Guide for Parent and Guardian Sacramental Preparation

Office for Catechesis and Youth Ministry Guide for Parent and Guardian Sacramental Preparation Revised August 2013 Archdiocese of Chicago Strategic Pastoral Plan Year of Strong Catholic Parents

Table of Contents Page 1 Introduction 2 Inclusive Process 3 General Suggestions 3 Alternative Gatherings 4-8 Reconciliation Gathering Outline 9-13 First Eucharist Gathering Outline 14-18 Confirmation Gathering Outline Conclusion 19 Appendix A Reconciliation Reflection Sheet B First Eucharist Reflection Sheet C Confirmation Reflection Sheet D - Survey Letter E Resources Reconciliation Eucharist Confirmation Revised August 2013 Archdiocese of Chicago Strategic Pastoral Plan Year of Strong Catholic Parents

Introduction Parent and Guardian Sacramental Preparation Since the Catholic Church has named the family the domestic church (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church #11), or first church of the home, it is appropriate for the parish to greet families as partners in faith in a way that makes them feel welcome and gives them a sense of being collaborators in the important endeavor of preparing their children for reception of a sacrament. Parents, guardians and, in the case of the sacrament of Confirmation, sponsors are called to be intimately involved in the catechesis of their children for the reception of each sacrament (NCD #119, #122, #126, NDC 48 E, and Canon 774 #2). Involvement in sacramental preparations is an opportunity for parents, guardians, other family members and sponsors to renew and enhance their own faith. Accordingly, sacramental preparation should be based on adult learning styles. Adults learn best when they are allowed to incorporate their own life experiences into the educational process and when they can share and learn from other adults whose experience gives additional insights. Family members need to be reintroduced to the many aspects of the sacrament which their children are going to receive. The theology of every sacrament should always be presented within the concept of the Paschal Mystery, that is, the sharing in the new life of Christ through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1076). All sacraments are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in this body, the church (CCC 1116). Sacramental theology also includes the concept of a response to an invitation of the Lord to become a member of the body of Christ (NCD#123 & NDC 35 B). The invitation calls the recipient to ask for and receive forgiveness, to eat and drink the body and blood of Christ, to welcome the Holy Spirit s descent upon him or her. The General Directory for Catechesis reminds us that we are called to bring the power of the Gospel to the heart of cultures (GDC #109). The Directory says that the Catechist is the efficient instrument of this task because he/she, having a profound religious sense, also possesses a living social conscience and is well rooted in the cultural environment (GDC #110). These two directives call catechetical leaders to be conscious of, and respond to, the diversity found among parish families. Following the lead of the Catholic bishops of the United States, catechetical leaders need to enable each and every family, no matter what it s circumstances, to recognize that it is the domestic church", for in the words of the bishops, a family is holy not because it s perfect, but because God s grace is at work in it. (Follow the Way of Love, p.11) Sacramental Preparation Meetings give parents time to think/talk about the meaning of faith in their lives. An attitude of respect for and partnership with families is essential for successful preparation for the reception of sacraments. Listening to families, honoring their role as first catechists of their children, arranging multiple gatherings to meet their circumstances, welcoming them, praying with them, providing both child and adult learning opportunities and supportive resources - all these contribute to a partnership which can lead not only to a successful sacramental preparation process but to the formation of a strong, vital faith community. 1

Important Information This guide contains outlines for parent and guardian meetings in preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. These outlines are basic templates, which can be adapted and enhanced by the catechetical leader to fit his or her faith community. Suggestions are made for additional gatherings and activities because this significant moment of the reception of a sacrament is a time for ongoing evangelization of both the child and the family. One meeting is never sufficient. Inclusive Process It follows then that the scenario for a sacramental preparation program must be tailored to the local community, its culture and its particular experiences and needs. It is the role of the catechetical leader to become knowledgeable regarding the experiences and needs of his/her particular parish community, i.e., the need to include extended families in the African-American community the deep devotion of the Mexican- American community to Our Lady of Guadalupe and the deep devotion of the Polish community to the cause for canonization of Blessed Pope John Paul II. No matter what the circumstances, however, sacramental preparation is an ongoing process which draws those involved into a deeper understanding of their own faith and relationship with the Lord. The catechetical leader can begin developing a program in any of the following ways: solicit information regarding appropriate times for parent/guardian sacramental gatherings schedule gatherings, as far as possible, to accommodate the majority of respondents. provide alternative opportunities, if necessary, to accommodate those who cannot attend the chosen dates surface needs and experiences through a reflection sheet provide reflection sheets for sponsors who are not local residents provide translations of written materials, if appropriate address issues surfaced in the reflection sheets build in an assessment process for parents to offer their comments/suggestions for future meetings These initial outreach efforts indicate awareness and respect for the diversity of people, faith experiences and family life schedules in a parish community. 2

