CONFIRMATION HANDBOOK 2017-2018 Prayer to the Holy Spirit Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. Holy Family Parish Shorewood, IL
CONFIRMATION Dress Code for Candidates & Sponsors Girls: Dresses with sleeves No spaghetti straps (If sleeveless, a cover-up must be worn) Skirts with blouses or sweater Modest Length (must be at least finger tip length) Dress Shoes or Dressy Sandals (no flip-flops AND no heels higher than 2 ) No Slacks or Pants Boys: Shirt and tie (Jacket optional) Dress Pants Dress Shoes No jeans or gym shoes Questions: Please call the Religious Education Office 815-730-8691
LETTER TO THE PASTOR PROCEDURES & OUTLINE Due: the week of March 4th Included in the preparation process is a letter written to the Pastor by each Confirmation candidate requesting the Sacrament of Confirmation. The letter should include the following: 1. a personal statement of why you are asking to be Confirmed 2. a personal statement of how you intend to live out your responsibility as an adult Christian 3. provide examples of what Christian Service Projects you have experienced 4. provide examples of what you would like to do in the future 5. personal statement of who your chosen saint is and why you chose that name 6. a personal statement of who your sponsor is and why you chose them 7. a personal statement of what you have learned during this preparation for Confirmation The letter should give the Pastor a better sense of who you are as an individual and what s important to you. Letter hints: - length of the letter should be between 1 and 2 pages - letter must be typed - begin the letter Dear Fr. Dennis - sign the letter Respectfully, - return the letter to your catechist/teacher Your catechist/teacher will review your letter prior to it being sent to the Pastor. This letter as well as your total Confirmation preparation will be reviewed by the Pastor, DRE, Principal, Catechist/Teacher.
Role of the Sponsor CONFIRMATION SPONSOR INFORMATION - The Sponsor witnesses the candidate s commitment to Christ and the Church through words and actions. - The Sponsor witnesses the candidate s commitment to Christ and the Church through observation. - The Sponsor reads and completes the Sponsor form. - The Sponsor serves as a role model in the Christian life of the candidate. - The Sponsor assists the candidate with his/her Christian Service Projects when necessary. - The Sponsor assists the candidate with advice when the candidate seeks advice. - The Sponsor prays for the candidate especially during the period of preparation. - The Sponsor presents the candidate to the Bishop and stands with the candidate at the anointing with the Chrism oil. Requirements All candidates for the sacrament of Confirmation are required to have a sponsor. There is special criteria, which allows someone to qualify as a sponsor. The following policies apply to Confirmation sponsors. - The Sponsor must be at least 16 years of age and mature enough to guide and aid the candidate in fulfilling his/her Baptismal promises. - The Sponsor must be Confirmed in the Catholic faith. - The Sponsor must live a life in harmony with the Catholic faith. They must regularly participate in Sunday Mass, and, if married, be married within the Church. - It is desirable that the sponsor be a Godparent from Baptism although this is not necessary. - Parents and/or guardians may not serve as their child s own sponsor. However, if the sponsor is not able to attend the sacrament of Confirmation, a parent may present their candidate to the Bishop. Choosing a Sponsor Candidates are asked to think about what qualities you admire in the person you may wish to choose as your sponsor. Will you be able to turn to this person for advice and encouragement as you continue to grow in your Catholic faith even after Confirmation? The person you choose may be a relative, or a friend of the family. The person you choose should be available to you for advice, encouragement and assistance when needed. After you have made your choice, explain to your sponsor why you chose them and explain the Confirmation process to them. Please ask them to fill out the Sponsor Form and return the form to you. Candidates for Confirmation, as for Baptism, fittingly seek the spiritual help of a sponsor. -Catechism of the Catholic Church #1311
