Confirmation Information Folder Contents 1. Why Be Confirmed? 2. Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation 3. 8th Grade & Confirmation Calendar 4. Sponsors a. Choosing a Sponsor b. Sponsor Information Form - due Sunday November 18 5. Confirmation Name a. Preparing your Saint Report - due Sunday November 18 6. Parish & Charitable Service a. Parish & Charitable Service Guidelines b. Charitable Service Form - due Sunday, March 3 7. Catholic Mass Worksheet 8. Confirmation Interviews a. Confirmation Interview Information b. Pre-Confirmation Interview Questions 9. Lenten Confirmation Curriculum 10. Candidate Information Form - due Sunday, March 3 Note: Confirmation Guidelines and Policies will be distributed as soon as we have them from the diocese for the regional Confirmation.
Why Be Confirmed? As Baptized Catholics we are reborn into a new life in Jesus Christ; we have received sanctifying graces and are adopted children of God. Our souls were washed clean of Original Sin and enriched with many gifts of grace from God -the Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity and the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Fortitude, Knowledge, Fear of the Lord, Understanding, Good Counsel and Piety. These gifts are strengthened when we receive the Holy Spirit again at Confirmation. But we should always keep in mind that the gifts are not magic. We must unwrap them, use them and always be open to receiving more by begging the Holy Spirit in prayer to come to us and making regular practice of receiving Reconciliation and Communion. In our culture today, young people are bombarded with lies. The world pretends that their value is based on how they look, or the materials or power they possess. This contradicts the truth that our dignity comes from being a child of God, created in His image and likeness, and destined for eternal life with God in Heaven. Society in its indifference to God encourages selfishness - a selfishness that all too often leads to hopelessness and despair. Only the truth, that meaning in life is found through self-giving love and trust in God to lead and strengthen us, can provide real peace of heart, mind and soul. The Virtues and Gifts that are strengthened in Confirmation and the continued practice of the faith are crucial for our young people, or anyone, to be counter-cultural and know who they are in Christ, to protect their dignity, and to be faithful in following Jesus. Let us pray that together we will well prepare our young people not only to receive this Holy Sacrament but also to live it long after the Confirmation party has ended.
Preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation The love support and involvement of family As with any other important step in your child s life, family love and support are vital. We recognize the long tradition of our faith that parents are the primary conduit through which the faith is given to a child. With respect for your importance we include you and your whole family in many of our preparation activities. Remember, we do in fact serve you but we must serve God first. When you read through all the dates and forms it may feel like we are making you jump through hoops. If you catch yourself thinking this way hold that thought captive to Christ, it is a lie from Satan who wishes to discourage. Truth is, that like anything that is of great worth, Confirmation requires time, effort and sacrifice. Our role is to offer you the opportunities to make these necessary efforts so that your child will indeed stand before the Bishop more than adequately ready to receive Confirmation and go forward as a disciple of Christ. We hope and pray that at every step along the way you feel our love for you and your children in all that we ask of you. Period of Preparation and Participation It takes time and practice to develop the necessary openness one needs to be receptive to the interior movements of the Holy Spirit. Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit - his actions, his gifts and his biddings - in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community (CCC 1309). Therefore, during these months of preparation, you should strive for full participation in all required classes and events. The family should, if not already doing so, attend Mass regularly. To nourish the sense of belonging we are also requiring that families attend at least one parish non-confirmation event, such as the Blessing of Pets, or the Advent Wreath Dinner. At any time, if by poor attendance or other evidence, we feel the candidate and/or the family is lacking in sincerity or ability regarding the needs of preparation we will ask for a sit-down meeting with Father Joseph and Valerie Byrnes to discuss and plan a path forward. If after consultation with the pastor it is deemed appropriate, the time of preparation may be extended and/or reception of Confirmation delayed.
Important Elements of this Preparation include: 1. Family Mass Attendance a. We will not take attendance so that you may attend Mass at any location convenient to you each Sunday. b. Since we know many teens are perhaps not as engaged in the liturgy as would most benefit them we will ask that your child complete a form for each mass they attend. The forms should be dropped in the basket marked for them when they come to class. 2. Confession the sacrament must be received in a state of grace 3. Regular Class attendance and participation, no more than 3 absences. 4. Spiritual Retreat January 12 5. Service Projects 10 hours are required 6. Choosing a Sponsor 7. Choosing a Confirmation Name 8. Writing the Saint Report - due November 18 9. Participation in parish events - see website, bulletin and newsletter for event details 10. Lenten Curriculum - see enclosed page 11. Interview with Monsignor Royal a. You will receive a SignUp Genius invitation to choose your slot b. See enclosed sheets for more details 12. Final Exam - March Confirmation candidates must have already been Baptised and received First Communion. If these sacraments were not received at Holy Spirit, you must submit copies of the certificates.