General Directions for All Sacramental Preparation Gatherings Once the parents, guardians, and in some instances, sponsors have been surveyed and invited to join in sacramental preparation, it is the role of the catechetical leader to facilitate a positive and worthwhile experience. The following checklist will help facilitate that effort: if providing childcare refer to archdiocesan guidelines welcoming and prayerful environment registration warm welcome from catechetical leader and parish leaders (Pastor) appropriate introductions opportunity for participants to meet those in close proximity prayer service using scripture appropriate to the relevant sacrament affirmation of participants ability to live their faith and share it theology of the sacrament faith enrichment opportunity using adult learning styles networking opportunities information regarding procedures for reception of the sacrament follow-up opportunities for faith enrichment i.e. Family First Friday e-mails during the Year of Strong Catholic Parents Alternative Gathering Opportunities Some parishes and some families are interested in alternative ways of preparing for reception of the sacrament. The outlines found in this packet are geared for Adult Only gatherings. However, suggestions in these outlines can be adapted to alternative opportunities such as: Children and Adult Gatherings begin and end with a family-sensitive prayer/blessing, offer basic education regarding the sacrament, directions regarding actual reception of the sacrament and then include a simple project appropriate to the sacrament so families will continue their conversations at home, i.e., making a family liturgical banner, creating a prayer mat that will be the center of a prayer space at home, writing a family prayer, designing and filling a sacramental memory box, doing a family service project, etc. Mixture of Adult Only with Children and Adult Gatherings - a combination of adult level education at one meeting with adult and children appropriate education and activities at another meeting Intergenerational Gatherings - relatives of various generations are invited to take part in gatherings that incorporate education and activities for various ages as identified under Children and Adult Gatherings above. Sacramental Preparation in the Home - in unusual circumstances, sacramental preparation takes place in the home with the support and direction of the catechetical leader and the pastor. When possible, the child and the parents or guardians join the rest of the faith community preparing for the reception of a sacrament. 3

Parent and Guardian Sacramental Preparation Reconciliation Gathering Outline I. The needs and experiences of the parents and guardians can be surfaced through an initial reflection sheet which seeks information about their experiences and memories regarding reconciliation (See Appendix A). The information, which is gathered from the reflection sheet, can be helpful in addressing issues and designing experiences, which can aid in the faith growth of parents and guardians along with that of their children. A letter, which asks families to make meeting scheduling suggestions, indicates respect of family time (See Appendix D). II. III. Welcome Family members are greeted and welcomed as partners in faith formation. Arrangements include: Greeters Sign-in sheets Name Tags Refreshments Resource Table (See Appendix E) Introductions The sacramental preparation gathering begins with a warm welcome from someone in catechetical leadership. Parents and guardians are thanked for their attendance and given a chance to meet those near them or hear some personal information from all participants if the group is small. Use this opportunity to affirm the parents/guardians as they live out the promises made at Baptism: When the presider said, You have asked to have your child baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training him (her) in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring him (her) up to keep God s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking? It is unlikely that any parent of an infant clearly understands what it takes to raise a child in the Catholic faith, though you are here today, ready to continue this faith journey with your child. For this, I thank you and offer the parish as a support along the way. IV. Prayer Table - cloth - candle - bible - crucifix plant symbol of sacrament or image from the Scripture passage. 4