Holy Family Parish Religious Education Office 600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, IL 60404 815-730-8691 www.re@holyfamilyshorewood.org CONFIRMATION SPONSOR FORM Due: the week of January 21 st Dear Sponsor: Congratulations on being selected as a Confirmation Sponsor. We know you will take the responsibility seriously and guide your candidate as well as pray for them during this process leading to Confirmation. Please complete the following information and return this information to the Confirmation candidate. This form must be signed by your present Pastor or Associate Pastor. Confirmation Sponsor Requirements Special criteria has been established to define who is eligible to be a Confirmation Sponsor. The following rules apply: - Sponsor must be over 16 years of age. - Sponsor must be confirmed in the Catholic faith. - Sponsor must live in harmony with the Catholic faith. - Sponsor must attend the Sponsor/Candidate Practice. SPONSOR COMMITMENT (please print) Candidate s Name (Student) Candidate s Saint Name (Student) Sponsor s Full Name (printed) Sponsor s Relationship to Candidate Sponsor s Complete Address City State Zip Sponsor s Age Are you Confirmed? Sponsor s Current Parish Complete Parish Address City State Zip Pastor or Associate Pastor s Signature Date I attest that the information provided on this form is true. I am a practicing Catholic. I believe and accept the teachings of the Catholic Church. I also understand and accept the responsibility that I undertake as a sponsor and I promise to support this candidate. Signature of Sponsor Date
CONFIRMATION SAINT NAME SELECTION New Names Taking a name at Confirmation is part of a time-honored tradition, which signifies a profound change. In the Old Testament Abram had his name changed by God to Abraham. God also changed his wife Sari s name to Sarah. From the earliest times, monks embraced the name of a saint as both a sign of their commitment and as a role for living in faith. Meanings Every name has a meaning which has been derived through the experience of generations. When choosing a name for Confirmation, look at its origin or meaning. Also look at the life of the saint who carried that name. Would you model your life after them? Try to avoid selecting a name for superficial reasons. Selecting a name because it sounds cool or looks different is not good criteria for name selection. What s okay In choosing a name for Confirmation you are called to select a Christian name or a name with Christian meaning. You can choose your original Baptismal name. There is no requirement that this name be different. I ve made my choice Now that you have made your choice, you have a few options to write your Confirmation Saint Name Report. If you have chosen a saint, you can write your report based on the life of your saint. If you have chosen a name who is not a saint, you can write your report on the saint from which your name is derived. (ie. Christine report can be written about St. Christopher.) If you have chosen a name of someone who is in the Bible, write your report on the information from the bible and other research you have compiled. Your teacher/catechist will provide you with additional information about your Confirmation Saint Name Report and due date. www.catholic.org/saints www.americancatholic.org/features/saints www.roman-catholic-saints.com www.saintsresource.com Keywords to Google: patron saints, calendar of feast days, saints and angels, index to saints, actual saint name (ie.: Saint David or Ruth in the Bible). I have called you by name and you are mine. -Isaiah 43:1
Holy Family Parish Religious Education Office 600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, IL 60404 815-730-8691 www.re@holyfamilyshorewood.org CONFIRMATION REQUIREMENTS ELIGIBILITY To be eligible to enter into preparation to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, the Confirmation candidate must meet the following qualifications: 1. Be a baptized Catholic. 2. Be a registered family in the Parish School or Religious Education Program. 3. Be an eighth grade student or older. 4. Have attended Religious Education classes or Religion classes for one year prior to the 8 th grade sacramental preparation year. If transferring from outside the parish, enrollment in a Religious Education Program or Catholic School Religion class for one year prior to the 8 th grade sacramental preparation year is required. 5. Have received First Reconciliation and First Communion. PREPARATION REQUIREMENTS Preparation for Confirmation consists of the following components: 1. Instruction in the faith through Religion/Religious Education classes. 2. Formation for the sacrament of Confirmation (conducted within class). 3. Testing by the catechist/teacher to insure that the student has a basic understanding of the faith. The formal test will take place at the end of 7 th grade. 4. Attendance and participation at Parent Meetings (parents only), practices, reflections, and retreat days, and recap or renewal days. 5. Fulfilling the sacramental preparation requirements as outlined by teacher/catechist. 6. An evaluation for sacramental readiness by the catechist/teacher, Director of Religious Education, Principal and the Pastor. 7. Attendance and participation at the practices for the sacrament. 8. Completion of Service hours, Homily reports and Spiritual Experience hours. The Pastor, Principal and Director of Religious Education in cooperation with the teachers and catechists will meet to evaluate the readiness of each student. If any portion of these requirements is not met, the sacrament of Confirmation may be postponed to a later date.