Church of the Holy Spirit - 203-322-3722 FAITH FORMATION CALENDAR 2018-19 CONFIRMATION & 8 th GRADE Masses: Saturday 5:15PM Sunday 7:30AM, 9:30AM, 11:30AM September 23 All Confirmation- Catholic & non- Catholic school - Candidates & Parents Meet 4:30 5PM in Holy Family Hall 23 8 th grade class for non - Catholic school October 14 8 th grade class for non - Catholic school 21 8 th grade class for non - Catholic school November 4 8 th grade class for non - Catholic school 11 8 th grade class for non - Catholic school 18 All Confirmation Candidates Meet - Catholic & non-catholic school 4:30PM - 5PM; Saints Report due 18 8 th grade class for non - Catholic school students only 5-7PM in white house December 9 8 th grade class for non - Catholic school 16 8 th grade class for non - Catholic school Valerie Byrnes, Director of Faith Formation DRE@holyspiritstamford.org Teresa Lash, Middle School Coordinator HS.MiddleSchoolCoordinator@gmail.com Fr. Joseph Gill, Catechist frjoseph@trinitycatholic.org January 6 8 th grade class for non - Catholic school students only 5-7PM in white house 12 Confirmation Retreat for ALL Confirmation Catholic & Non- Catholic school, Holy Family Hall, 9:00AM, concludes with 5:15PM Mass, Parents & Sponsors attend 5:15PM Mass 13 8 th grade class for non - Catholic school students only 5-7PM in white house 27 8 th grade class for non - Catholic school students only 5-7PM in white house February 10 8 th grade class for non - Catholic school students only 5-7PM in white house 24 8 th grade class for non - Catholic school students only 5-7PM in white house INCLEMENT WE@THER C@NCELL@TIONS WILL BE POSTED ON NEWS 12 & www.holyspiritst[mfor^.org @ TEXT MESS@GE/EM@IL WILL BE SENT Confessions: Saturday 4:15PM-5:00PM or by appointment March 3 Catholic School Students only Confirmation prep class 3:30-4:45PM in white house 3 8 th grade class for non - Catholic school 8 ALL Confirmation Catholic & Non- Catholic schools - Stations of the Cross followed by light dinner with families. Begins at 6:30 in Holy Family Hall concludes around 8:30PM 10 Catholic School students only Confirmation prep class 3:30-4:45PM in white house 10 8 th grade class for non - Catholic school 17 Catholic School students only Confirmation prep class 3:30-4:45PM in white house 17 8 th grade class for non - Catholic school 19 Grades 6-8, Prayer Service (Parent & Student), 6:30-7:00PM, Church ALL 8 th Grade families invited 24 Catholic School students only Confirmation prep class 3:30-4:45PM in white house 24 8 th grade class for non - Catholic school 25 ALL Confirmation Students Catholic & Non Catholic school - Final Exam 30 Confirmation Mass St. Augustine Cathedral - tentative April 7 ALL Confirmation Catholic & Non Catholic school - Culminating Event 5:00-7:00PM
Choosing a Sponsor The confirmation sponsor serves as a good example of faith-filled Catholic living. The sponsor will be a companion in your faith journey and will vouch for your readiness to receive the sacrament. The sponsor should therefore be able to meet or talk regularly with you, should have or be able to build a good relationship with you, help you prepare for the sacrament through prayer, study, service and discussion and be in physical attendance as required on the Faith Formation Calendar. Sponsors who are parishioners of Holy Spirit must set up an appointment to meet with Msgr. Royal at the rectory no later than October 1, 2018 so the interview can be completed by November 18, 2018. Sponsors from neighboring parishes must bring/mail a Sponsor s Certificate to Holy Spirit Rectory c/o Teresa Lash by November 18, 2018. Sponsors may not be a parent of the candidate, must be Catholic and at least 16 years of age. Responsibilities of the Sponsors: Sponsors will be recognized and blessed at the 5:15PM Mass on Saturday