Opening: We gather to prepare our children and ourselves for the very sacred Sacrament of Reconciliation. We know we need your wisdom and your grace, Lord, and so we are called to begin our prayer, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Choose one Scripture reading: Luke 15:11-32 (Prodigal son) John: 4:5-42 (Woman at the well) Luke 5:1-11 (Peter called and affirmed by Jesus) Luke 15:1-10 (The Parable of the Lost Sheep) Psalm 51:18-19 (God desires a contrite heart) Romans 5:8-11 (God forgives sin through Jesus) Reflection: God of unconditional love and forgiveness, look into our hearts and into our lives. Help us to do your will in our families, in our workplace, in our communities and in our world. When we stray from your path, Lord, reach out and touch us with your healing hand of grace. Help us to express sorrow to those we have injured and to accept your forgiveness. (Pause) Intercessions: Let us pray with confidence to Christ who died to save us. Response: Lord, hear us. For the Church and its leaders, that they may be instruments of peace and mercy... For the many countries throughout the world experiencing conflict, destruction and death, that healing and harmony may be restored... For those in our own country, both the perpetrators and victims of violence, that they may find forgiveness and peace... For those in our own families who need to forgive and reconcile... Please add your own intercession, if you wish... We ask all this through Christ, Our Lord. V. Presentation of Goals of Gathering Amen. To provide formation about the sacrament of Reconciliation. To engage parents and guardians in reflection of their own experiences of the sacrament and/or forgiveness so that they can better understand their children's impressions and discuss these with them. To provide opportunity for participants to dialogue about their experiences and insights. 5

To impress upon parents their primary role in their children s faith formation. VI. Reflection and Dialogue Among Participants 1. Beginning with a short personal reflection on an experience of forgiveness offers a model for the parents/guardians to follow in their small group discussion. Make sure the story has all the components of the sacrament: awareness of the sin, contrition, asking forgiveness, penance, a promise to change 2. Dialogue with one person or in a small group (Repeat of Reflection Sheet Suggestions - Appendix A) Recall and describe your experience of the reception of the sacrament of Reconciliation. If you have not received the sacrament, describe a meaningful experience of forgiveness. Recall and describe the most positive memory of your experience. Reflect on and share a positive memory of this sacrament you most desire for your child. VII. Presentation: The Sacrament of Reconciliation Affirm the ability of families to witness to their faith in everyday life and to share faith with their children. First emphasize the example of family forgiveness as an almost daily occurrence and then make the connection with the sacrament. Define sacrament as 1. Instituted by Jesus Christ. 2. Rooted in Holy Scripture. 3. Uniting the Church in community. 4. A visible sign of invisible grace. 5. A way in which we come into direct contact with God through the intervention of the Church. 6. A sign which makes an invisible reality become visible through the action of the Holy Spirit. 7. A sign and/or symbol rooted in God s covenant with Noah, Moses and David, and in the new covenant through Jesus. Focus on Reconciliation Explain the Rite of Reconciliation as an affirming experience in which private dialogue regarding personal wrongdoing and the means of atonement take place between penitent and the priest. Include the following points: 1. A sacrament of healing 2. A call to conversion 3. A sign of God s unconditional love and forgiveness 4. A welcome back to renewed friendship or reconciliation with God and the community, the Body of Christ 6

5. A response to the human need to confess wrongdoing, or sin, and ask for forgiveness 6. Font of spiritual healing Steps involved in the rite of reconciliation: 1. Examine your conscience and acknowledge how you have harmed your relationship with God and with others 2. Be sorry for any harm you have done or sin you have committed. 3. Confess that sorrow to those you have harmed to the priest. 4. Resolve to do your best not to repeat your mistakes. 5. Reflect on penance as an aid to new life and as a means of becoming closer to the Lord. 6. Accept the absolution of the priest who represents God and the community. 7. Do the penance given by the priest as an atonement for sin. 8. Offer prayers of thanksgiving for the healing power of God VIII. Reflection and Dialogue among Participants Questions for the group: What new perceptions of the Sacrament of Reconciliation did I gain from these presentations? What might I do for myself regarding this sacrament, either through the church or in my personal life? What can I do to highlight the positive spiritual aspects of this sacrament for my child in our home? IX. Further Information (to be included on handout or posted on parish website) Provide the parents/guardians with an Examination of Conscience that is ageappropriate and can begin a faith conversation in the home. Procedure for reception of the sacrament including appropriate reverent behavior Responsibilities of parents and guardians Rehearsal Dress Times Allow participants to complete a short assessment of the event X. Questions and Answers Regarding any Aspect of the Sacrament XI. Closing Prayer or Song: (Look in topic index of parish hymnal for familiar hymns known to your assembly) St. Francis' "Prayer of Peace" Sing a New Song Loving and Forgiving Lord You Are Good 7