Holy Family Catholic Church Religious Education Office 600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, IL 60404 815-730-8691 www.re@holyfamilyshorewood.org REGISTRATION FOR SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION Due: the week of December 3 rd All 8 TH grade students or older must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and First Eucharist and be enrolled in 8 th grade Religious Education classes or the Parish School. Please Print STUDENT NAME Last First Middle STUDENT ADDRESS Address City Zip Code Confirmation Saint Name AGE PHONE NUMBER ( ) Father s Name Last First Middle Mother s Name Last First Middle MOTHER S MAIDEN NAME BAPTISM: If the School or Religious Education Office does not have a copy of the baptismal certificate on file, you MUST provide a copy. We must have a copy on file before the sacrament can be received. Sponsor Name
CONFIRMATION SAINT NAME REPORT: Reflection on my Confirmation Saint Name Due: the week of December 3 rd Please type Confirmation Saint name report. Report should have a cover page with picture or your drawing of the saint. The cover sheet should contain Student Name and Confirmation Saint Name (your Confirmation Saint name you have chosen). If RE student, you should include your day and time of class. If you have chosen a name who is not a saint, you can write your report on the saint from which your name is derived. (ie. Christine report can be written about St. Christopher. Please contact the RE Office for guidance for which saint to write your report on. If you change your name before Confirmation, you must write another report about that saint.) The following is information that must be contained in your report. Not all information will be applicable to your Saint (ie: Feast Day). Feast Day (if it applies): If a Saint name, he/she is the patron of: I chose this name (or saint s name) because: In what way was this person most like Jesus. Tell about the life of your saint. What special virtues or qualities did this person have? What one particular thing or object depicts this person s life? (Example: St. Rita could be the rose.) Write a summary of that person s life story. The Confirmation Saint Name Report will be returned to the Confirmandi before Confirmation. We recommend the Confirmandi review the information as you may be asked questions by the Bishop during the Confirmation liturgy. In the treasury, too, are the prayers and good works of all the saints, all those who have followed in the footsteps of Christ the Lord and by his grace have made their lives holy and carried out the mission the Father entrusted to them -Catechism of the Catholic Church #1477
CONFIRMATION SCHEDULE 8 th grade - 2017-2018 UPDATED 8/7/17 2017 CONFIRMATION PARENT MEETING (Student should NOT attend) Monday, September 18 th at 6:30pm in Church or Wednesday, September 20 th at 6:30pm in Church CONFIRMATION COMMITMENT WEEKEND Saturday, September 30 th at 4:00pm Mass or Sunday, October 1 st at 7:00am, 8:30am, 10:15am, noon Mass. 8 th grade Confirmation students must attend one Mass only. CONFIRMATION PACKETS Due the week of October 15 th All packets MUST BE TURNED IN even if there is no reports completed. PARISH MISSION (Spiritual Experience) November 5 th, 6 th, 7 th, 2017 Sunday thru Tuesday at 7:00pm in church (Each night you attend the Parish Mission, you will receive one hour of Spiritual Experience.) SAINT REPORT: Reflection on my Confirmation Name Due the week of December 3 rd SACRAMENT REGISTRATION FORM Due the week of December 3 rd 2018 CONFIRMATION PACKETS Due the week of January 7 th All packets MUST BE TURNED IN even if there is no service completed. PERMISSION FORM FOR CONFIRMATION RETREAT Due the week of January 7 th SPONSOR FORM Due the week of January 21 st 7 th & 8 th gr. CONFIRMATION PRESENTATION Way of Jesus by John Donahue Grossman Wednesday, February 7 th - 6:30pm in church Required for all 7 th and 8 th gr. Students. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend. RE students in 7 th and 8 th grade will not have class so they can attend this evening. Attendance for students will be taken.