January 12, 2018. A meeting for all Sponsors will be held that same day at 4:30PM, sharp at Mater Salvatoris School. All Sponsors are expected to attend this meeting and Mass. A make-up session for Sponsors unable to attend will be provided, as necessary. Must know the candidate and be willing to serve as a strong and lasting Catholic influence Must be practicing their Catholic faith and be fully initiated themselves, having received Baptism, Communion and Confirmation Must be at least 16 years of age Must attend the Confirmation Ceremony and Mass May assist the candidate in choosing community service projects May assist the candidate in choosing a Confirmation name May be either male or female for any candidate May be a Baptismal Godparent, thus emphasizing more clearly the relationship between Baptism and Confirmation. May not be a parent -The role of sponsor is to assist the parents in raising children in the faith. You cannot be sponsor of your own child because you already have a greater role. You also cannot assist yourself. Present the candidate to the Bishop at Confirmation
Sponsor Information Please return this form no later than November 18, 2018. Drop it in the basket on Sunday, bring it to the rectory or email it to HS.MiddleSchoolCoordinator@gmail.com Candidate (Your) Baptismal Name: Candidate (Your) Confirmation Name: Sponsor Information Name Confirmation Name Relationship to candidate Birthdate Street Address City, State, Zip Home Phone E-Mail Address Name of Parish Parish Address Parish, City, State, Zip I have asked the above person to be my sponsor because Explain here.
Church of the Holy Spirit FAITH FORMATION 403 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT 06903 203 322-3722 Preparing your Saint Report DUE: Sunday November 18, 2018 Bring a hard copy to class and email a soft copy to HS.MiddleSchoolCoordinator@gmail.com In choosing a Confirmation name, you need to think about who you are. The saint s name you choose, could represent the direction you feel your faith life is taking, or could represent a strength or attribute you feel you need. It is important and necessary to learn something about the saint you choose before you decide on your Confirmation name. Once you have chosen your Confirmation name, you will need to complete a Confirmation Saint report. The report should be typed on letter sized paper. The Heading of the report should include: o A picture of the Saint o The Feast Day o Date and place of Birth o Date and place of Death o Date Canonized and by which Pope The body of the report should be typed in Times New Roman 12pt font and should include the following: o Why I chose this saint s name as my Confirmation Name. What meaning or symbolism does this saint have to me? o Information about the life of the saint you chose What kinds of struggles did the saint have to endure? Why did this person become a saint? Miracles associated with the saint. o How does the saint serve as a role model for you? How can this saint help me to live my Catholic faith more fully? How can I pray to this saint? Write a brief prayer to the Saint asking for the help you mentioned above. Please note that simply printing out a website page will not be accepted. Please take time to research and learn about this saint who has special meaning in your life. You should use at least two different sources. Be sure your sources are Catholic. A hard copy of your report should be brought to class on November 18. Please refer to the example Saint Report, Saint Joan of Arc on our website at https://tinyurl.com/saintreportsample Finally, make a habit to include prayers to this Saint among your prayers this year. Perhaps just before Mass on Sunday you could recite the prayer you wrote in your report. Ask your parents and sponsors to also pray to your Saint for you.