XII. Mystagogia Post-Sacramental Catechesis Mystagogia is the deepening of our understanding of the mysteries of our faith. Ongoing formation begins following the Sacrament of Baptism. There is an opportunity for mystagogia following the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Here are some possible ongoing formation activities that you can provide postreconciliation, such as Provide time for parents/guardians to sign up for the Family First Friday monthly e-mails that will offer a developmentally-appropriate, intergenerational activity for families to do at home. (See the text-to-register flyer) Gathering children and their families to reflect on the experience of celebrating the sacrament. Mailing of family prayers, parenting tips, liturgical season art project suggestions for family gatherings. Gathering children and their family members for a potluck supper, a sacrament anniversary party, a parish service project. Invite parents/guardians to attend a class with their child and center all activities around love and forgiveness in a home (Love Day) Encourage parents/guardians to visit the new, family-friendly website www.catholicparentschicago.org Suggest that they read the article Raising Faith-filled Kids, look at the links in Helpful Hints, Parent-to-parent Wisdom and especially Preparing Children for the Sacraments. Important Note for the Catechetical Leader: The church tells us that the suitable age for first reception of Reconciliation is what is known as the age of reason or discretion, that is, about the age of seven or second grade. The directive is addressed in the Chicago Archdiocesan Policy Book IV, The Sanctifying Office of the Church, Part I, Sacramental Life. The policies relevant to the sacrament can be found in section 107. 8

First Eucharist Gathering Outline Catechetical Leaders Note: The desired outcome of all parent and guardian sacramental preparation is to affirm participants in their ability to witness to their faith in everyday life and to assist them in making further connections between faith and life, thus facilitating positive reflections which will result in ongoing adult faith development. Before the gathering consider if your parish will supply parents with copies of Celebrating Sundays for Catholic Families or develop a Moms Night Out using copies of At Home with our Faith and the discussion guides at http://homefaith.wordpress.com/ I. Survey and Invite Parents and Guardians Send the reflection sheet for First Eucharist (Appendix B) to parents and guardians and ask them to return it a week before the First Eucharist preparation meeting. Address the issues and design experiences which can aid their faith development. If the parents and guardians have already returned the Meeting Time Survey (Appendix D) prior to Reconciliation gatherings, refer to those surveys. If the survey has not been distributed, do so. Arrange your gatherings according to the results. II. III. Welcome Family members are greeted and welcomed as partners in faith formation. Arrangements include: Greeters Sign-in sheets Name tags Refreshments Resource Table (See Appendix E) Introductions A parish catechetical leader begins the sacramental preparation meeting with a warm welcome. Any catechetical leaders or catechists in attendance are introduced. Parents and guardians are given the opportunity to meet other participants near them. Use this opportunity to affirm the parents/guardians as they live out the promises made at Baptism: When the presider said, You have asked to have your child baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training him (her) in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring him (her) up to keep God s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking? It is unlikely that any parent of an infant clearly understands what it takes to raise a child in the Catholic faith, though you are here today, ready to continue this faith journey with your child. For this, I thank you and offer the parish as a support along the way. 9