Confirmation Retreat (required) Saturday, February 10 th - 5:00pm-9:00pm in the gym or Saturday, March 3 rd 5:00pm-9:00pm in the gym (your choice a maximum of 75 Candidates per day first come, first served by signed permission forms.) A snack will be served no dinner. Fr. Terry Deffenbaugh OSA, the Retreat facilitator, will celebrate Mass with the Candidates at the end of the Retreat. This will fulfill their Sunday Mass obligation. LETTER TO PASTOR Due the week of March 4 th CONFIRMATION PACKETS & REQUIREMENTS Due the week of April 8 th All packets and requirements MUST BE COMPLETED AND TURNED IN. (This is the final date for all homily, service and spiritual hours to be turned in.) 9 th gr. CONFIRMATION PRESENTATION Living Your Faith Healthy Boundaries for Teen Relationships 9 th grade Confirmation students and at least one parent must attend Thursday, August 30, 2018 6:30pm 8:00pm in church 9 th gr. CONFIRMATION PRESENTATION Confirmed and then what? Saturday or Sunday, September, 2018-6:00pm-8:00pm 9 th grade Confirmation Students only must attend. (Pizza will be served.) CONFIRMATION END OF OCTOBER or beginning of NOVEMBER, 2018 Confirmation will be celebrated on a Saturday at 10:30m and 1:30pm. Candidates and Sponsors must be in church 30 minutes before their assigned Mass. Candidates to pick up their name tags in the gym. The Confirmation date is assigned by the Diocese. We usually do not receive our assigned date until early June. There will be a practice scheduled for the candidate and sponsor before Confirmation. The practice date will be determined by the date of Confirmation. Confirmation candidates MUST attend the practice with their Sponsor. If the Sponsor cannot attend, one parent must attend with the candidate. Any questions, please call the RE Office at 815-730-8691 or email at RE@holyfamilyshorewood.org.
Authorization Form for Confirmation Retreat Diocese of Joliet Please select one date: Saturday, February 10 th GENERAL PERMISSION FORM Saturday, March 3 rd I request that my child,, be allowed to participate in the Holy Family Parish Confirmation Retreat on Saturday, February 10 th, 2018 or Saturday, March 3 rd, 2018 from 5:00pm 9:00pm. The retreat will take place at the Holy Family Parish Hall (gym). Please indicate your choice in the upper right hand corner of this form. The Retreat is first come, first served by turning in this form. There is a maximum of 75 students per day. DROP OFF & PICK UP from SCHOOL DOORS ONLY. Fr. Terry Deffenbaugh, the Retreat facilitator, will celebrate Mass at the end of the Retreat to fulfill our Sunday obligation. I hereby release and indemnify Holy Family Parish of Shorewood, IL its staff, volunteers, and the Joliet Diocese, from any and all liability arising from claims of any kind or nature whatsoever from my child's participation in this event. Videotaping and Still Photographs Video and still photographs may NOT be taken during this event. Code of Behavior You are representing Holy Family Parish during this event and we expect you will represent us well. We expect that you will display a mature and responsible behavior that for many years has been the trademark of Catholic youth and adults in our parish and diocese. Some Expectations: 1. All participants are expected to arrive on time. All students are expected to be picked up promptly at the end of the scheduled Retreat. Drop off/pick up from the SCHOOL DOORS. 2. All participants are expected to demonstrate common courtesy and respect at all times. Inappropriate language/behavior will not be tolerated. 3. All participants remain in area of activity. No one should be roaming in the building. 4. Dress should reflect the value of modesty. Writing on clothing should reflect Christian values. 5. Weapons of any kind, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and any kind of smoking materials are not allowed. 6. If under the age of 18, prescription drugs need to be given to an adult from the parish for storage and distribution. 7. Infraction of these rules can mean immediate dismissal. Participants will be responsible to local authorities as well. 8. Cell phones, Ipods, MP3 players, IPADS and all electronic devices are to be completely turned off during the retreat. If this is not done, the equipment will be confiscated and a parent will need to pick it up from the Director of Religious Education. I understand and agree that my parents or guardian will be notified at the time of an infraction requiring my dismissal. My parents or guardian will be responsible for my removal from the premises and any costs involved. Teen Signature: Date: Parent/Guardian Signature: Date:
