Dear Candidates, Parents, and Sponsors,
We welcome you to be part of our Confirmation Process, and offer our prayers, support, and assistance in any way we can.
Hopefully, the following pages will clarify our parish policies and guidelines which are in harmony with diocesan directives and suggestions.
The Bishop has directed parishes to have a high school PSR program, therefore we are beginning a comprehensive youth ministry program, in which catechisis is one of it’s vital components, especially for youth in the public high schools.
Most Catholics begin their journey of faith early in life at Baptism. Only when youth and young adults are ready for full initiation into the Catholic Church, are they invited personally to confirm the faith that others chose for them at Baptism.
With the help and support of parents, sponsors, and our entire parish community, we invite and welcome our young people to make this commitment freely, intelligently, and sincerely. We trust that participation in this process will be informative and enriching for all, and we look forward to growing with you in faith.
Charles J. Stollenwerk
Pastor
Sister Marilyn T. Sabatino, S.N.D.
Pastoral Associate/D.R.E.
Confirmation Program Coordinator
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
St. Richard parishioners – Grade 9 and up – who have freely chosen the following:
– to personally confirm the faith pledged for them at Baptism
– to publicly celebrate this choice through Confirmation
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
To personally confirm one’s faith implies:
– That I am ready to say: “Yes, I want to be a Catholic Christian.”
– That I am striving to include the following in my life:
PERSONAL FAITH AND PRAYER – a growing awareness of God as an important part of my life.
PERSONAL MORALITY – an honest desire to keep the commandments and to make daily decisions according to God’s will.
COMMITMENT TO EUCHARIST – a personal commitment to keep the Lord’s day through participation in weekly mass.
PARISH MEMBERSHIP – a genuine attempt to identify with and become part of the parish community.
SERVICE AND MINISTRY – a desire to use God-given talents to make the world a better place.
RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE – an understanding of the basics of Catholic Christianity; a recognition of the need to continue studying faith all through life.
EXPECTATIONS OF THE PROGRAM
1. To fully participate in all class sessions.
2. To complete requirements for service.
3. To participate in the interview process.
4. Attendance at the Rite Of Enrollment, November 13, 2011.
5. Those attending public high school will also be required
to attend 2 Youth Ministry catechesis. (See page 9)
CLASS ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION (Mandatory):
Since the Confirmation sessions build upon each other in a developmental way, it is imperative that every candidate experience all the sessions in sequence.
If serious illness, a death in the immediate family, or some other grave circumstance warrants an absence, the candidate must call Sister Marilyn Sabatino in the Religious Education Office (779-7529) before the scheduled session to find out how the absence can be made up. This policy will be adhered to strictly in every case.
SERVICE
As baptized Catholic Christian, we are each called to serve the Lord and humanity with our God-given talents. Part of the Confirmation process includes service to family, parish and school/ community. Candidates will be asked to perform three acts of service, one of which should be done with their sponsor or parent. Service reflection sheets are in participant folders. Reflection sheets are due within a week after the service activity takes place.
INTERVIEWS
In order to become acquainted with each young person, and to better support their faith journey, the Confirmation preparation process will include at least one interview held during the middle months of the program. Candidates will meet with a member of the St. Richard Pastoral staff for the interview. Please call for an appointment with the person assigned to you. Assignments will be given in December and all interviews should be completed by January 31.
Confirmation Name due on the day of the interview, along with a research paper (1 page) double-spaced on the choice of saint and why the saint was chosen.
These interviews will help to discern the candidate’s maturity of faith, level of motivation and will help identify areas of concern to the candidate.
FAITH SHARING
During each of the sessions, there will be teaching and adult facilitators meeting with small groups of young people to pray and discuss their faith. In addition, as the program develops, sponsors and parents will be asked to discuss faith issues with their candidates and to share prayer with them. Consult your parent/sponsor Guide book. The confirmation religion book and journal can also be used for your faith sharing.
RETREAT – SPIRIT DAY
One of the final steps in the Confirmation preparation process is the Spirit Day retreat. This retreat is a special opportunity for prayer and growth.
SPONSOR PARTICIPATION
A SPONSOR IS A PERSON —
Who is at least 16 years old, has received the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist and Confirmation, and is an active member of the Catholic Church registered in a specific parish.