IV. Prayer Table - cloth - candle - bible crucifix- plant symbol (Bread and Wine) Opening: We join together in this room because we have been called to assist the children in our care to prepare for the reception of First Eucharist. As we stand in awe of this great responsibility we begin our prayer, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". Choose one Scripture reading: Reflection: John 6:1-4,8-13 (The loaves and the fishes) Luke 11:1-4 (The Our Father) Luke 22:19-20 (The Last Supper) Luke 24:13-35 (Road to Emmaus) 1Corinthians 11:23-26 (Words of Jesus at the Last Supper) The Catechism of the Catholic Church in #1382 tells us that "to receive Communion is to receive Christ Himself who has offered Himself for us." This is an identifying mark of our Catholic faith. Our sharing of the Eucharist unites us with not only those who are within our vision, but with the universal Church. In addition we are united with those who have gone before us and with those who are yet to come. Lord, help us to take very seriously our unity with those throughout the universe. Let us unite ourselves in prayer particularly for those who are hungry, ill, oppressed or lonely. (Pause) Intercessions: Let us lift our voices to the Lord our God. Response: Hear and answer us, O Lord. For those who lead our church and country, that they may heed the cries of the poor and the downtrodden... For those who have gone before us in faith, that they may be enjoying the presence of the Lord... For the members of our families, that we may all experience unity... For all those who pray with us in this room, that they may find joy in this preparation for First Eucharist... Please add your own intercessions, either vocally or silently... (Pause) We ask this through your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. 10

V. Presentation of Goals of the Gathering To affirm parents and guardians in their basic holiness and ability to share faith with their children. To provide education regarding Eucharist and this specific First Eucharist celebration. To allow parents and guardians the opportunity to reflect on their own experience of Eucharist or some memorable experience relating to being fed. To provide an opportunity for parents to dialogue regarding their experiences and memories. VI. VII. Reflection and Dialogue among Participants 1. Personal reflection 2. Dialogue with one person or in a small group (Repeat of Reflection Sheet Questions - Appendix B) Recall and describe your most powerful experience of reception of the Eucharist. If you have not received the sacrament, reflect on a powerful experience of being fed, or a memorable meal. How has that experience impacted your life? What positive experience of this sacrament do you most desire for your child? Presentation: First Eucharist Define, once again, a sacrament as 1. Instituted by Jesus Christ. 2. Rooted in Holy Scripture. 3. Uniting the Church in community. 4. A visible sign of invisible grace. 5. A way in which we come into direct contact with God through the intervention of the Church. 6. A sign which makes an invisible reality become visible through the action of the Holy Spirit. 7. A sign and/or symbol rooted in God s covenant with Noah, Moses and David, and in the new covenant through Jesus. Focus on First Eucharist Explain that Eucharist is a sacrament of initiation, which, like Baptism and Confirmation, draws one into the fullness of initiation in the community of Jesus Christ. Include these points: 1. It has its roots in the celebration of the Jewish Passover meal - a memorial of Israel's release from Egyptian slavery. 2. It is a meal instituted by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. 11

3. It becomes, through the invocation of the Holy Spirit during the Eucharistic Prayer, the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ. 4. It commemorates the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for each one of us. 5. It signifies the unity and love of the members of the body of Christ, the Church. 6. It is a call to serve others. 7. It is a sacrifice because it re-presents the sacrifice of the cross. 8. It is food for our spiritual journey, which began at Baptism. Steps involved in the reception of First Eucharist 1. Have the desire to receive Communion. 2. Prepare the heart, mind and soul for reception. 3. Walk to the altar with folded hands. 4. Receive Communion in the hand, by cupping your left hand on top of your right hand (Left-handed people do the opposite). 5. Bow your head as a reverence to the Eucharist. 6. Respond "Amen" when the minister says "The Body of Christ." 7. If you wish to receive the Host on your tongue, raise your head and gently put out your tongue. 8. Swallow the host and walk to the minister who is holding the cup. 9. Bow your head as a sign of respect. 10. Respond "Amen" when the minister says "The Blood of Christ." 11. Take the cup and take a sip from it. Return the cup to the minister. 12. Return to your seat, quietly offer a prayer and join in the hymn. Note: Inform participants that receiving the cup is optional and that Eucharistic ministers wipe the cup with a cloth and turn the cup after each use. Children are allowed to receive from the cup. (It is probably good that the child has tasted wine at home before coming to the cup at Church.) VIII. Reflection and Dialogue among Participants Questions for participants: What new perceptions of the Sacrament of Eucharist did I receive from this gathering? What can I do to help my child focus on the spiritual aspects of this First Eucharist experience? What insights have I gained for myself as a result of this experience? IX. Further Information: (Available in handout or on parish website) 12