Holy Family Parish Religious Education Office 600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, IL 60404 815-730-8691 www.re@holyfamilyshorewood.org Dear Confirmation Candidate and Family: We are pleased you are continuing on the preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. This Sacrament is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation). When you are Confirmed you will be completing the Sacraments of Initiation. The sacraments of Christian initiation Baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist lay the foundations of every Christian life.. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity. -Catechism of the Catholic Church #1212 The Confirmation program at Holy Family Parish is a two year preparation that has specific requirements that you have already began. We ask that you open your heart and mind during this final preparation time. The Sacrament of Confirmation marks the beginning of your lifelong journey to be witnesses for Christ. Your family is encouraged to help you through this process. We encourage discussion with Parents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Friends. We want you to question those adults around you as to why Confirmation is important, why your faith is important and how it will help you in your life as an adult. The Confirmation program has 3 components to it: PRAYER + SERVICE + KNOWLEDGE. There is never a time in our lives when we don t need to pray. Prayer takes on many forms and you should always feel you can talk to God with the regular words from your heart. Our regular participation in weekend Mass on Saturday evening or Sunday is an essential component to who we are as Catholics. It s our one-hour-a-week to share our thoughts with God and our faith
community. The Homily Reports are important for you to connect with the message from the readings. Service is a major component of the Confirmation Preparation. As adults, we learn that our service to our family, church and community never ends. We are always expected to help others and those in need. Doing Service Projects gives you a chance to see what you are interested in; to find out what you like to do when serving others. In giving back we always get more out of it then what we gave. Remember, it s not all about YOU but what YOU do for others. Knowledge is accumulated over a lifetime. We never stop learning - ask your Grandparents. You have been learning your faith since your were a baby. Your family faith traditions and rituals have become a part of who you are. After all these years of formal religious education, we want to make sure you have collected a basic knowledge of Catholicism. As a parish community, Holy Family supports you during this time; you will be in our thoughts and prayers during the preparation time and the celebration of the Sacrament. We encourage you to think, share, question, celebrate and grow in your faith. With Christ s Peace, Religious Education Office
CONFIRMATION COMMITMENT The Priest will ask you to come forward after the Homily and place your signed Confirmation Commitment in the basket at the foot of the altar. After you place this commitment form in the basket, the Priest will give you something. Confirmation Commitment Weekend is Sept. 30 th and Oct. 1 st at the following masses: Sat. 4:00pm; Sun. 7:00am, 8:30am, and 10:15am and noon. I, with the support of my family, commit myself to prepare and complete the requirements for the Sacrament of Confirmation. I understand this commitment will involve me to learn more about my faith, learn more about serving others and become a disciple for Christ. Candidate s signature Parent signature Expectations of the Confirmation Candidate: Enter the journey with a willing heart and an open mind. Receive religious instruction in School or Religious Education. Engage in Service hours. Engage in Spiritual Experiences. Attend weekly Mass and write accurate Homily reports. Maintain an open and honest relationship with my Sponsor. Complete all the requirements during the preparation for Confirmation. Attend the Confirmation Retreat and other events as required.