Go to Confession as a family Go to a Holy Hour of Adoration as a family Volunteer as the Vocation Family for one week Attend the Parish Mission as a family Attend Fall or Spring High School Retreat (excluding Spirit Retreat) For more info and ideas be sure to visit sfatx.org or sfayoungchurch.com

Service Events Worksheet (Horas de Servicio) Service Hours for April 2018 March 2019 15 Events due by March 29 th, 2019 Confirmation Candidate s Name: Date (Fecha) Service Event (Evento de Servicio) Event Supervisor Signature (Supervisor de evento)