Procedure for reception of the sacraments Responsibilities of parents and guardians Rehearsal - Dress - Times Seating Allow participants to complete a short assessment of the event X. Questions and Answers Regarding any Aspect of the Sacrament XI. XI. Additional Opportunities to Prepare for First Eucharist A retreat for the children and their parents, a time set aside to reflect more deeply on what will be experienced in receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus. Gather to bake bread together. Perhaps watch Grandma s Bread with the families. Have a bread breaking prayer service together at the end of this event. Gather the families to make banners for First Communion. There are many kits, books with symbols and information on the how to s of this. Closing Song: (refer to the topical index of your parish hymnal for songs familiar to your assembly, try to use one that will be used during the Mass for First Communion.) Glory and Praise To Our God In Remembrance One Bread, One Body Our Father We Are Many Parts XII. Mystagogia Post-Sacramental Catechesis Mystagogia is the deepening of our understanding of the mysteries of our faith. Ongoing formation begins following the Sacrament of Baptism. Follow-up activities are important after First Eucharist. Find ways to keep in touch with parents and guardians and to gather them for reinforcement of the faith dimension of their busy lives. Some ideas for followup activities: Provide time for parents/guardians to sign up for the Family First Friday monthly e-mails that will offer a developmentally-appropriate, intergenerational activity for families to do at home. (See the text-to-register flyer) Gathering children and their families to reflect on their experience of the Sacrament in a family retreat Mailings - personal note, a family prayer, parenting tips, religious art project pattern Other Gatherings - pot luck supper, sacrament anniversary party, family service project Encourage parents/guardians to visit the new, family-friendly website www.catholicparentschicago.org Suggest that they read the article Raising Faith-filled Kids, look at the links in Helpful Hints, Parent-to-parent Wisdom and especially Preparing Children for the Sacraments. Offer families a copy of Celebrating Sundays to encourage Mass participation. 13

Confirmation Gathering Outline As you prepare for this gathering, consider involving the Confirmation candidates or the Confirmandi from previous years in one or more of the following ways: Candidates write the petitions that are read during the Opening Prayer Invite Teens who were confirmed the previous year to give a short presentation to parents about the power of Confirmation Confirmed teens from a previous year send in a story or video from their service experiences to share with parents Include in this gathering a process for distributing the Catholic Parent Know-How books titled, Building Stronger Families. Consider inviting parents/guardians to attend the Book Club sessions to read and discuss ways to prepare children for Confirmation. A Facilitator s Guide is available for download on the website www.archchicago.org/strategicpastoralplan/strongcatholicparents.i. Survey and Invite Parents and Guardians Send the reflection sheet for Confirmation (Appendix C) to parents, guardians and sponsors and ask them to return it one week before the first Confirmation preparation meeting. Address issues and design experiences that relate to the responses and which might aid in faith development. A letter and survey which asks families to indicate scheduling preferences should be sent and gatherings arranged, in so far as possible, according to the results. (See Appendix D) II. III. Welcome Family members are greeted and welcomed as partners in faith formation. Arrangements include: Greeters Sign-in sheets Name tags Refreshments Resource Table (See Appendix E) Introductions A parish catechetical leader begins the sacramental preparation meeting with a warm welcome. Any catechetical leaders or catechists in attendance are introduced. Parents, guardians and sponsors are given the opportunity to meet other participants within close proximity. Use this opportunity to affirm the parents/guardians as they live out the promises made at Baptism: When the presider said, You have asked to have your child baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training him (her) in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring him (her) up to keep God s 14

commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking? It is unlikely that any parent of an infant clearly understands what it takes to raise a child in the Catholic faith, though you are here today, ready to continue this faith journey with your child. For this, I thank you and offer the parish as a support along the way. IV. Opening Prayer Table - cloth - candle - bible crucifix plant symbol (dove) Opening: We gather today as one in the same Spirit as we help to prepare our children for the sacrament of Confirmation. Knowing that we will have support in this serious responsibility from the Lord our God, we begin our prayer, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Choose one Scripture reading: Psalm 45:8 (God has anointed us) Isaiah 11:2-3 (Gifts of the Holy Spirit) John 11:17-27 (Martha and belief) John 2:1-4 (Pentecost) Luke 4:16-22 (Jesus speaks of his own anointing) Reflection: On a number of occasions during his ministry, Christ promised the outpouring of the Spirit and he fulfilled that promise on the first Easter Sunday and then again on Pentecost. Aware that the grace of this sacrament unites us more perfectly to the Church and gives us the special strength of the Holy Spirit, we pray with confidence for the needs of the all. (Pause) Response: Hear us, O Lord Intercessions: (Optional petitions written by students) For leaders throughout the world and the church, that they may find strength in the Holy Spirit... For the members of our local community, that they may be advocates of peace and justice... For the members of this faith community, both living and dead, that they may join in spiritual support of our Confirmation candidates... For our Confirmation candidates and the members of their families, both immediate and extended, that this preparation period may be one of growth in faith... Please add your own intentions... 15

We ask all this through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen. V. Presentation of the Goals of the Gathering To affirm parents, guardians and sponsors in their basic holiness and their ability to share their faith with others. To provide education regarding the sacrament of Confirmation. To allow parents, guardians and sponsors to reflect on their own experience of Confirmation or some memorable experience relating to personal strengthening or enlightenment and to share experiences with others. VI. VII. Reflection and Dialogue among Participants 1. Personal reflection/witness from a teen on the power of Confirmation 2. Dialogue with one person or in small group (Repeat of Reflection Sheet Questions - Appendix C) Recall and describe your experience of the reception of Confirmation. If you have not received the sacrament reflect on a memorable experience of personal strengthening or enlightenment. Recall and describe the most positive influence of your reception of the Sacrament or of your experience of strengthening or enlightenment. What positive influence of this sacrament do you most desire for your child? Presentation: Confirmation Define a sacrament as: 1. Instituted by Jesus Christ. 2. Rooted in Holy Scripture. 3. Uniting the Church in community. 4. A visible sign of invisible grace. 5. A way in which we come into direct contact with God through the intervention of the Church. 6. A sign which makes an invisible reality become visible through the action of the Holy Spirit. 7. A sign and/or symbol rooted in God's covenant with Noah, Moses and David, and in the new covenant through Jesus. Focus on Confirmation Explain that the sacrament of Confirmation, together with Baptism and the Eucharist, constitute the sacraments of Christian initiation and that reception of the sacrament brings completion of the Sacrament of Baptism. Include these points: 1. It roots us more deeply in our role as children of God. 2. It unites us more firmly to Christ. 16

3. It increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us. 4. It binds us more closely to the Church. 5. It gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to be true witnesses of Christ in word and action. 6. It imprints an indelible spiritual mark. If possible allow time for a reflection, witness, or story/video from teens who were Confirmed in a previous year. Steps involved in the reception of Confirmation: 1. Candidate for Confirmation must have been baptized. 2. A desire to receive the sacrament. 3. A state of grace (celebrating the Sacrament of Penance) 4. A spiritual guide or sponsor (supply guidelines for choosing a Sponsor as a handout or direct parents/guardians to the website for a downloaded document) 5. A willingness to assume the role of witness and disciple of Christ. 6. A minister, ordinarily the bishop. 7. Renewal of Baptism Promise Invite parents to stand and participate in this part of the Rite, connecting this experience with the day they brought their child for Baptism 8. Laying on of the minister's hand. 9. Anointing of the forehead with chrism. 10. Saying of the words by Bishop: "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit. VIII. IX. Reflection and Dialogue among Participants Questions for participants: What new perceptions of the Sacrament of Confirmation did I receive from this gathering? What insights have I gained for myself as a result of this experience? What can I do to help my child/confirmand focus on the spiritual aspects of this Confirmation experience? Further Information included on handout or posted on parish website Procedure for the reception of the sacrament Responsibilities of parents, guardians and sponsors Rehearsal - Dress - Times - Seating X. Questions and Answers Regarding any Aspect of the Sacrament XI. Closing Song: (refer to topical index of your parish hymnal and choose a song familiar to your assembly, or choose one that will be used at Confirmation) We Are One in the Spirit 17