Parish & Charitable Service For the kingdom of God is not a matter of food and drink, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit; whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God Romans 14:17-18 Understanding the importance of service is critical in preparing for Confirmation. All disciples of Christ are called to live a life of charity. Jesus himself is our greatest example of what it is to live such a life. Charity, also known as Caritas or Love, is our mission as Church, and it s a big responsibility! Jesus taught us that we must be willing to be a servant in His name. This means that we must actually go and do something to be a good disciple of Christ! Parish and charitable service are vital to live our Christian mission. Service, in the Christian sense, done with loving hearts and prayer for those we are serving, is unique and special. It takes ordinary volunteerism to a more meaningful and holy level. Therefore, it is especially important to pray regularly for those we are serving and to serve with a generous and loving heart. At Holy Spirit, we require all Confirmation Candidates to complete 10 hours of documented charitable service. As giving is important both to our parish family and our greater community the 10 hours should be divided with 3 hours within the parish and 7 hours outside of Holy Spirit.. Documentation can be something you receive from the organization you are helping and/or can be logged onto the included form. Please see below for examples of service that will fulfill the requirement. Note this is not an exhaustive list. If you are not sure if something will count speak to Fr. Joseph, Mrs. Byrnes or Mrs. Lash. Service should be something that gives you a genuine experience of discipleship. In other words your heart should be in it. You should genuinely desire good for those you are serving. GOOD examples of charitable service within the parish are: Advent Wreath Dinner assistance Faith Formation Assistance (speak to Mrs. Byrnes) Assistance with Parish events Assist with Friendship Coffee GOOD examples of charitable service outside the parish are Helping at an animal shelter Soup Kitchen Nursing Home Helping Elderly/Needy Neighbors Participating in charitable events we will be organizing. Details to come. Visit Kids Helping Kids at www.kidshelpingkidsct.org and other websites for ideas on ways you can volunteer your time. NOTE: Some things will NOT be considered charitable service, for example: Cleaning your house, mowing your lawn, raking your leaves or other chores for family or friends Babysitting your siblings or babysitting for pay Scorekeeping at sporting events or working concession stands, etc. for organizations you belong to. Anything you get paid to do Altar serving, Lector We pray that the love of Christ will be an integral part of your service. Recognize the presence of Jesus in all persons and in all of God s creation. Serve with this is mind. Bring Christ, to whatever form of charitable service is chosen by praying for those being served. And if your heart's not in it and you happen to be doing this just to fulfil this requirement pray that the Holy Spirit will give you a more generous heart or guide you to service that you can do with love.
aritable Service Form Church of the Holy Spirit Faith Formation 403 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT 06903203 322-3722 : Sunday March 3, 2019 (NAME) (CONFIRMATION NAME) My 3 hours within our parish Description of Service Date (mm/dd/yy) Hours Signature of Service Organization Representative My 7 hours outside our parish Description of Service Date (mm/dd/yy) Hours Signature of Service Organization Representative Total Hours Return this completed form by dropping it in the collection basket at any Holy Spirit Mass or mailing to or dropping off at the rectory, or give it to Mrs. Lash. If it s not listed in the guidelines for Charitable Service, it must be OK d Please send an email to Valerie Byrnes at DRE@holyspiritstamford.org with any question about your charitable service project.
Catholic Mass Worksheet Name Date PREPARE Do this step before Mass begins (there is nothing here you need to write unless you wish to do so.) 1. What is most on your mind today? Can you give it to God in prayer? Ask the Lord to calm your thoughts of this worry so that you can focus on the Mass today. 2. Do you have a question for God today? Offer it to Him now in prayer. 3. Locate today s hymns and readings in your Missal PARTICIPATE Do this step during Mass 1. Sing the hymns as best as you can. These are also prayers. Be sure to fully participate in reciting all prayers and responses. You should know them but if you don t you can find them in the MIssal. 2. Read along in the Missal during the Liturgy of the Word a. Today s readings are: 1st 2nd Gospel 3. Is there a word that caused confusion for you? Write it down now and look it up later. Include the word and its meaning in this space: 4. After you receive communion quietly recite this prayer: My past, O Lord, I entrust to your mercy. My presence to your love. My future to your providence. Stay on your knees and continue to pray quietly until the altar has been cleared or the music ends. REFLECT Do this step after Mass 1. What did you learn today? When and how did you learn it? Was it something you understood from the readings, or something you learned in the homily, or something the Holy Spirit made known to you through your thoughts and prayer? Or perhaps it was a combination of these things? 2. Make a resolution. What will you try to do differently this week because of what you learned today? Write your answers on the back of this sheet.