Who reflects Catholic Christian values in word, worship and service.
Who is chosen by the candidate and has established
a relationship with the candidate.
Who is willing to accept the responsibilities of being a sponsor such as meeting with the candidate to share their faith, worshiping with the candidate, and engaging in other faith-related activities with the candidate during the Confirmation preparation process.
NOTE:
We encourage candidates to select a sponsor who lives in the local area. If a sponsor cannot fully participate in preparation with the candidate because of distance, he/she should be represented by someone in the area who can carry out the immediate duties of a sponsor. Parents certainly can assist with sponsor duties and responsibilities if the sponsor cannot always be present for the candidate.
THE SPONSOR —
Need not be the same sex as the candidate.
Can be one of the Baptismal godparents.
Must be at least 16 years old and have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
Must present a sponsor certificate from the parish where he/she is a member certifying that he/she is a practicing Catholic. If sponsor is from St. Richard Parish, this should be indicated so verification can be made. The sponsor certificate should be turned in on the day of the sponsor meeting, September 11, 2011.
May not be a parent of the candidate.
If married must be in a valid sacramental marriage.
Represents the witness and support of a faith community, especially by attendance at weekly Mass and reception of the sacraments.
Shares faith through friendship, prayer, and example, thus helping the candidate to integrate the teachings of Jesus into his/her daily life.
Participates in opportunities for personal growth by sometimes sharing in the Sunday group sessions.
Helps the candidate to discern his/her special gifts for service and affirms the candidate in active service.
Continues to be present to and provide spiritual support to the newly confirmed after the celebration of the sacrament.
PARENT PARTICIPATION
Parent involvement is an important part of the on-going faith journey each candidate. We ask that a parent is willing to make a commitment to renew and update his/her personal understanding and appreciation of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Parents are asked to support their son/daughter by:
Attending the parent meeting.
Praying with and for the candidate, especially by worshiping together every weekend.
Showing an interest and concern about their assignments, and their experiences at the Sunday sessions.
Helping with the religion lesson home assignments in the
Confirmation book.
Supporting them in their chosen service to the parish, school and/or local community. Also a family service activity would be an excellent example of faith in action.
Involving all family members in the preparation and celebration of Confirmation.
Supporting them in their decision and on-going commitment to participate wholeheartedly in the Confirmation Process.
CONFIRMATION CALENDAR
All class sessions will be held Sundays from 9 – 11 a.m. in Korab Hall unless otherwise indicated, followed by group participation in the 11:00 a.m. Mass.
May 15, 2011 Candidate/Parent Information – 10 a.m.
September 11, 2011 Session 1 – Introduction to The Holy Spirit
9 – 11 a.m. and Sponsor Meeting
*Sponsor Certificate Due
October 9, 2011 Session 2 – Baptism, Original Sin, Sanctifying Grace, Four Characteristics of the Church, Requirements of a Sponsor
October 23, 2011 Session 3 – Creed, Four Marks of the Church, Church Authority
November 13, 2011 Session 4 – Beatitudes, Conscience & Formation, Spiritual & Corporal Works of Mercy 9 – 11 a.m. and Rite of Enrollment at the 11:00 a.m. Mass
Beginning December 1, 2011 Faith Interview, to be scheduled with a member of the Parish staff, please call 440-777-5050
December 11, 2011 Session 5 – Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Theological Virtues, Cardinal Virtues
January 8, 2012 Session 6 – Sin, Mass, Christ Paschal Mystery and presence in the church
January 22, 2012 Session 7 – Confirmation Rite
February 12, 2012 Session 8 – Fruits of the Holy Spirit in Relation to the Commandment, Beatitudes and Virtues
February 26, 2012 Spirit Day Retreat 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
March 11, 2012 Session 9 – Concluding Session AND Rehearsal after the 11:00 a.m. mass
March 25, 2012 Confirmation Day 2:00 p.m.
In order that parents and sponsors can help the candidate with their studies or faith sharing, the chapters of the book have been given for each session. Also consult “Things every Catholic should know” pages 81 – 93 and the pages of the index 107- 108 and the glossary on pages 94 – 98. The Confirmation preparation book will be handed out at the first session.
The youth ministry calendar will be handed out separately.
Saint Richard Church
26855 Lorain Rd.
North Olmsted, Ohio 44070
440-779-7529