XII. Whom Shall I Send? Veni Sancte Spiritus Rain Down Mystagogia Post Sacramental Catechesis Mystagogia is the deepening of our understanding of the mysteries of our faith. Ongoing formation begins following the Sacrament of Baptism. Confirmation provides another opportunity to continue that formation. Provide time for parents/guardians to sign up for the Family First Friday monthly e-mails that will offer a developmentally-appropriate, intergenerational activity for families to do at home. (See the text-to-register flyer) Gathering young people and families on the experience of celebrating the sacrament Service projects are an integral part of preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation and could be continued as a family project after the reception of the sacrament. Mailings - family prayers, art projects, current moral issue articles, parenting tips. Other Gatherings - pot luck supper, sacrament anniversary party, religious movie. Encourage parents/guardians to visit the new, family-friendly website www.catholicparentschicago.org Suggest that they read the article Raising Faith-filled Kids, look at the links in Helpful Hints, Parent-to-parent Wisdom and especially Preparing Children for the Sacraments. 18

Appendix A Sample Parent and Guardian Reflection Sheet 1. Recall and describe your most powerful experience of the reception of the sacrament of Reconciliation. If you have not received the sacrament describe a meaningful experience of forgiveness. 2. Recall and describe the most positive result of your experience. 3. What positive result of this sacrament do you most wish for your child? 19

Appendix B Sample Parent and Guardian Reflection Sheet 1. Recall and describe your most powerful experience of the reception of the Eucharist. If you have not received the sacrament describe a memorable experience of being fed either physically or spiritually or both. 2. How has that experience impacted your life? 3. What positive result of the reception of this sacrament do you most wish for your child? 20

Appendix C Sample Parent, Guardian and Sponsor Reflection Sheet 1. Recall and describe your experience of the reception of Confirmation. If you have not received the sacrament describe a memorable experience of personal strengthening or enlightenment. 2. Recall and describe the most positive influence of your reception of the Sacrament or of your personal experience. 3. What positive result of this sacrament do you most wish for your young person? 21

Appendix D Sample Survey Letter Dear Parents/Guardians, We are approaching the time of your child's reception of the sacrament of. Experience and research indicate that a child's interest in and commitment to faith is as strong as that of his/her parents or guardians. Therefore, we are asking you to support your child's preparation for the sacrament of by attending gatherings to discuss the reception of the sacrament here at (parish name). We want to accommodate the scheduling needs of families and so we wish to receive your input regarding the most appropriate times for these sacramental preparation gatherings. Based on the responses we receive to the survey below, we will set two separate times for each gathering. This will give you alternatives and, we hope, will help to facilitate your attendance. Please return this survey to (DRE) by (day, date). We will inform you of sacramental preparation gathering dates as soon as the surveys are tabulated. Thank you. Sincerely, -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sacramental Preparation Survey Please check two days and times that would be most convenient for you. Sunday daytime evening Monday daytime evening Tuesday daytime evening Wednesday daytime evening Thursday daytime evening Friday daytime evening Saturday daytime evening Please return by day, date to (Catechetical Leader) 22

Appendix E Resources Revised for the Year of Strong Catholic Parents Provision of appropriate catechetical resources for home use is an essential component of the sacramental preparation process. Families need to continue to reinforce faith development inside their own homes. Use of the pages for families in most published programs is a good start. Additional access to informative, understandable publications and videos which touch on everything from the lives of the saints to a Catholic perspective on current moral issues and an explanation of the theology of particular sacraments are available for a reasonable price. A small resource center in the parish with appropriate materials can do much to enhance the sacramental preparation process, encourage faith experience and conversation in the home and assist in much needed adult education. Adequate resources can also assist in providing alternative learning experiences for the family whose unusual circumstances do not allow participation in the regular parish process. Materials used and recommended in the parish catechetical program can also be used in the home with support and direction from the parish catechetical leader. Please refer to the Archdiocese of Chicago Office for Catechesis and Youth Ministry website: www.catechesis-chicago.org Online support for parents is provided at www.catholicparentschicago.org Here parents can send in questions and read some concrete ways to prepare children for the Sacraments. There are many useful Catholic websites listed under Helpful Hints that they might want to view with their children. 23