Confirmation Interviews Each candidate is privileged and required to meet with Monsignor Royal for a 10 minute interview as part of Confirmation preparation. This provides an opportunity for Monsignor Royal to assess the readiness of the candidate so that he can faithfully recommend him/her to the Bishop on the night of Confirmation. This is also an opportunity for the candidate to ask Monsignor Royal any questions about receiving the sacrament or about his/her life in the Catholic faith. The interview is a required part of the sacramental preparation. The candidate is responsible to arrive promptly on the scheduled date and time. Please notify Mrs. Lash as soon as possible, if your child is unable to attend the interview at their designated time and date so we can change the time and/or date as needed. These interviews are held on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons in the Divine Mercy Chapel starting at 4:00PM. We have prepared a SignUp Genius site for interview registration. An email from SignUp Genius will be sent to you so you can choose your interview slot. In the event that we have unfilled slots and you have not yet registered your choice, you will be assigned an interview slot by the DRE. Please refer to the PRE-Confirmation Interview sheet, in this folder, as it should be reviewed by each candidate before his/her interview. The interview dates from which you will choose are Tuesday, January 8 between 4-5PM Tuesday, January 15 between 4-5PM Wednesday, January 23 between 4-5PM Tuesday, January 29 between 4-5PM Wednesday, January 30 between 4-5PM
Pre-Confirmation Interview Questions These are provided to help you to think about what you might discuss with Monsignor Royal during your interview in January. 1. How would you describe your journey toward Confirmation? What have you enjoyed? What have you found challenging? 2. Have you experienced any changes in your relationships with friends, family or others? 3. Has your relationship with God changed? In what ways? 4. What are some things you like about being Catholic? Are there things about the Church that you find challenging or difficult? Are there things you find inspiring? 5. What is prayer? How do you pray? 6. What is the Bible? What role does Scripture play in your life? 7. What is sin? What are some things you can do to avoid it? 8. Can you name the sacraments? How do the sacraments help you live out your faith? 9. What is the Eucharist? Has your understanding of and participation in the Mass changed in any way? 10. What is Confirmation? Why do you want to receive this sacrament? 11. How will you live out your faith as a confirmed, adult member of the Church? 12. What are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit? Can you name the Fruits of the Holy Spirit? How are they related? Why are they important? 13. What are some ways you can discern God s will for your life? 14. What are some things you can do to continue to grow in your faith? 15. Do you have any questions before receiving Confirmation?
Lenten Confirmation Curriculum Middle School Lenten Prayer Service - Tuesday, March 19 Stations of the Cross Devotion - Friday April 8 Reconciliation and Penance - anytime during Lent and before Confirmation Mass Easter Triduum - highly recommended The Lenten and Easter Seasons of the Church Liturgical Year are a time to intensify our prayer, celebrate all that Jesus did for us, meditate, fast and give of ourselves more. This is the holiest time of the Church year and is especially important and relevant as your child prepares for Confirmation. We believe participation in the Stations of the Cross and the three-part Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday)) will especially enrich Confirmation preparation, as it deeply enriches all who participate yearly. The Triduum (meaning three days in Latin) is the high point in the Liturgical year. It, more than any other celebration, reminds us of how much Jesus sacrificed for our salvation. We celebrate Christ s Last Supper, Passion, Death and Resurrection. The Triduum observance begins with Holy Thursday which commemorates the institution of the Eucharist. It continues into Good Friday which marks the Passion and Death of Christ on the cross. And culminates with the Easter Vigil on Saturday night. Typically we require Confirmation Candidates to attend and sit together for at least The Holy Thursday Mass. However we recognize that this year Holy Week coincides with Spring Vacation for some schools. And so because you may be travelling that week we are recommending attendance, wherever you are. The candidates with at least one parent (or the sponsor) are required - but we heartily encourage the whole family - to attend the Stations of the Cross on April 8. Before the devotion there will be a brief lesson in Holy Family Hall. Then we will proceed upstairs as a group to the Church. Following Stations there will be a Lenten supper of soup and bread. If a candidate is unable to attend on the 8th, he or she is required to attend the Stations of the Cross on another Friday evening during Lent. This is extremely important! Each candidate should be in a state of grace before receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. Our parish offers increased opportunities during Lent to receive Reconciliation. Year round Confessions are heard on Saturdays from 4:00 4:45PM. Please refer to the bulletin and website for additional dates and times for Confession during Lent. Be sure to go. Even better, go as a family. Your support and prayers for all of our Confirmation candidates as they continue on their journey to receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation is vital and appreciated.
Candidate Information Please return this form by March 1, 2018. Drop it in the basket on Sunday, bring it to the rectory or email it to DRE@holyspiritstamford.org Candidate (Your) Baptismal Name: Candidate (Your) Confirmation Name: Candidate Information Baptism Date Place God Parents First Holy Communion Confirmation Date Place Date Place Church of the Holy Spirit Stamford, CT Sponsor I have turned in all of the following: Baptismal Certificate, if not at Holy Spirit First Holy Communion Certificate, if not at Holy Spirit Saint Report Sponsor Information Sheet Sponsor Certificate Charitable Service Paperwork My Height: (for Confirmation Gown) Candidate Signature: Parent Signature: